Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy

The Basilica of Our Lady of Grace and St. Michael the Archangel, known simply as the Basilica of Mercy or the Basilica of the Merced, is one of the most emblematic places in Barcelona, located in the Gothic Quarter.

The Basilica de la Mercy was built by the Catalan architect Josep Mas i Dordal in 1765. It is dedicated to the patron saint of Barcelona, Our Lady of Mercé. The interior of the church is impressive, with Gothic architecture adorned with sculptures and religious frescoes. It is also known for housing the statue of the Virgin of Mercé, which is carried in a procession during the Mercé festival in September.

History of the Basilica of Mercy 

The history of the Basilica de la Mercé dates back to medieval times, when the inhabitants of Barcelona asked the Virgin Mary to protect them from the plague and pirates. Legend has it that the Virgin appeared to a merchant, Sant Pere Nolasc, and asked him to build a church in her honour. Since then, the church of La Mercé has become an important place of pilgrimage for the people of Barcelona and visitors from all over the world.

If you visit the church of La Mercé, be sure to see the crypt, which houses the remains of Saint Eulalia, the patron saint of Barcelona before the Virgin of La Mercé.

In 1918 it was granted the title of minor basilica by Pope Benedict XV in commemoration of the 7th centenary of the apparition of the Virgin to St. Peter Nolasco, founder of the Order of Mercedarians.

La Mercè

Our advice: You can attend a mass or a religious celebration to discover the spiritual atmosphere of the church. At the bottom of the page we indicate the times of the masses and the opening hours of the Basilica. The Basilica can be visited all day, the morning being the least busy time of the day.

According to online reviews, visitors are impressed by the beauty and serenity of the Mercé church. Comments highlight the historical and religious significance of the place, as well as the artistic richness of its architecture. Visitors also recommend attending a mass for an authentic spiritual experience.