- Address
Carmelite Priory, Triq IL Villegaignon, L-Imdina, Malta
- Web
http://www.carmelitepriory.org/ - Visiting Hours
Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday closed - What to see
Baroque Church
The Carmelite Church of the Annunciation in Mdina, built between 1660 and 1675, stands out as a key work in Maltese Baroque architecture, being the first church in Malta designed according to an elliptical plan. Its historical importance is accentuated during the French occupation in 1798, when it was stripped of its treasures and later served as a point of resistance during the revolt against the French. The church housed the Cathedral Chapter after the earthquake of 1693 until the consecration of the new cathedral in 1702. Among the outstanding works in the church are creations by renowned artists such as Mattia Preti, Stefano Erardi, Michele Bellanti and Giuseppe Calì, contributing to its artistic and cultural richness.
The Carmelite Church of Mdina not only represents an architectural landmark, but also plays a crucial role in the narrative of the Maltese Way. Its connection to the Maltese resistance against French oppression adds further historical significance, making this church a symbolic starting point for pilgrims venturing on the Maltese Way, exploring Malta’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
