Our Lady of Mercy Church La Merced
A 18th-century Havana church with a somber facade hiding a dazzling, ornate interior filled with frescoes and art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Feast of Our Lady of Mercy
Our Lady of Mercy Church La Merced
Best Time
Feast of Our Lady of Mercy
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 18th-century Havana church with a somber facade hiding a dazzling, ornate interior filled with frescoes and art.
"When I walked inside it was the most spectacular thing I could imagine."
Look beyond the entrance
The exterior is unassuming, but step inside for a spectacular, light-filled experience. :sparkles:
Appreciate the art
Take time to admire the extensive murals, paintings, and frescoes that adorn the walls and ceilings. :art:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ornate Interior
Main Nave
Experience the splendor of Italian-inspired decor, vibrant frescoes, and numerous old paintings that create a dazzling, light-filled space.
Prophet Elijah & Good Thief Statues
Cloister
Admire the unique medium cloister, featuring striking statues, including the prophet Elijah and San Dimas, the good thief.
Contrasting Facade
Exterior
Observe the imposing, somber facade with its thick columns and arches, a stark contrast to the opulent interior.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Look beyond the entrance
The exterior is unassuming, but step inside for a spectacular, light-filled experience. :sparkles:
Appreciate the art
Take time to admire the extensive murals, paintings, and frescoes that adorn the walls and ceilings. :art:
Spiritual significance
Understand its role as a meeting place for Santería followers, linking the Virgen de la Merced to Obbatalá. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
Look beyond the entrance
The exterior is unassuming, but step inside for a spectacular, light-filled experience. :sparkles:
Appreciate the art
Take time to admire the extensive murals, paintings, and frescoes that adorn the walls and ceilings. :art:
Spiritual significance
Understand its role as a meeting place for Santería followers, linking the Virgen de la Merced to Obbatalá. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently struck by the unexpected splendor of Our Lady of Mercy Church's interior, a stark contrast to its unassuming exterior. The ornate decorations, frescoes, and historical significance are frequently praised, making it a must-see in Old Havana. Some note its importance as a spiritual hub for Santería.
"I visited the church with a friend of mine last April 21st . We had a clear objective, visit the house of grandparents that the Church next to the Government supports, and contribute a small help as well as share experiences with which they carry out a very humanitarian work by providing quality of life to the grandparents who gather there. We were surprised at how beautiful it remains. This Church, built in 1755 and rebuilt in the 19th century, It consists of three wide ships, a beautiful main altar, and a dome. Its interior has been decorated imitating the Italian churches according to the San Pedro de Rome model, showing an excess of ornamentation. In it you will find vaults painted with frescoes and several old paintings. It is striking his curious medium cloister decorated with statues, including one from the prophet Elijah and another from San Dimas the good thief.
Since we found it, in its exterior the imponencia of its height, the thick columns and the arches and highlights the gloomy facade, totally contrary to the splendid interior, full of light, ornaments and color contrasts. Extensive murals, paintings that bathe walls and ceilings, luxury of abundance, imposing beauty.
The temple is currently a meeting place between the followers of the Afro -Cuban religion of Santería. The Virgen de la Merced corresponds to Obbatalá, one of the gods of Yoruba culture.
It is worth mentioning that on September 24 of each year the feast of Our Lady of Merced takes place, and on that day the faithful go to the Church dressed in rigorous white."
Daniel Aícrag
"I happened upon this church accidentally and its entrance was so unassuming. But when I walked inside it was the most spectacular thing I could imagine, it was exactly what I was looking to see when I came to Havana. Well"
Lainey Cohen
"The Our Lady of Mercy Church in Havana dates back to the 18th and 19th century and was built by the Mercedario Fathers who immigrated to Cuba from Catalonia."
Paweł
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Our Lady of Mercy Church, also known as La Merced Church, is located in Old Havana. It's easily accessible by taxi or a leisurely walk if you're exploring the historic district. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with other Old Havana attractions.
Yes, the church is situated in the heart of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a central point for many tourist itineraries.
From Vedado, the most convenient way to reach La Merced Church is by taxi. The ride typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to visit the church. Donations are appreciated to help with the upkeep of this historic site.
Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or visit during the morning or early afternoon for the best chance to explore.
Yes, you can usually visit on Sundays, but it's best to be mindful of any services that might be taking place. The interior is often accessible outside of mass times.
No, tickets are not required, and you do not need to book in advance. You can typically walk in and explore the church freely.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The church's interior is decorated in a style that imitates Italian churches, specifically referencing the model of San Pedro de Rome, featuring an abundance of ornamentation, vaults painted with frescoes, and old paintings.
Built in 1755 and rebuilt in the 19th century by the Mercedario Fathers, it's a significant historical landmark in Old Havana. It also holds importance as a spiritual center for followers of Santería.
Inside, you'll find three wide naves, a beautiful main altar, a dome, vaults with frescoes, old paintings, and a unique medium cloister decorated with statues.
Yes, it remains an active place of worship and is a significant meeting point for followers of the Afro-Cuban religion of Santería, with the Virgen de la Merced corresponding to Obbatalá.
September 24th is the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy, a major event where faithful attendees often dress in white. It's a day of significant religious observance and community gathering.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the church, but it's always respectful to be discreet, especially during services. Avoid using flash photography, as it can be disruptive and damage delicate artworks over time.
The ornate interior, with its frescoes, paintings, and grand altar, offers many stunning photographic opportunities. The cloister with its statues also provides unique shots.
While generally allowed, be mindful of any posted signs or requests from church staff. It's always best to err on the side of caution and respect the sacred nature of the space.
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Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures
The contrast between the exterior and interior is notable. The facade presents an imposing, somewhat somber appearance with its thick columns and arches. However, stepping inside reveals a space filled with light, vibrant colors, and abundant decoration. The extensive murals and paintings create a sense of awe, bathing the walls and ceilings in a luxurious display of artistry. This opulent beauty is a key reason visitors are so captivated upon entering.
Beyond the main sanctuary, the church features a curious medium cloister. This area is uniquely decorated with statues, including notable figures like the prophet Elijah and San Dimas, the good thief. These artistic elements add another layer to the church's historical and spiritual narrative, making it a rich site for exploration and appreciation of both religious art and architecture.
Spiritual Crossroads: Faith and Culture
The church's spiritual importance is particularly evident during the annual feast of Our Lady of Mercy on September 24th. On this day, the church becomes a focal point for devotees who gather to celebrate. A striking tradition observed on this feast is the faithful attending the church dressed in rigorous white, symbolizing purity and reverence. This event draws many visitors and locals, showcasing the enduring faith and cultural heritage associated with the church.
For visitors, understanding this dual significance—as a Catholic church and a Santería spiritual hub—enhances the experience. It offers a glimpse into the unique religious landscape of Cuba and the deep-rooted traditions that continue to thrive within its historic walls. The church's role in supporting humanitarian work, such as aiding grandparents in a nearby facility, further underscores its community importance.
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