Description

This is one of the most popular churches in the town because, among other things, it is the home of the Virgen de la Merced (patron saint of Barcelona; in Catalan, Mare de Déu de la Mercè). The Barça football players credit her with their wins. The original Gothic structure of the basilica was remodeled and enlarged during the 14th and 15th centuries. However, the definitive redesign of the building was carried out by Josep Mas i Cordal (1775) according to the Italian baroque style. It has just one nave with chapels on each side, a dome crowning the crossing and curved scrolls on the facade. Sunday mass is said in Spanish somedays and on other days it is celebrated in Catalan.