Our Lady of Mercy Church (Chiesa di Nostra Signora della Misericordia), Alghero

The Church of Our Lady of Mercy stands on Prince Umberto Street (Via Principe Umberto), one of the highest points in Alghero's historic center. Built in the 17th century by the Confraternity of Mercy, this sacred site has long been central to the town's religious life, particularly during Holy Week. The church is home to the revered statue Sancristus, a Spanish crucifix from the early 17th century, which arrived in Alghero after a shipwreck in 1606. This statue is a symbol of deep local devotion and is carried in a solemn procession each year during Holy Week, reflecting the community's shared faith and traditions.

Originally completed in 1654, the church features a single nave divided into three rectangular bays, with cross vaults overhead. After a collapse in 1818, the vault was rebuilt, and the church was restored by 1823. Its altar, dating from 1811, showcases a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary from a Neapolitan workshop, alongside other significant religious figures such as the Risen Christ and the Madonna of the Encounter. These artworks reflect the church's blend of Italian and Spanish influences, rooted in the Baroque period.

The church was built not far from the original Oratory of Mercy, which had become too small to accommodate the needs of the growing Confraternity. This new, larger structure mirrored the architectural and stylistic lines of other contemporary religious buildings in the area, such as the nearby Saint Michele Church.

Today, the Church of Our Lady of Mercy is not only a religious center but also a place of daily worship, attracting both locals and tourists. The Daughters of the Church, a religious community established in Alghero in 1960, play a crucial role in supporting the church’s Eucharistic Center, offering spiritual guidance and liturgical services, including parish catechesis and care for the sick and elderly.