Church-convent of the Merced
Of this former convent, only the church and the orchard survive of the original construction, built in 1585.
The church consists of three naves: the central nave is covered by a barrel vault with lunettes and sashes supported by an entablature and cornice on double pilasters whose shafts are decorated with plaster panelling. These pilasters are built against a series of quadrangular pillars which support the Roman arches that separate the central nave from its lateral counterparts, which are now blocked off, having been divided into cells. The crossing is covered with a drum dome with lunettes and matching windows. The rectangular presbytery is crowned by a barrel vault with lunettes. It also features a square image chamber with a half-orange vault and pictorial decoration.
The exterior consists of three rows of masonry divided by brick pilasters. The stone main faèade includes a Roman arch with spiral moulding and louvre jambs. The keystone is adorned with floral motifs while the spandrels feature diamond-tip decoration. The arch is flanked by box pilasters with fluted capitals crowned by pyramids. The octagonal tower, built from resurfaced brick in imitation of stone blocks, stands to the right.
The highlight of the objects on show inside is the gilded silver relic holder inlaid with precious stones which houses the 17th century mano incorrupta de Santa Teresa de Jesús. Also worthy of mention are the image of the Dolorosa bajo la advocación de la Soledad (19th century) and a collection of 17th century oil paintings which includes a representation of scenes from the life of San Pedro Nolasco thought to have been painted by Brother Agustîn Leonardo in the 17th century.
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