The Rotary Club La Valette recently enjoyed a memorable cultural visit to the Naxxar Parish Church and Museum, one of Malta’s most historic and architecturally significant religious sites. Twenty-five members and guests participated in the event, which offered a rich blend of history, art, heritage, and fellowship.
The Parish Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, commonly known as the Naxxar Parish Church, is one of Malta’s oldest parishes, with documented origins dating back to 1436 . The present Baroque church was built between 1616 and 1630 by the renowned architect Tommaso Dingli, later enhanced by Lorenzo Gafà, architect of Mdina Cathedral. Its striking façade, elegant dome, intricate stone carvings, and richly decorated interior make it a landmark of Maltese Baroque architecture.
The guide, Paul Catania, supported by Victor Zammit, led an engaging, knowledgeable tour. To ensure an optimal experience, we split into two smaller groups, allowing members to explore the church’s architectural features, sacred art, and historical treasures at a comfortable pace. The church’s interior includes masterpieces attributed to Stefano Erardi and works from the school of Mattia Preti, including the celebrated titular painting depicting the Birth of Our Lady. Members showed great interest throughout, asking questions and appreciating the depth of Malta’s religious artistic heritage.
The adjoining Naxxar Parish Museum proved equally captivating. The museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts, including centuries-old Good Friday procession statues, antique religious vestments, silver ornaments, sculptures, and paintings. Many of these items reflect the parish’s long history as one of Malta’s earliest and most influential Christian communities, once responsible for overseeing 36 churches across Naxxar, Għargħur, Mosta, and nearby villages.
As a gesture of appreciation for the warm welcome and excellent guidance, Rotary Club La Valette donated €250 to support the parish and its museum. This contribution reflects Rotary’s commitment to preserving Malta’s cultural heritage and strengthening community ties.
The visit was a rewarding evening of learning, fellowship, and cultural appreciation. Members left with a deeper understanding of Naxxar’s historical significance and the enduring beauty of its parish church and museum—an experience that truly embodies Rotary’s spirit of community engagement and service.
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If you would like to donate to support the Club’s work and projects, you can do so through a direct bank transfer to the following Bank Account, specifying “Club Donation” when effecting the transfer. You are also encouraged to write to us on: [email protected] so that we may acknowledge your donation personally. Thank you.
Bank account details:
Account Name: Rotary Club La Valette Malta
Bank: HSBC Bank Malta plc, High Street, Sliema, Malta
Account No: 006 123467 001
Sort Code: 44060
IBAN: MT35MMEB44060000000006123467001
Swift Code: MMEB MTMT
