Palace of La Merced

On your right stands the Palace of Mercy, or La Merced as it's known in Spanish, built in the 18th century. Now home to the provincial government, the building showcases a distinct Cordoban Baroque style. It also contains remnants from the Roman era, as well as the remains of a baptistery and crypt dating back to the Middle Ages. The church you see today was completed in 1745, followed by the cloister in 1752. During the Middle Ages, this site was occupied by a 13th-century convent, which is said to have been visited by Christopher Columbus while he awaited an audience with the Catholic monarchs before setting off on his great voyage. The palace was converted into a hospital in 1850, and a century later, it became the headquarters of the provincial government. Today, it’s adorned with beautiful patios and numerous rooms, and regularly hosts national and international exhibitions organised by local authorities.