Iglesia de la Merced

The first Latin mass in Lima was held in 1534, on a small patch of land now marked by the Iglesia de la Merced. It was originally built in 1541 and then rebuilt several times over the course of the next two centuries. Most of today’s structure dates to the 18th century, with its most striking feature being the imposing granite facade, carved in the churrigueresque manner (a highly ornate style popular during the late Spanish baroque). Inside, the nave is lined by more than two-dozen jaw-droppingly magnificent baroque and Renaissance-style altars, some of which are carved entirely out of mahogany.