The Jesuit Church complex in Valletta, with its two Oratories, carries great significance for the architectural and artistic history of Malta, given the mastery of its Baroque architecture, as well as its paintings and furnishings.
The Sacristy and Oratories
Works are currently concentrated on the interior of the complex, namely the sacristy and oratories. Dating back to the first half of the 17th century, the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception was built to provide a suitable space for prayer for a confraternity established some time earlier by the Knights of Saint John. Although historical sources have as yet not uncovered its architect, the time of its construction have led some to attribute it to Francesco Buonamici (1596–1677).
Mid-2021 saw the start of works to replace the existing mechanical and electrical systems and to carry out restoration works on the interiors of the sacristy and the oratories of the Immaculate Conception and that of the Onorati. Works on the sacristy and the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception are today practically complete.
The existing services in the sacristy were removed and replaced and a fire detection system introduced. New lighting has been installed in the sacristy. Studies on the existing walls and ceiling have identified the original colours which have now been reproduced. Repairs to the masonry and to the windows have been carried out and. Sanitary facilities in the sacristy have also been refurbished. A marble wash hand basin in the sacristy is being restored while the marble flooring of the sacristy was repaired and repolished.
The services in the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception have also been removed. A new light system has been introduced and a fire detection system and a public address system will soon be installed. The existing walls and ceiling have been cleaned from grime and soot and a grey paint layer removed. Studies on the existing walls and ceiling have identified the original colour scheme which now had been restored. Repairs to the balustrade over the oratory door have been carried out as well to the windows. The altar has been restored, the steps and the marble floor repaired and repolished.
The Oratory of the Immaculate Conception is decorated by a cycle depicting the Life of the Virgin attributed to the mature Filippino Dingli (born e. 17th century and died in 1677), and Stefano Erardi (1630-1716), paintings which are also undergoing restoration. The restoration of the floral panels and the choir which embellish the Oratory have also been completed. The restoration of the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception and the Oratory of the Onorati has been carried out by AX Holdings Ltd. The choir stalls have been conserved by Atelier del Restauro Ltd. The conservation of the paintings has been carried out by Prevarti Ltd. In addition, the Archdiocese of Malta also entrusted the restoration of the floral panel paintings and the mural paintings of the Four Evangelists in the Apse to Atelier del Restauro Ltd.
The importance of their pictorial cycles for the development of baroque art in Malta cannot be overstated. In addition, the location of the two Oratories at the very heart of Valletta, makes them an important heritage site for visitors who wish to experience the religious and artistic heritage. Their conservation has guaranteed the survival of these works of art and has ensured their enjoyment for present and future generations of visitors to the Jesuit complex.
The contract value of these works is €1,250,000.
Comments