Cusco - La Merced Church and Convent

(Local Name: Iglesia de La Merced) The baroque-style colonial church and convent of La Merced was built between 1657 and 1680. The original church built on this site in 1536 was destroyed in the 1650 earthquake which devastated much of Cusco. La Merced is considered to be the third most important colonial church in Cusco, after the Cathedral and La Compania.

Inside the church are paintings based on the life of San Pedro Nolasco, who founded the Order of La Merced. One of the most impressive treasures in La Merced is a gold shrine with precious gems, found in the sacristy. Also contained in La Merced are the remains of the conquistadors Diego del Almagro and Gonzalo Pizzaro.

The church is located just south of the Plaza de Armas.