Manifestations of baroque in rural Malta : Qrendi as a case study

Abstract

Qrendi is situated in the southern part of the island of Malta. It is flanked by lmqabba to the North, Zurrieq to the East and Siggiewi to the West and approximately 11 km from Valletta. Qrendi, like the neighbouring village of lmqabba, abounds in limestone. This stone has been quarried for millennia and it served as the main natural resource for the building and decorating of megalithic temples like Ħagar Qim, churches, dwellings and fortifications alike. No wonder that in Qrendi one can find buildings from most stages of the history of the island. For the purpose of this essay, the art and architecture of the baroque era in Qrendi will be considered. I will look into the baroque influence in Qrendi and its manifestations on the various chapels, the Parish Church and houses . The artifacts found in the Chapel of Tal-Ħniena and the Church will also be discussed not much as an art critic, as this is not in my competence to do, but to help me understand the baroque influence on the religious and the social life of the people of the time and hence get a better understanding of the mentality that shaped that society. What were the hopes or fears of the people? What were their beliefs? Who or what dominated their lives? To what extent did it influence their way of living? Do traces of these influences still prevail nowadays?