Chapel of Mercy

About this place

The Chapel of Mercy, or Chapel of the Black Penitents, is a small church on the Rock of Monaco, built in 1639 and one of the oldest buildings in the principality. It is known for its calm pale front and a torchlit religious procession, a short and distinctive stop among the narrow lanes of the old town. Its first stone was blessed in 1639 under Prince Honoré II, prior of the Black Penitents brotherhood. In October 1813 the White Penitents joined them, forming a single brotherhood. It was built at the height of the Baroque, adorned with sculpture, paintings, marble and gilding. It is also known as the starting point of a torchlit procession held on the eve of Good Friday each year. The front has a simple harmonious composition, with flat pilasters, a curved pediment and a small cross. It carries a ceramic panel made by Ernesto Sprega in 1909, with an oval window above the carved timber door. Sources say the inside is rich in ornament and painted ceilings, unlike the plain exterior, and that it holds a well known wooden figure of Christ. It is about 105 m in a straight line from the cathedral, so it fits easily into a tour of the Rock. This is a place of worship, so dress modestly, enter quietly and do not walk around during prayer. It may not always be open, so do not count on going in, and ask on site. The lanes around it are narrow and can fill with groups, so morning is best.