The Jesuit Church in Valletta, one of the most important jewels of Maltese cultural and religious heritage, has been brought back to life through extensive restoration works that have now come to an end.
This historic site will be opened to the public this weekend with a special mass on Friday 6th February at 6pm, which the public can attend as well as follow live on TVM+.
Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici said, “The restoration works confirm the ongoing commitment to ensuring that the national heritage is not only preserved, but also enjoyed by present and future generations. Investment in the cultural sector reflects the country’s economic success and strengthens collective memory and national identity.”
“The Jesuit Church remains a powerful symbol of Malta’s cultural and religious history. This is a new chapter that shows how through collective work we can protect the past while building a future worthy of future generations,” concluded Minister Bonnici.
The Rector of the Church, the Reverend Dr Nicholas Joseph Doublet said, “The reopening of the Jesuit Church marks the completion of the first phase of one of the most ambitious ecclesiastical conservation projects undertaken in Malta in recent years. This is not simply the restoration of a historical monument, but a work aimed at regaining the legibility of this complex in the heart of our Capital, as a living space, where architecture, art, faith and holistic formation once again speak coherently. Built on serious research, interdisciplinary collaboration and respect for historical stratification, this project reaffirms the Jesuit Church as a place that expresses Maltese identity, the cultural memory of our people and the collaboration between State and Church in the protection of our patrimonial heritage — restored not as a museum, but as a sacred space that able to continue to inspire, engage and provide space for the talents of today’s and tomorrow’s generations.”
The works included restoration of the walls and ceiling, repair of the stonework and balustrades, restoration of the windows, polishing of the marble floors, modernization of the electrical systems and introduction of modern security systems.
A total of €5 million was invested from national funds, which also includes the restoration of the Oratories, the roof, the dome, the chapels, the bell tower and the church facades. The restoration project was under the responsibility of the Department of Restoration and Preservation.
In 2021, a dedicated foundation was established to care for this historic site, so that the church remains not just a monument, but a living space that serves the community and the country.
The additional contribution of various private sponsors, including Bank of Valletta, MAPFRE Middlesea, Alfred Mizzi Foundation and Tumas Group, as well as public cultural entities, including St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, Heritage Malta and Arts Council Malta, was also acknowledged.
