In the heart of Valletta, Malta, the Church of the Circumcision of Our Lord, commonly known as the Jesuits Church, is a testimony to centuries of religious devotion and artistic splendour. A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, the church is now undergoing a meticulous restoration that highlights its immense historical, cultural, and artistic value. This project, overseen by the Jesuits Church Foundation, has been at the forefront of cultural preservation in Malta, aiming to ensure that this sacred space continues to inspire future generations.
A History Steeped in Art and Devotion
The Jesuits Church was built between 1593 and 1609 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). It waslater remodelled in the Baroque style after sustaining damage in an explosion in 1634. The adjacent oratories, the Immaculate Conception and the Onorati Oratory, also date back to the 17th century and are rich with artistic treasures.
The church's interior houses masterpieces from renowned Neapolitan, Tuscan, Flemish, and Maltese artists. The church and its chapels are all embellished with paintings by the foremost artists of the time, including Neapolitan, Tuscan, Flemish, and Maltese masters. Its altarpaintings include such masterpieces as The Circumcision of the Lord by Filippo Paladini(1544-1614), The Return from the Flight to Egypt by Battistello Caracciolo (1578-1635), The Escape of St Peter from Prison by Mattia Preti (1613-1699), Apparition of the Holy Trinity to St Ignatius Loyola, by Francesco Romanelli (1610-1662), Our Lady and the Child Jesus with St Ignatius Loyola and St Francis Xavier by Giuseppe d’Arena (c.1643-1719) besides others. The Jesuits Church thus presents an array of artistic schools from late sixteenth-century Mannerist art to Caravaggist art to the High Baroque. For this reason, it is considered to equate with St John’s Conventual church in terms of the quality of its paintings.
Today, the Jesuit Church continues to serve as an active place of worship and a religious heritage monument. It is a symbol of Malta’s rich cultural heritage that welcomes visitors to admire its artistic splendour and participate in its rich cultural programme.
The Restoration Efforts
The restoration of the Jesuit Church is a monumental task, focused on preserving its art andrevitalising its structural integrity. Launched in 2021, the Jesuits Church Foundation has spearheaded efforts to conserve the church and its adjoining oratories in collaboration with the Restoration Directorate. Through this agreement between Church and State, the Foundation embarked on a journey committed to the long-term preservation and accessibility of this important historic religious heritage site, with an unwavering dedication to safeguard this sacred space and its religious, artistic patrimony, to honour the legacy of our ancestors, and to sustain the spiritual sanctuaries that have stood as a beacon of faith guiding Europe for centuries.
Key areas of focus include the conservation of the oratories’ interiors, the timber gabled roofs, the marble floors, and intricate sculptures. Restoration of paintings such as those depicting the Life of the Virgin, attributed to Filippino Dingli and Stefano Erardi, has already been completed. These efforts ensure that the church's artistic and religious heritage remains intact for future generations.
The ongoing works include enhancements in fire and security systems and new lighting to showcase the art better. Through the expert guidance of Curatorial Studio and other consultants, the project has uncovered and restored original decorative schemes, such as the historic blue colour theme of the Immaculate Conception Oratory.
Special Opening for Notte Bianca 2024
This year, the Jesuits Church will offer a unique experience during Valletta's annual Notte Bianca celebration on Saturday, October 5th. From 5:30 to 11:00 p.m., the church will open its doors to the public, providing a rare glimpse into the ongoing restoration efforts. Visitors will have the exceptional opportunity to view an open lab to restore the titular altarpiece of the Chapel of Saint Ann, undertaken by the skilled team at Atelier del Restauro.
In an even more immersive experience, visitors will be invited to ascend the scaffolding, where expert guides from AX Holdings will walk them through the various restoration works being carried out. This behind-the-scenes look at the conservation process offers a one-of-a-kind perspective on the dedication and craftsmanship involved in preserving this historic site.
Collaboration with the Restoration Directorate
The Foundation’s partnership with the Restoration Directorate has been pivotal to the project's success. Together, they have ensured that the structural and restoration works adhere to the highest conservation standards. Under the leadership of Rev. Dr Nicholas Doublet, Chairman of the Foundation and Pro-Rector of the Jesuits Church, the Foundation continues to work closely with specialised contractors to maintain the site's historical integrity.
Value of Structural works
Contract Values for Completed Works:
- Restoration of the choir stalls in the Immacolata Oratory: €36,000
- Restoration of ceilings, walls, and floors in the sacristy and oratories: €895,000
- Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) works in the sacristy and two oratories: €248,000
- Sacristy cupboards: €96,000
- Soffit of the Onorati Oratory: €103,000
Ongoing Restoration Works:
- Restoration of ceilings, walls, and floors of the main church: €1.25 million
- M&E works in the main church and lighting of the facade: €450,000
Value of Conservation works on Paintings and the collection.
ERDF 2021 & Archdiocese of Malta 85%/15% contribution- Conservation of 15 paintings in the Oratories: €250,000
Archdiocese of Malta: Sacristy Paintings disinfestation, new paint hang, Conservation of paintings, ecclesiastical artefacts, floral panel paintings, 4 Evangelists and furniture €60,000
Patrons programme to date - €500,000
Looking Ahead
The conservation work on the main church, including its nave, transepts, and side chapels, is ongoing, with completion expected within the next three years. Once finished, the Jesuit Church will serve as an active place of worship and stand as a beacon of cultural and artistic heritage, attracting both the faithful and art enthusiasts alike. This project is about preserving the past and ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the beauty, faith, and history this sacred space embodies.
The restoration of the Jesuit Church is more than a cultural project—it is a celebration of Malta’s artistic and spiritual legacy, which resonates deeply within the broader context of European history. For those attending Notte Bianca, this October will be an unforgettable chance to witness that legacy in action.
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