The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced is one of Ronda’s more curious churches, and is also a convent for the nuns and priests of the Discalced Carmelites of Ronda. Previously they resided in the Santa Cecilia church.

The term “Discalced Carmelites” refers to a branch of the Carmelite Order within the Catholic Church, known for their reform movement initiated by Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross in the 16th century. “Discalced” literally means “without shoes,” symbolizing their commitment to a life of poverty, simplicity, and strict adherence to the contemplative traditions of the order. This reform emphasized a return to the original spirit of the Carmelite hermits, focusing on prayer, community life, and austerity.

La Merced is more correctly a “Basilica” since it is home to a holy relic. The “incorruptible hand of Saint Teresa of Avila” and the story behind this is in itself worth telling even if you never visit the church. (Although if you visit Ronda you’ll most certainly see the church as you pass by the Alameda gardens.)

This is also the place where you can try out the curious way of buying sweets and pastries from the nuns who reside here: https://www.rondatoday.com/where-to-buy-convent-sweets-and-pastries-in-ronda/

Saint Teresa of Avilas hand and General Franco

Saint Teresa of Avila reformed the Carmelite Order in her lifetime. After her death her remains were found to be incorrupt so, as was the custom of her time, parts of her body were removed, one of which was the left hand. The hand eventually came into the possession of the Discalced Carmelites of Spain, and in particular their Ronda convent prior to the Spanish civil war.

NOTE: The term “incorrupt” refers to a body that has not undergone the normal process of decomposition after death. In Catholic tradition, incorruptibility is often considered a sign of holiness and divine favor. It means that the body, or parts of it, have remained intact and preserved in a way that defies natural explanation. This phenomenon is believed to occur due to the sanctity of the individual, often a saint, and is seen as a miraculous sign by many faithful.

(Incorrupt doesn’t mean that she was a virgin though I suppose she well may have been as she was a nun!)

General Francisco Franco, known for his devout Catholic faith, took possession of Saint Teresa of Avila’s incorrupt hand after the end of the Spanish Civil War. The relic, highly revered for its connection to the saint, became a personal talisman for Franco.

Rumor has it that he kept the hand in his sleeping chambers throughout his tenure as the ruler of Spain, believing it offered him divine protection and guidance. This practice highlighted Franco’s deep personal devotion and the symbolic power he attributed to the relic.

Following Franco’s death in 1975, the Discalced Carmelites of Ronda, who had originally been the custodians of the relic, formally requested its return. Their efforts were successful, and on January 21, 1976, Saint Teresa’s hand was finally restored to the Carmelite convent in Ronda. This event marked a significant moment for the Carmelite community and the town of Ronda, symbolizing a return of spiritual heritage and continuity of religious tradition.

The return of the relic was not only a restoration of a physical object but also a profound act of reverence, reconnecting the town and the faithful with their historical and spiritual roots. Today, the relic remains a centerpiece of the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced, drawing pilgrims and visitors who seek to honor the legacy of Saint Teresa and experience the deep sense of faith and history embodied by the church.

For anyone visiting Ronda, a visit to the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced offers a unique opportunity to engage with this rich historical narrative and reflect on the enduring significance of Saint Teresa’s life and legacy.

Some history about the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced Ronda

We are not sure when the original church on this location was built, certainly during the time of the reconquest this area of Ronda was unpopulated and most of El Mercadillo covered in Oak forest. The earliest reference to the church dates from 1577 when the Bishop of Málaga, Don Francisco Pacheco de Córdoba paid a visit to Ronda and inspected all of the churches and temples.

The convent attached to the church was originally home to the Order of Mercedarios, and in the early 17th century was one of the richest convents the order occupied in Spain. Many wonderful paintings were commissioned by the order, including a set of twelve reliefs from Sevilla depicting the life of San Pedro Nolasco. Sadly only one of these remains, the rest having been destroyed by the Carmelite Order when they took possession of the convent.

The Iglesia de la Merced in 2024 and its possible closure

The last four nuns of the Corazon Eucaristico de Jesus convent in Ronda, Spain, are urgently seeking new sisters to keep their historic convent open. The convent, which dates back to the 16th century, is home to a significant relic, the incorrupt hand of Saint Teresa of Avila. The nuns are part of the Discalced Carmelite Order, known for their vows of poverty, simplicity, and devotion to contemplative life.

With the number of nuns dwindling to just four, the convent is at risk of closure under Vatican rules that require at least six members to remain open. The prioress, Jennifer del Corazon de Jesus, has called upon sisters from other convents to join them, even if only temporarily, to help sustain their community. She believes that with faith and support, their convent can continue its spiritual mission.

Iglesia de la Merced Opening Times

Daily from 10.15am till 1.15pm then 4.45pm till 6.45pm (10:15 till 13:15 then 16:45 till 18:45)

GPS Location
Latitude: 36.744335 (36° 44′ 39.61” N)
Longitude: -5.167458 (5° 10′ 2.85” W)

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