Iglesia de la Merced

The prettiest Baroque church in the city. Part of its appeal is that it’s also one of the few churches that have remained standing relatively unscathed since colonial times.The church is very popular with locals and tourists alike. Its stucco work is admired for its arabesque patterns, known as ataurique – from the Arabic word al-Tariq, meaning “vegetable.” This type of relief detail is a sign of Moorish influence, which was popular at the time.The facade features an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, along with some of the more prominent Mercedarians in history.La Merced is open to the public daily, as are the ruins of the convent next door. However, unlike the church, there is an entrance fee to visit convent’s ruins. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, the convent is well worth a visit, as the views of the surrounding volcanoes are excellent on bright days. Highly recommend you take the time to visit La Merced, especially the convent’s ruins next door.

A stunning church located in the centre of Antigua. Plenty of stalls dotted around the square. Stunning colours and vibrancy. The atmosphere is electric.

The first view is the behind the La Merced Church, which is around the corner. The area has become a marketplace and tourist area. The second view is the church facade. In Guatemalan style, the church has two bell-towers. On the façade of the church; at the top, there is a sculpture of St. Peter Nolasco, the founder of the Mercedarian Order. Below him is a statue of the Virgin of Mercy. It is a very beautiful church with intricate scrollwork outside known as 'arabesque'. To me it looked like a decorated cake. Our tour was granted permission to go inside quietly as people were praying. Permission is usually given in hope that tourists will donate to the needs of the parish. The third view is a photo of the altar. In the courtyard is the Fountain of Los Pescados. At 88.5 feet in diameter, it is one of the largest colonial fountains in Latin America. The fountain is shaped like a water lily, a common flower in the Guatemalan lowlands, especially in lakes and lagoons. In the symbolism of the ancient Mayan peoples, it is associated with creation: a god created a water lily from which the rest of the gods came.

Incredible architecture for 35 quetzales per personn non local you can go inside and clim the top to see all the city during christmas they do a procesion de las cabezonas which is a yearly event of dancing in front of it

Very beautiful place..! Be careful over there, we just walk on the street and some young guys ask us if we want to buy drags and start to shut about nothing, we just go away, it makes us feel not really safe. In the church we saw the penitencia, the customs that the believers walk on 4 from the start of the church to the end and back, it’s amazing experience, magic thing to see 🙋🏽‍♂️ There is also a little market near by the church 👏🏻

Worth the visit to see the beautiful grounds of La Merced. The rooftop has some of the best views in Antigua. The interior courtyard is postcard worthy for its picturesque settings. Be respectful, don’t walk on the domes on the rooftop.

It's not the church you have to see (although it is nice). Inside of what used to be the cloisters (?) you will find the biggest fountain in all of Central America and be able to climb up to the roof to get spectacular views of the entire town. As you stand in front of the church, to your left you will see a gift shop. Walk through that and you will find a place to buy a ticket for entry for Q35. Hold onto your ticket as you need it to get onto the roof. I can't believe It took me so long to check this out. It's been open now for over a year!

You can get up to the rooftop through the giftshop on the left of the main entrance. 35Q per person. This is the best view of ALL Antigua in my opinion. You can see all 3 volcanos if the weather is clear.