Baroque Chapels in Malta

Abstract

The landscape of the Maltese islands is characterised by the abundance of places for religious worship. The physical fabric of local towns and villages evolved around the parish church which was strategically situated at the urban centre. With the advent of the religious and military Order of St John in 1530, places of religious worship assumed even greater significance as local parishes sought to emulate the Knights' ecclesiastical buildings in Valletta. During the late 17th century and early 18thcentury various parish churches were rebuilt on a larger scale, facades were entirely remodelled in the Contemporary Baroque architectural style, and church interiors became more ornate. In effect, these newly rebuilt parish churches became repositories of the collective wealth of the local community. These architectural manifestations of religious fervour were not only limited to the reconstruction and enlargement of existing parish churches. Smaller places of worship in the form of chapels (capelle) became ever more popular. A number of older chapels that were recorded during the pastoral visitation of Mgr. Duzzina in 1575 were entirely rebuilt in a more elaborate Baroque style.