Nossa Senhora das Merces Church

Nossa Senhora das Merces Church, Elevated: 1613, Feast: 2nd Sunday of November

History: The original chapel was founded before 1600 and it became a parish in 1613, after separation from the parish of Santa Cruz. It was extended after the suppression of the ancient parish of Santa Barbara in 1885. A new parochial residence was inaugurated in November 1997.

Architectural notes:

• Hybrid Mannerist design with basic Gothic form
• Medium size, 3 bays x 3 storeys
• Templar cross openings flank an oculus
• Upper façade framed by round ribbed columns with Gothic pinnacles
• Windows on first storey have spiral moulding
• Bell mounted at apex