Hermitage of Our Lady of Mercy

Nuestra Señora de la Merced Hermitage: Historic Heritage of El Time

The Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Merced stands in the picturesque village of El Time, belonging to the municipality of Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura. Built in the 17th century, this hermitage is testimony to the religious fervor and dedication of the local inhabitants.

History and Construction

The construction of the hermitage was promoted by Don Manuel de la Trinidad, neighbor of El Time, who in October 1670 requested a license for its construction, committing himself to endow it and maintain its festivity. By 1674, the chapel was finished and equipped for worship.

Architectural Features

• Structure: The church has a single nave with a presbytery with a different height and a hipped roof. The sacristy is attached to the wall of the epistle by the chancel, without access from the exterior and with a window in the western wall.
• Accesses: It has two entrances: one on the south wall, topped by a semicircular arch and framed in light stonework; and another on the main facade, also with a semicircular arch in dark stonework.
• Espadaña: Located in the center of the main façade, it is made of red stone with a single hole for the bell, topped with a wooden cross. An inscription on the belfry indicates the year 1909, probably referring to the placement of the bell, acquired by Don Juan Reyes Barrios and his son Agustín after his return from Cuba.

Cultural Heritage

The chapel houses an image of Our Lady of Mercy, acquired during the stewardship of Don Gregorio de Bares between 1724 and 1741, replacing the original donated by Don Manuel de la Trinidad. Devotion to the Virgin of Mercy is deeply rooted in the Canary Islands, being invoked for protection against attacks and captivity by Barbary pirates.

Restoration and Conservation

In May 2007, the Cabildo of Fuerteventura concluded the restoration works of the hermitage, focused on the reconstruction of the roof structures, which had suffered significant damage due to the passage of tropical storm Delta in 2005. The Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Merced is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of the historical and cultural heritage of El Time, reflecting the faith and commitment of its inhabitants over the centuries.