La Merced Church, Antigua (must see)

La Merced Church is one of Antigua Guatemala's finest examples of Spanish colonial Baroque architecture and among the city's most beloved landmarks. It belongs to the Order of Our Lady of Mercy, whose missionaries arrived in Guatemala during the 16th century.

The present church, completed in 1767, stands on the site of a Mercedarian monastery that had existed since the 17th century. Designed to withstand Guatemala's frequent earthquakes, the church features unusually thick walls and two relatively low bell towers, an innovative design that helped it survive far better than many of Antigua's other churches. Although the adjoining monastery suffered heavy damage, its atmospheric ruins remain an important part of the complex.

The church's magnificent yellow-and-white façade is considered one of the masterpieces of Guatemalan Baroque architecture. Elaborate stucco ornamentation, sculpted figures, twisting columns, and richly decorated reliefs create a contrast between the bright yellow walls and white plaster decorations. Crowning the façade is an effigy of Saint Peter Nolasco, founder of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy, flanked by the order's coat of arms and statues of Mercedarian friars. To confirm it's him, take a look at the absolute highest point of the roofline to locate the statue of the saint, holding a book in his left hand.

The central niche contains an image of Our Lady of Mercy, while statues of Saint Peter Armengol and Saint Raymond Nonnatus stand to the left, and Saint Peter Pascual and Saint Mary of Cervellón to the right.

Inside, visitors will find a peaceful interior with elegant altars, religious artwork, and heavy brick-and-mortar vaulted ceilings designed to survive seismic tremors. Behind the church, the former monastery contains tranquil cloisters and a spectacular water-lily-shaped stone fountain measuring over 27 meters in diameter, recognized as one of the largest colonial fountains in Central America. While facing the church's main facade, turn left and go through the stone entrance gateway leading into the monastery complex. This way, you'll step into the inner courtyard of the monastery ruins, where the fountain beautifully carved to resemble a blooming water lily welcomes you.

After two and a half centuries, La Merced remains remarkably well preserved and continues to serve as both an active parish church and one of Antigua's most popular landmarks. During Holy Week, it becomes one of the city's principal religious centers, hosting spectacular processions that attract thousands of worshippers and visitors from around the world.