Palacio de la Merced

The Palacio de la Merced in Córdoba, once the monastery of the Mercedarian Order, now houses the provincial government offices. The historic complex lies north of the old town, about a kilometer from the Mezquita-Catedral. Archaeological finds point to earlier Roman or Visigothic structures on the site, while the present-day Baroque architecture dates from the first half of the 18th century. Visitors marvel at the church's horizontally emphasized facade with its unusual bell gables and its richly decorated interior. A particular highlight is the cloister, with arcades resting on paired columns and a central marble fountain featuring Churrigueresque stylistic elements.