Early seventeenth century Church architecture in Malta

Abstract

Born and bred at Attard, I have always felt an attraction towards the Church which adorns the main piazza if this village community - a work of architecture which although here expressing unparalleled characteristics, could be described as just one of a family of Churches erected during the early seventeenth century. These examples could be considered as an important achievement in the local history of architecture, for not only were they the first to adopt the Latin Cross plan, but they could be considered as the first local buildings where Renaissance attitudes imported from nearby Italy were truly attempted. But notwithstanding their importance, amongst all buildings, these Churches were the most to suffer.