Jesuit Church Oratory Returned To Former Glory
Malta’s capital city is a unique place brimming with art and cultural heritage which continue to be preserved and valued for generations to come.
At the heart of Valletta
The total restoration project of the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception at the Jesuits’ Church in Valletta has been completed, as work on the sacristy is expected to finish in the coming weeks. This was announced by the Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici during a visit at the Church in Valletta.
This beautiful restoration project came about with a total investment of €1,250,000 from national funds, with the project being led by the Restoration Directorate. This investment also comprises the eventual restoration of a second Oratory, known as the Onorati.
The Immaculate Conception Oratory, located at the heart of Valletta, is recognised to be a beautiful heritage site for visitors interested in experiencing the religious and artistic patrimony. The conservation of these works of art guarantees their survival and enjoyment for present and future generations of visitors to the Jesuit church.
Dr Bonnici highlighted that €4.5 million have been invested so far in restoring a precious heritage site in Valletta. The investment covers various restoration works that started in 2015, including the roof, dome, couplets on the chapels, and bell tower of the Jesuit church and additionally, the restoration of the church’s facades on Triq il-Merkanti, Triq l-Arcisqof, Triq San Pawl, and the restoration that is being announced today.
A little bit of history
The Oratory of the Immaculate Conception was built in the first half of the 17th century to provide a space for prayer for a confraternity established by the Knights of Saint John. Although the architect of the Oratory is unknown, some attribute it to Francesco Buonamici (1596–1677). In recent months, restoration work began to replace the mechanical and electrical systems and to restore the interiors of the sacristy, as well as the Oratories of the Immaculate Conception and the Onorati.
A present experience into the past
Rev. Dr Nicholas Doublet, the rector of the Jesuit Church, stated that the restoration of this baroque gem allows visitors to experience it in its original splendour. “
This restoration has led to the creation of a new cultural hub at the very centre of Valletta. The space has already become home to a varied cultural programme which we will continue to grow in the coming months.”, he said.
Architect Mark Azzopardi from the Restoration Directorate explained in detail the work done. “The existing services in the sacristy were removed and replaced and a fire detection system introduced. New lighting has been installed in the sacristy. Studies on the existing walls and ceiling have identified the original colours which have now been reproduced.
Repairs to the masonry and to the windows have been carried out and. Sanitary facilities in the sacristy have also been refurbished. A marble lavabo in the sacristy is being restored while the marble flooring of the sacristy was repaired and repolished,” he said.
What do you make of this renovation?