Igrexa da Nosa Señora da Mercé de Conxo

Igrexa da Nosa Señora da Mercé de Conxo is a Romanesque-and-Baroque church in the Conxo district of Santiago de Compostela, standing on Campo de Conxo next to the Cemiterio de Conxo and the Praza de Aurelio Aguirre. It is one of the oldest places of worship in the city, with roots reaching back to the 12th century, and it still functions today as an active parish church set within the grounds of a psychiatric hospital.

Where did the church come from?

Local tradition says the church was founded by a woman named Rusuida, who wanted to give a proper burial to her husband, Almerico Canogio, murdered while on pilgrimage to Santiago. She is said to have spent her entire fortune on the building, originally dedicated as Santa María de Canogio — the name that later evolved into "Conxo." Historical records, however, point to a different founder: Archbishop Diego Xelmírez, who reportedly intended the site to house a community of nuns. The date 1129 is carved into two arches of the Romanesque cloister and is considered the founding date of the monastery. A settlement had already grown up around the church as early as the 10th century.

What will you see there?

Two wings of the original Romanesque cloister survive today, making them the oldest surviving part of the complex. The current façade dates from the 17th century, while the church as it appears today is the work of González Araújo, built in the 18th century. Inside, look for the Baroque main altarpiece featuring images of Christ crucified, carved by Gregorio Fernández, one of the leading sculptors of Spanish Baroque art. In front of the church stands a traditional stone wayside cross (cruceiro), a typical feature of Galicia's sacred landscape.

Who ran the monastery?

A religious community was established here in the 15th century, when the monastery came under the Mercedarian order — the source of "Mercé" in the church's name — who administered it until the end of the 19th century. The friars then relocated to San Xoán de Poio in the province of Pontevedra, after which the monastic buildings took on new uses. Conxo itself was an independent municipality from 1835 to 1925, before being annexed to Santiago de Compostela.

What does the site look like today?

The former monastery complex was converted into a public psychiatric hospital — one of the more unusual repurposing stories among Galicia's historic buildings. The church itself, however, remains a separate, active parish, open to worshippers and visitors regardless of the hospital function of the surrounding complex. It's a modest but genuine site, largely untouched by mass tourism, which keeps its quiet, local character intact.

How to get there?

Conxo lies just south of Santiago de Compostela's historic center, within walking distance or a short city bus ride from the cathedral. It makes a rewarding stop for travelers who, after seeing the main sights of the city, want to discover a lesser-known but historically significant site connected to the Camino de Santiago.

When to visit?

The church can be visited year-round, ideally during mass or service hours when the interior is accessible. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, offering a calmer visit away from crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the church open to visitors? Yes, it is an active parish church and can be visited during opening hours, particularly around religious services.

Why is the church called "de Conxo"? The name comes from its original dedication, Santa María de Canogio, which gradually evolved into "Conxo" — now the name of the surrounding district.

What occupies the former monastery today? The monastic buildings house a public psychiatric hospital, while the church itself remains separate and continues to serve its religious purpose.

What is the cruceiro next to the church? It's a traditional Galician stone wayside cross standing in front of the entrance, a characteristic feature of the region's sacred landscape.