14 Gorgeously Unique Churches In Malta To Remind You That Variety Is The Spice Of Life
There are 359 churches in Malta, each unique in its own way. The styles and sizes of these churches vary outstandingly, but each and every one of them has unique features which will leave you in awe. Even in such a beautiful landscape, however, some still manage to rise above the rest in their uniqueness.
Here are 14 beautiful Maltese churches that you’ll be hard-pressed to match anywhere else on the planet.
1. San Ġużepp Parish Church, Manikata
Towards the northwestern tip of the island, in a tiny town just before Mellieħa, lies a small church that is easily one of Malta’s most unique.
In 1961, plans were set in motion to replace the chapel that used to serve the mere 12 families living in Manikata with a larger church. Originally the work of Edwin England Sant Fournier, the job on the new parish church was handed over to the architect’s son, Richard England. From there, it was a bumpy decade for the church.
Although the first stone was laid in 1962, the church wasn’t finished until 1974, where it managed to garner controversy thanks to its left-field, traditional ġirna-inspired design. Over three decades later, this church is still as unique as they get.
Photo by Daniel Cilia
2. Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Valletta
This stunning church is one of many found in Valletta.
Designed in the 17th Century by Girolamo Cassar, this beauty it had to be rebuilt after the Second World War as it was badly damaged during the attacks on the city.
In an island of sprawling church interiors all vying to leave you speechless, this church and its stark white-and-red contrast still manages to impress.
3. Our Lady of Graces, Żabbar
Situated right in the middle of Żabbar, Tal-Grazzja has been around since at least the 17th Century.
This church is built in the baroque style, but has been repeatedly rebuilt or fixed due to damages throughout the ages.
Our Lady of Graces boasts a large parvis (zuntier) and has a unique pjazza which sees it face slightly to the side .
4. Mellieħa Parish Church
This lovely church is situated almost on the edge of a very high hill, giving one of the nicest views on the island.
It also boasts a number of paintings by famous artists such as Giuseppe Calí and Lazzru Pisani.
5. Santa Tereża tal-Bambin Ġesu, Birkirkara
Want unique? Look no further.
This uniquely-designed church in Birkirkara is a fairly modern building. Constructed in the 70s, it was considered an architectural masterpiece for a very long time.
6. St. George’s Basilica, Gozo
This astounding church is found in Victoria, Gozo. The baroque style is reminiscent of the Knights’ era, a reminder of when this amazing building was built.
It was commissioned by Alof de Wignacourt and has one of the most breath-taking altars on the island, which kind of looks like a tiny chapel inside the church itself.
7. St. Francis of Assisi, Qawra
Another work entrusted to Richard England, this church in Qawra is relatively new compared to all the others on this list.
It’s built in a very modern style, highly characteristic of Richard England (anyone getting University of Malta / Mater Dei vibes?)
8. Collegiate Church of Saint Lawrence, Birgu
This lovely place of worship dates back to the 15th Century.
It was used by the Knights as their main church, up until they built the city of Valletta. Another church notably unique for its interior, the Collegiate Church of Saint Lawrence homes a number of Mattia Preti paintings and looks like a maze of light.
9. Madonna tal-Karmnu, Fgura
Designed in 1981, the Fgura Parish Church was built to look as if it were a tent.
The modern design and the stained glass windows make this church one of the most unique on the island, and it still manages to divert people more than 30 years later.
10. Church of St. Nicholas, Siġġiewi
The Siġġiewi Parish Church was originally built in 1436, but was rebuilt in the 17th century.
This church also houses a painting by Mattia Preti, who resided on the island and was regularly commissioned to work for the Church.
Famous for being one of the largest churches in Malta, St. Nicholas has a sprawling facade that becomes the centre stage come Maundy Thursday.
11. St. Catherine of Alexandria, Valletta
Nestled between Castille and Teatru Rjal is this impressive chapel-church hybrid that many people might overlook as they make their way down to Republic Street.
Another design by Giloramo Cassar, this church was commissioned by the Italian Knights of St. John. Both the copula and the titular painting were done by Mattia Preti upon his arrival in Malta.
12. St. Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral, Valletta
Valletta might be tiny as far as capital cities go, but it’s chock-full of very unique churches
In the 19th Century, the Dowager Queen Adelaide visited Malta and was sorely disappointed to find out that the Anglicans had no proper place of worship on the island. To make up for this in style, she commissioned the building of this neo-classical Pro-Cathedral.
The unique facade has some very strong Greek Parthenon vibes, and it’s actually its pointy tower that dominates the Valletta skyline.
13. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, Għarb, Gozo
Seeing as that’s quite the mouthful, everyone refers to this beautiful behemoth as Ta’ Pinu. A landmark in the surrounding countryside of sister island Gozo, Ta’ Pinu is as iconic as they get, and its recently-restored, circular, colourful parvis definitely helps make this one of the most iconic churches in Malta.
14. Parish Church of the Assumption, Mosta
Ah, the Mosta Dome.
Inside and out, the Rotunda is known all over the world for its beauty and splendour. This neo-classical church was built in the 1800s and is based on the designs made by the Maltese architect Tommaso Dingli.
The third largest freestanding dome church in the entire world (the first being the actual Vatican), the Mosta Dome is unique for way more than our tiny island.
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