The University of Malta : an architectural appraisal from inception to the present

Abstract

The University of Malta owes its origins to the Collegium Melitense Societatis Jesu instituted in 1592 by Pope Clement VIII (r.1592–1605).2

It was during the magistracy of Martino Garzes that the foundation stone was officially laid on 4 September 1595 for a building that would host the Collegium in Valletta. This building and the Jesuit church attached to it occupied an entire block and had frontages on four streets namely Merchants Street to the west, St Paul Street to the east, St Christopher Street to the north, and Archbishop Street to the south. The first plan of the church and college complex was designed by the Neapolitan Jesuit architect Giuseppe Valeriano (1542–96). [excerpt]