Iglesia de la Merced, Lima

The Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy stands on Jirón de la Unión in Lima's historic center, on a site where the city's first Mass is traditionally said to have been celebrated. Its ornate granite Churrigueresque facade is among the most elaborate colonial church fronts in Peru, carved with columns, saints and floral motifs. Inside, gilded altarpieces and the venerated silver cross of Padre Urraca draw devotees. The Mercedarian order has maintained the church since the sixteenth century, rebuilding it after earthquakes.