Sarria Church
| Sarria Church | |
|---|---|
| Church of the Immaculate Conception | |
| Knisja tal-Immakulata Kunċizzjoni (Ta' Sarria) | |
 | |
  Sarria Church | |
| 35°53′31.0″N 14°30′13.1″E / 35.891944°N 14.503639°E | |
| Location | Floriana |
| Country | Malta |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Founder(s) | Martin Sarria Navarra |
| Architecture | |
| Status | Active |
| Functional status | Church |
| Architect(s) |
Mattia Preti Lorenzo Gafà |
| Architectural type | Rotunda |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Malta |
| Clergy | |
| Rector | Lino Spiteri |
The Church of the Immaculate Conception known also as Sarria Church is a Roman Catholic Rotunda church in Floriana, Malta.
History
The original chapel was built in 1585 with funds provided by the Knight Fra Martin Sarria Navarra.[1] Following the devastation that the plague of 1675 brought on the country, Grand Master Nicolas Cotoner built in its place another church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception as a sign of thanksgiving.[2] The church was designed by prominent painter Mattia Preti. It is vital to note that this was the only church designed by Preti. It was built under the direction of architect Lorenzo Gafà.
Interior
The most precious possession of this church are the seven large canvases that surround the interior, painted by Mattia Preti. The altarpiece, by Mattia Preti, depicts the Immaculate Conception with angels sheltering their swords after defeating the plague of 1675.[3]
References
- ↑ "Sarria Church", Floriana Local Council, Malta. Retrieved on 10 February 2015.
- ↑ Said, Frans H."Sarria church, Floriana", Times of Malta, Malta, 08 October 2011. Retrieved on 10 February 2015.
- ↑ "Floriana", Malta Culture Guide. Retrieved on 10 February 2015.