МуницМуниципальный двореципальный дворец
1 / 12

La Merced Church and Ex-Convent

4.6
·319 reviews·San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico

A historic 18th-century church and ex-convent in San Cristobal de las Casas, known for its colonial architecture and wooden details.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
МуницМуниципальный двореципальный дворец

La Merced Church and Ex-Convent

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 18th-century church and ex-convent in San Cristobal de las Casas, known for its colonial architecture and wooden details.

4.6
(319 reviews)

"You can get incredible views of the convent from the hacienda garden, which is part of the Amber Museum."

Vertical photo
TIP

🕊️ Dress Modestly

Remember this is an active church. Opt for respectful attire to blend in and show reverence.

📸 Photography Etiquette

Check for restrictions before snapping photos, especially during services. Be mindful of others.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ex-Convent Architecture

Ex-Convent Architecture

Adjacent to the church

Admire the colonial architecture and intricate wooden details of the historic ex-convent. A true testament to its era.

Hacienda Garden Views

Hacienda Garden Views

Amber Museum Garden

Gain stunning perspectives of the convent from the adjacent Amber Museum's garden. A photographer's delight.

Intricate Wooden Details

Intricate Wooden Details

Church Interior

Marvel at the beautifully preserved wooden floors and ceilings, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While the church is a historical gem, be aware of potential closures for services or events. Check local schedules to ensure you can explore freely. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the serene atmosphere.

Respectful Exploration

As an active place of worship, dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor inside the church. Photography may be restricted during services. Be mindful of the historical and religious significance of La Merced.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Mass services offer a glimpse into local life
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Se quema la Iglesia de La Merced en San Cristóbal La Iglesia de La Merced en San Cristóbal de Las Casas, un edificio histórico que data del siglo XVIII, está bajo las llamas. Así lo han reportado vecinos del barrio, quienes muestra imágenes de cómo está ardiendo el templo, uno de los más emblemáticos de la colonial ciudad.
@alertachiapas
81.7K likes • 4.5M views

🕊️ Dress Modestly

Remember this is an active church. Opt for respectful attire to blend in and show reverence. Reddit

📸 Photography Etiquette

Check for restrictions before snapping photos, especially during services. Be mindful of others. Reddit

Los panzudos 👹🤡🧙🧝🏻‍♀️ Tradición de san Cristóbal de las Casas Chiapas, consiste en peregrinar bailando detrás de la Virgen de La Merced con atuendos horrorosos que representan los pecados.., entre más grandes sean sus pecados, su vestimenta será cada vez más terrorífica, y así poder alcanzar el perdón. #tradicionesmexicanas #panzudos #adondeirenchiapas #miedo #terror #parati #tehucanleyendas Cré...
@tehuacanleyendas
13.4K likes • 145.2K views
¡Iglesia sufrió fuerte incendio en #Chiapas! La Iglesia de la Merced, ubicada en San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, se envolvió en llamas luego de que una galera aledaña comenzó a prenderse. Se reporta que no hubo lesionados y los cuerpos de emergencia lograron contener el siniestro, mismo que presuntamente habría iniciado por veladoras. Vía: Alberto Chamé #AztecaNoticias #Noticias #Información ...
@aztecanoticias
5.5K likes • 502.2K views

🕰️ Check Service Times

Mass is held weekdays at 7:30 AM and PM. Plan your visit around these times. Reddit

🌳 Garden Views

For great convent views, visit the Amber Museum garden next door. Reddit

Incendio Templo de la Merced en San Cristóbal
@alertachiapas
4.3K likes • 349.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🕊️ Dress Modestly

Remember this is an active church. Opt for respectful attire to blend in and show reverence. Reddit

📸 Photography Etiquette

Check for restrictions before snapping photos, especially during services. Be mindful of others. Reddit

🕰️ Check Service Times

Mass is held weekdays at 7:30 AM and PM. Plan your visit around these times. Reddit

🌳 Garden Views

For great convent views, visit the Amber Museum garden next door. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(319 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the beautiful colonial architecture and the serene atmosphere of La Merced Church and Ex-Convent. The intricate wooden details and the picturesque views from the adjacent Amber Museum garden are frequently highlighted as must-sees. While generally well-regarded, some visitors note potential restrictions on photography during services.

"Mass is celebrated on weekdays at 7:30 AM and PM"

Tim OConnor

"Super"

ANALISIS TACTICO

"Nice church."

LG

What People Like

Beautiful colonial architecture
Intricate wooden details
Serene atmosphere

What People Dislike

Photography restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

La Merced Church and Ex-Convent is located in the historic center of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. It's easily accessible by foot from most central accommodations. Taxis are also readily available if you're coming from further afield. Reddit

Yes, it's a prominent landmark in the city. You can use GPS on your phone or ask locals for directions; most will be happy to point you in the right direction. Reddit

Walking is the best way to explore the charming streets surrounding the church and ex-convent. You'll discover hidden courtyards and local life. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the church itself is generally free, as it's an active place of worship. However, access to certain parts of the ex-convent might be limited or require a small fee if it's part of a museum. Reddit

Mass is celebrated on weekdays at 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM. While the church is generally accessible during daylight hours, it's best to check for any specific event closures. Reddit

Photography policies can vary, especially during religious services. It's advisable to be discreet and respectful. Some areas might have restrictions. Reddit

The ex-convent is often integrated with other attractions. For instance, the Amber Museum offers views of the convent. Check the specific museum's admission policy. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The adjacent Amber Museum's garden offers fantastic vantage points for photographing the ex-convent. The church's facade is also picturesque from the street. Reddit

While general photography is often permitted, it's wise to be mindful of religious services and ask for permission if you plan to take extensive photos inside. Reddit

Many visitors capture the colonial architecture, the intricate wooden details inside the church, and the panoramic views from the nearby garden. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While La Merced Church and Ex-Convent is a historical site, it can be a quiet and educational experience for families. The impressive architecture and wooden details might capture children's imaginations. Visiting the Amber Museum garden next door offers a chance for kids to stretch their legs and enjoy the views. Reddit

Keep in mind that it's an active church, so maintaining a calm demeanor is important. The surrounding streets are great for a leisurely stroll, allowing kids to experience the colonial charm of San Cristobal de las Casas. Consider visiting during less crowded times to ensure a more peaceful experience for everyone.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, La Merced Church and Ex-Convent offers a blend of colonial architecture and religious ambiance. The ex-convent's facade, especially when viewed from the Amber Museum garden, provides stunning photographic opportunities. Reddit Capture the intricate wooden details inside the church, such as the floors and ceilings, which are a testament to historical craftsmanship. Reddit

Experiment with different lighting conditions; early morning or late afternoon light can cast a beautiful glow on the historic structures. Be mindful of photography restrictions inside the church, particularly during services, and always prioritize respectful shooting.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance

The La Merced Church and Ex-Convent is a significant historical site in San Cristobal de las Casas, dating back to the 18th century. Its architecture reflects the colonial period, with notable features like intricate wooden details on its floors and ceilings. The ex-convent, adjacent to the church, offers a glimpse into the monastic life of the past. Visitors often praise the beautiful decor and the overall ambiance of the structure. Reddit

While the church is an active place of worship, its historical importance draws many visitors. The ex-convent's structure is a key part of its appeal, showcasing the craftsmanship of its era. The combination of religious function and historical architecture makes it a unique destination. Reddit

It's worth noting that the ex-convent can be viewed from the garden of the nearby Amber Museum, providing excellent photographic opportunities and a broader perspective of the historical complex. This vantage point is frequently recommended by visitors. Reddit

Community and Traditions

La Merced is not just a historical building; it's an active part of the San Cristobal de las Casas community. The church hosts daily masses, offering visitors a chance to witness local religious practices. The mention of friendly people offering flowers for prayers highlights the welcoming atmosphere. Reddit

TikTok videos showcase some of the vibrant traditions associated with the La Merced neighborhood, such as the 'Panzudos' parade during religious festivities. These parades feature participants in elaborate, often 'horrific' costumes representing sins, as a way to seek forgiveness. TikTok Another video captures the lively spirit of the 'Abeijitas Sexis' (Sexy Little Bees) in a parade, demonstrating the area's festive culture. TikTok

Even in challenging weather, like rain, the community's spirit shines through, as seen in a TikTok video celebrating the neighborhood's resilience and cultural pride. TikTok These glimpses into local traditions and community life add another layer of richness to a visit to La Merced.

Navigating Recent Events

Recent events have unfortunately impacted La Merced Church. Several TikTok videos document a significant fire that occurred at the church in January. TikTok+2 The fire, which reportedly started from nearby candles, caused damage to the historic structure. TikTok

Fortunately, emergency services were able to contain the blaze, and reports indicate no injuries. TikTok+1 While the fire was a serious incident, the community's resilience and the efforts to preserve the historical site are evident. TikTok

Visitors planning a trip should be aware of any ongoing restoration efforts or temporary closures that might be in place due to the fire. Checking local news or official sources for the latest updates would be advisable before your visit.

You may also like