The basilica of Barcelona's patron saint
Basilica of La Mercè Barcelona: Hours and Visit
The Basilica of La Mercè is one of the major Baroque churches in Barcelona. It houses the Mare de Déu de la Mercè, the patron saint of the city, celebrated each year during the grand festival of La Mercè.
At a Glance
The Basilica of La Mercè at a Glance
| Catalan Name | Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy |
|---|---|
| Type of place | Catholic Basilica |
| Style | Baroque |
| Neighborhood | Gothic Quarter, Ciutat Vella |
| Address | Plaça de la Mercè, 1, 08002 Barcelona |
| Current Construction | 1765-1775 |
| Entry | Free |
| Opening Hours | From 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM |
| Visit Duration | Approximately 20 to 30 minutes |
| Must-See Attractions | Virgin of La Mercè, dome, Baroque interior, Renaissance portal |
| Metro | L3 Drassanes or L4 Jaume I |
| Official Site | basilicadelamerce.com |
| Good to Know | The Virgin of La Mercè is the patron saint of Barcelona |
Not to be missed
What to See in the Basilica of La Mercè?
© Kent Wang, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Our Lady of Mercy
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Dome and Its Statue
Zarateman, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Baroque Interior
© Enfo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Renaissance Portal
Stop by if you're in this part of the Gothic Quarter: the visit is short, free, and offers a chance to discover the basilica of Barcelona's patron saint.
Before entering, take a moment to step back on Plaça de la Mercè to admire the dome and the statue of the Virgin.
Why Visit It
Why is the Basilica of La Mercè Important in Barcelona?
The basilica is closely tied to the identity of Barcelona as it houses the Mare de Déu de la Mercè, declared the patron saint of the city in 1868.
Every September 24th, Barcelona celebrates its patron saint during the festival of La Mercè, which has become one of the city's major popular festivals.
The basilica is thus both a baroque monument and a religious site that remains very present in Barcelona's cultural and traditional life.
An 18th-century Baroque church
The History of the Basilica of la Mercè
The first church associated with the Order of Mercy existed here as early as the Middle Ages.
In the 18th century, it was decided to replace it with a larger building. The foundation stone of the current basilica was laid in 1765, and the construction, led by Josep Mas i Dordal, was completed in 1775.
In the 19th century, the building underwent further transformation. A large dome designed by Joan Martorell was constructed starting in 1883 and was crowned, during the 1888 Universal Exhibition, with a bronze statue of the Virgin created by Maximí Solà.
In 1918, the church was granted the title of minor basilica.
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Basilica of La Mercè
The Patroness of Barcelona
The Virgin of La Mercè and the Festival of La Mercè
The Mare de Déu de la Mercè was officially declared the patron saint of Barcelona in 1868. Her image was canonically crowned in 1888.
Every year around September 24, the city celebrates the Festa Major de La Mercè with concerts, street performances, castellers, correfocs, and numerous popular events.
The basilica remains the religious heart of these celebrations and hosts several particularly important services during this time.
In the Gothic Quarter
The Basilica of La Mercè in the Heart of the Historic Center
The basilica is located in the lower part of the Gothic Quarter, just a few minutes from Port Vell, Plaça Sant Jaume, the Cathedral, and the ancient medieval streets of Ciutat Vella.
It's an easy stop to include on a stroll between the waterfront and the historic heart of Barcelona.
Things to See Nearby
What Other Monuments to Visit?
Discover our complete selection of Barcelona's monuments.
© Barcelona.com
The Cathedral of Barcelona
The Barcelona Cathedral is the grand Gothic monument in the historic center, accessible within a ten-minute walk.
© Kent Wang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Santa Maria del Mar
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is one of the masterpieces of Catalan Gothic architecture and is located on the other side of the Gothic Quarter, towards El Born.
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Palais Güell
The Palau Güell is one of Gaudí's first major masterpieces, just a few minutes' walk towards the Ramblas.
FAQ
FAQ: Basilica of La Mercè Barcelona
Yes. Access to the basilica is free and no ticket is required.
The basilica is currently open from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
It houses the Virgin of La Mercè, patron saint of Barcelona, celebrated every year on September 24 during the Festa Major de La Mercè.
The main elements to discover are the image of the Virgin of La Mercè, the baroque interior, the dome crowned by the statue of the Virgin, and the Renaissance portal.
Allow approximately 20 to 30 minutes to leisurely explore the church and its main features.