Convent of La Merced

The old convent of La Merced was one of the convents that were built in the city of Malaga in the times of Isabella and Ferdinand. Its origin lies in the taking of the city. The King and Queen were generous to those who had collaborated in the conquest of this square. Among them was Alonso de Rivera, who was rewarded with a place between the hill of Gibralfaro and that of San Cristóbal, next to the road that went to Velez-Málaga. There was a hermitage there that changed the dedication from San Roque to Santa Veracruz. When Rivera learned that the Mercedarian Order wanted to settle in the city, he gave up the hermitage and his possessions in exchange for being the commander of the convent, a fact that was granted to them at the Provincial Chapter held on May 23, 1499 in Seville. Upon acceptance, the community moved to the site. But due to its proximity to the coast and the constant danger of corsair Moorish landings in the place, the community requested a new site, which was granted near the Gate of Granada. This new site was granted by Queen Juana by the Royal Provision of 12 November 1507.

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