Camaguey - Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Merced

The Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Merced is the most interesting and impressive church in Camaguey and home to the silver Holy Sepulcher. The history of the church dates to 1601 when the first Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Merced was built. According to legend a figure appeared on this spot and the miraculous event led to the building of the church. In the middle of the 18th Century it was rebuilt with a church and convent. Later reconstructions also took place but the church today maintains a Baroque façade. The interior boasts some beautiful and unique looking murals.

Beneath the church are the catacombs, which are entered near the main altar. People were buried in the catacombs until 1814. Visitors will see the usual bones and skulls typical in catacombs, along with the old wooden bell tower which is now stored down here.

The most prized possession of the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Merced is the Holy Sepulcher, a silver coffin made from 23,000 silver coins donated by followers. The Holy Seplucher contains an 18th Century Christ statue, created by Juan Benitez Alfonso, a Mexican sculptor.