La Merced Church, Arequipa (must see)

It took more than fifty years for the La Merced complex to be constructed. Like many other buildings in Arequipa, Iglesia La Merced, also called the “House of God,” was built using ashlar stones. This volcanic stone easily transforms into beautiful carvings in the hands of a skilled artist. The Churrigueresque altar and Virgin de las Mercedes paintings are the main attractions inside the church. There is also a great colonial library located within the walls of this historic complex.