Consider this: Barcelona almost lost its co-patron saint. But let’s delve into the story of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy. This basilica stands as a testament to Barcelona’s devotion. It honors Our Lady of Mercy, the city’s co-patron saint.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy may not be as famous as other churches. Yet, its history is deeply intertwined with Barcelona. Our Lady of Mercy has been Barcelona’s patron saint since 1687. The basilica we see today is not the first one on this site. The first church was built in 1249. The present structure was constructed between 1765 and 1775. Catalan architect Josep Mas i Dordal designed it in the Baroque style.
The Order of Mercy was formed in Barcelona in 1218. This was after the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Peter Nolasco and King Jaume I. Their mission was to rescue Christians. These Christians were often captured by Moorish armies and pirates. Initially, they were housed in a hospital near the Barcelona Cathedral. In 1234, they established a new convent. It had a gothic church on the site of this basilica.
Inside the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy a nave awaits. Small chapels flank it. They are dedicated to Roman Catholic saints. Saint Michael Archangel is among them. Twin pulpits stand in the nave. Corinthian columns add to the Baroque style. Crystal chandeliers and gold leaf shimmer. Above the main altar, a small chapel houses a treasure. It is a fourteenth-century statue of La Mercè. It looks out at the congregation. You can even see the statue close up.
The exterior is simpler by comparison. Yet, the octagonal bell tower catches the eye. The large bronze statue of La Mercè on the dome is impressive. The facade of the church of Sant Miquel is another detail. It was added to the basilica in the nineteenth century.
In 1687, Barcelona faced a severe famine. It was caused by a plague of locusts. The city council asked Our Lady of Mercy for help. They promised to make her patron saint of Barcelona. When the plague ended, they kept their word. La Mercè was proclaimed co-patron saint.
Two centuries later, a conflict arose. Pope Pius IX declared that Spanish cities could only have one patron saint. Barcelona chose La Mercè. This decision was not popular. Santa Eulalia was reinstated as co-patron. The feast day of La Mercè is celebrated on September 24th. It is Barcelona’s main public holiday. Street parties fill the city.
During the Spanish Civil War, the basilica suffered damage. It was gutted by fire. Sculptures and decorations were destroyed. The fourteenth-century statue of La Mercè was saved. The bronze statue from the roof was melted down. It was used to make munitions. After the war, the basilica was rebuilt. The statue on the roof was replaced. It is a larger version made of metal from other statues. Rebuilding finished in 1960.
The side facade you see belonged to the Church of Sant Miquel. It was moved here in 1870. This was when the Church of Sant Miquel was demolished. It made room for the city hall extension. Today, the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy stands. It is a symbol of faith, resilience, and devotion. It also embodies Barcelona’s rich history.