Church of the Mercy

Church of La Merced: A Facade That Survived Two Cities

Look closely at its stones: part of this church had already lived another life before arriving here. The Church of Our Lady of Mercy (Nuestra Señora de La Merced) preserves materials from its former sanctuary in Panamá Viejo, dispelling the notion that all historic buildings began exactly where we see them today. Because of that connection between the original and the new Panama City, La Merced is known as "the church of the two cities."

Following Henry Morgan's attack in 1671 and the relocation of the city in 1673, the Mercedarians received a plot of land opposite one of the gates of the new walled city. In 1720, masonry construction of the new church began using materials salvaged from the previous church. Its stone facade is one of the features that best preserves that historical continuity.

A church where centuries of history can still be read

The interior maintains an understated atmosphere, marked by grand columns, religious imagery, and a wooden structure that is particularly valuable: its traditional timber roof is considered the only fully intact example of its kind preserved in a religious building in the historic district.

A visit also offers access to the Museum of the Order of La Merced, opened in 2010, which preserves part of the history of both the congregation and the church. Among its distinctive features are a pipe organ, the opportunity to tour the sacristy, and the curious "talking well" (pozo parlante).

The church has witnessed major chapters in Panamanian history: prominent figures such as María Ossa de Amador and Manuel José Hurtado were baptized here, and Justo Arosemena celebrated his marriage to Francisca de la Barrera within its walls.

You don't visit La Merced solely for its architecture: you visit to discover how the stones of a destroyed city could become part of the next.