The Convent and Church of La Merced, originally built in the mid-16th century, is one of the oldest structures in the city of Cusco.
Built during the colonial period, it is renowned for its beautiful architecture featuring staircases, domes, and bell towers. Its main attraction is its internal relics, particularly a monstrance weighing 22 kilograms and standing 1.25 meters tall, made of gold, diamonds, pearls, rubies, and emeralds—one of the most valuable treasures in Peru.
It is one of Cusco’s most important religious sites, located just steps away from the city’s Plaza de Armas.
The Convent of La Merced: A Colonial Treasure in Cusco
The Convent of La Merced features colonial architecture and is considered a Cultural Heritage of the Nation due to its extraordinary collection of sacred art, making it a true colonial treasure in Cusco.
The convent houses a religious museum with five exhibition rooms displaying a collection of paintings, sculptures, ornaments, and liturgical vestments. Among the most outstanding pieces is the Custody of La Merced, a Baroque masterpiece made entirely of gold.
The convent also holds a collection of paintings from the Cusco School, which decorate the convent’s walls and depict saints associated with the Mercedarian order.
Its layout features a basilica-style floor plan with three naves covered by brick vaults and a dome above the crossing. The church tower includes a Baroque-style bell tower topped with a hemispherical dome, a characteristic element of colonial Cusco architecture.
Among the most notable architectural elements are the side altarpiece-style portal and the Renaissance-style entrance on the wall, which enhance the temple’s exterior splendor. Inside, it holds the remains of historical figures such as Diego de Almagro the Elder, Diego de Almagro the Younger, and Gonzalo Pizarro, adding significant historical value to the site.
The Convent of La Merced is not only a religious monument but also a living testament to the cultural and artistic richness of Cusco, continuing to captivate visitors with its imposing architecture and artistic treasures.
History of the Convent of La Merced
The Convent of La Merced, considered one of the most iconic landmarks in the city of Cusco, was founded in 1536 by Friar Sebastián de Trujillo y Castañeda near the Inca esplanade of Kusipata. The original church and convent were severely damaged during the devastating earthquake of 1650. Shortly after, construction of the new temple and the Main Cloister began, and they were completed in 1675.
The craftsmanship of carpenters and altarpiece makers left a lasting impression on Cusqueñan Baroque works, visible in the detailed stonework on the façades and arches of the church. The stone carvings, which imitate the fine craftsmanship of wood carving, are an outstanding example of this artistic integration.
The Convent of La Merced remains a living testament to the history, art, and devotion that have shaped Cusco through the centuries.
Architecture and Interior Design
| FEATURES | DESCRIPTION |
| Architecture | The convent combines elements of Baroque and Renaissance styles from the colonial era. Its façade is modest, but the interior is an artistic treasure, featuring arches, columns, and courtyards that reflect the beauty of Cusco’s colonial architecture. |
| Main Cloister | One of the main attractions of the convent is the Main Cloister, surrounded by arches and decorated with tiles and stone carvings. It is a place of peace and meditation, with gardens in the center. |
| Main Altarpiece and Side Altars | The main altar of the church, along with the side altars, are decorated with gold leaf and feature images of saints and biblical scenes, highlighting colonial sacred art. |
| The Treasure of La Merced | One of the most important objects in the convent is the so-called “Treasure of La Merced”, which includes a gold monstrance adorned with precious stones. It weighs over 22 kilograms and is nearly 1.3 meters tall. It is considered one of the most important pieces of colonial goldsmithing in Peru. |
| Crypt and Tombs | The site houses the tombs of several important figures from colonial history, including conquistador Gonzalo Pizarro, brother of Francisco Pizarro. |
| Religious Importance | The La Merced Convent has been a center of devotion and culture in Cusco, housing several religious images over time. |
Notable Art Collection and Relics
The museum features paintings of great significance to the Cusco School, adorning the walls of the convent and portraying different saints from the Mercedarian order. Notable artists who contributed to these works include Bernardo Bitti, Zurbarán, Diego Quispe Tito, Basilio Santa Cruz, and other great masters of colonial Cusqueñan painting.
The Baroque altarpieces of Saint Peter Nolasco stand out, along with the side chapel altars and the main altar. The church’s decoration is completed with paintings from the Cusco School dating to the second half of the 17th century, including works by Basilio de Santa Cruz and Saint Peter Nolasco Carried by Angels by Marcos de Ribera, both located at the ends of the side aisles.
The convent houses an important collection of Cusco School paintings that depict various religious scenes. The Church of La Merced has 13 altarpieces, whose iconographic program includes paintings, sculptures, and high-reliefs of great artistic value.
Hours, Prices, and How to Get There
Museum visiting hours:
- Morning Shift: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm – Afternoon Shift: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Entrance Fees
- The entrance fee ranges from S/.6.00 to S/.15.00 soles per person.
- Admission to the church is free during Mass hours (Saturdays and Sundays at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.).
To reach the Convent of La Merced, head toward Mantas Street; the Church of La Merced is located on the corner of this street. The convent’s central location makes it easily accessible on foot from the main tourist spots in the city of Cusco.
