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Basilica de La Mercè: Baroque Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy

Discover the Basilica de La Mercè, a hidden Baroque masterpiece in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Built in 1775, free to visit, with guided tours available Saturdays

by: Barcelona Travel Hacks Views: 2.6k

About the Basilica de La Mercè – Our Lady of Mercy

Hidden in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, next to Port Vell, the Basilica de La Mercè is a jewel of Baroque architecture and spiritual heritage. Built between 1765 and 1775 by architect Josep Mas i Dordal, this ornate church was the second in the city to be granted the title of minor basilica, following the Cathedral of Barcelona. Its elegant dome, crowned with a statue of the Virgin Mary, rises above the rooftops of the old city, quietly watching over the port and its people.

Inside, the basilica reveals a Latin cross layout with side chapels dedicated to saints such as San Miguel Arcángel, San Antonio Abad, and San Pedro. The nave is a theatrical display of Baroque splendor: twin pulpits, Corinthian columns, shimmering crystal chandeliers, and gilded ornamentation create a space that feels both majestic and intimate. Above the main altar sits a revered 14th-century statue of La Virgen de la Mercè, gazing out through a protective glass window—a symbol of mercy and resilience.

The Order of Mercy – Mercedarians

The basilica stands on sacred ground: the original church here was the first built by the Order of the Mercedarians, founded in 1218 by Pere Nolasc and Ramon de Penyafort with royal support from Jaume I. Initially a brotherhood dedicated to rescuing Christian captives and caring for the sick, the order was officially recognized by Pope Gregory IX in 1235.

The medieval church and convent were part of a larger complex, later dismantled during the 19th-century confiscations. The convent became a school and eventually the General Captaincy of the Fourth Military Region, now housed in the imposing military building on Passeig de Colom. The current basilica was built atop the original site, preserving centuries of devotion and history.

Barcelona’s Patron Saints

Santa Eulàlia (Feb 12) and La Virgen de la Mercè (Sept 24) share the honor of being Barcelona’s co-patron saints. Santa Eulàlia, a young martyr, is remembered for her courage and suffering under Roman persecution. La Mercè, meanwhile, became the city’s spiritual protector after a plague of locusts in 1687, when citizens prayed for mercy and vowed to make her their patroness. Her feast day is now the centerpiece of Barcelona’s La Mercè Festival, a city-wide celebration of music, culture, and faith.

Image Gallery For The Basilica de La Mercè

Click on any of the 26 images to open full screen gallery player. Note that viewing images is subject to our Fair Use Policy.

Visiting the Basilica de La Mercè

Stepping inside the Basilica de La Mercè is like entering a sanctuary of light, devotion, and artistry. The moment you pass through its wooden doors, the noise of the city fades, replaced by the soft echo of footsteps on polished stone and the golden glow of chandeliers suspended from vaulted ceilings. The basilica’s interior is a masterclass in Baroque elegance, with every surface—walls, altars, pulpits, and domes—richly adorned with gilded carvings, Corinthian columns, and sacred iconography.

As your eyes adjust, you’ll be drawn toward the central dome, where painted frescoes depict heavenly scenes that seem to float above the congregation. The pipe organ

Don’t miss the ornate pulpit with its spiral staircase, or the ceremonial throne draped in red and gold, a symbol of ecclesiastical authority and tradition. The wrought iron gates enclosing some chapels add a sense of reverence and mystery, inviting quiet reflection. Even the Latin inscriptions above the doors—“Hic Domus Dei Est et Porta Coeli” (“This is the house of God and the gate of heaven”)—remind visitors that this is not just a building, but a spiritual threshold.

Whether you come for prayer, curiosity, or architectural admiration, the Basilica de La Mercè offers a moment of stillness and awe. It’s a place where history, faith, and beauty converge—free to enter, yet rich in experience.

Entry to this very ornately decorated church is free. Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy Guided visits are also available booking via email to mpadrol@basilicadelamerce.cat.

Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy opening hours:

  • Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am to 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Sundays: 9:00 am to 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy Mass:

  • Monday to Friday: 7:00 pm
  • Saturdays: 11:00 am and 7:00 pm
  • Sundays: 11:00 am (Spanish) / 12:00 am (Catalan) / 7:00 pm (Catalan and Spanish mixed)
Bosc de Les Fades Homepage

Accessibility & What to Bring

The entrance to the Basilica de La Mercè is via a single low step with a slightly raised threshold. While wheelchairs and pushchairs can access the interior, the site is not fully adapted for mobility needs—there are no automatic doors or dedicated ramps inside. Visitors requiring assistance may find it helpful to come with a companion.

Bicycle anchorage is available in Plaça de la Mercè, directly in front of the basilica, making it easy to include this stop on a cycling tour of the Gothic Quarter or Port Vell.

Dress respectfully: As with all sacred spaces in Barcelona, beachwear—including swimsuits, bare feet, or uncovered torsos—is not permitted inside the basilica. Visitors are kindly asked to wear modest attire out of respect for the religious setting and local customs.

What to bring: A camera or smartphone is highly recommended—the interior is a treasure trove of Baroque art and architecture. If you’re attending mass or a guided visit, consider bringing a light jacket, as the stone interior can feel cool even on warm days. Silence your phone and take a moment to absorb the atmosphere—it’s a place designed for reflection and reverence.

The Basilica de La Mercè Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult Zone 1 T-casual FREE Child € 1.25 FREE Notes Guided tours available. book via email.

Getting to The Basilica de La Mercè – Our Lady of Mercy

Address: Carrer de la Mercè, 1, Barcelona, 08001

The basilica is tucked away in the quiet elegance of Plaça de la Mercè, just a short stroll from the waterfront and the bustling heart of the Gothic Quarter. It’s easily accessible by public transport:

  • Drassanes Metro Station – Green Line (L3), ideal if you're coming from La Rambla or Plaça Catalunya
  • Barceloneta Metro Station – Yellow Line (L4), perfect if you're arriving from the beach or El Born

Use a T-Casual ticket for single journeys or the unlimited Hola Barcelona Travel Card for flexible access across the city.

From either station, it’s a pleasant walk through historic streets lined with cafés, balconies, and centuries-old stonework. Look for the basilica’s bell tower and circular rose window—they mark the entrance to one of Barcelona’s most quietly majestic churches.

Map For The Basilica de La Mercè

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Tags for The Basilica de La Mercè

Barcelona Port Vell Marina Sacred Architecture Barcelona Metropolitan FREE Barcelona Metropolitan

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