During Valletta’s annual Notte Bianca celebration on Saturday 5th of October 2024, between 5:30pm and 11pm, the Jesuits’ Church will open its doors to the public, offering a unique experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to glimpse into the ongoing restoration efforts and view an open lab to restore the titular altarpiece of the Chapel of Saint Ann, undertaken by the skilled team at Atelier del Restauro.
Visitors will also be invited to ascend the scaffolding, where expert guides from AX Holdings will walk them through the various restoration works. This behind-the-scenes look at the conservation process offers a one-of-a-kind perspective and immersive experience into the dedication and craftsmanship involved in preserving this historic site.
The Jesuits’ Church is undergoing a meticulous restoration that highlights its historical, cultural, and artistic value. Built between 1593 and 1609 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the church, dedicated to the Circumcision of Our Lord, was remodelled in the Baroque style after sustaining damage in an explosion in 1634. The church’s interior houses masterpieces from renowned Neapolitan, Tuscan, Flemish, and Maltese artists, embellished with paintings by the foremost artists of the time, namely The Circumcision of the Lord by Filippo Paladini (1544-1614), and The Return from the Flight to Egypt by Battistello Caracciolo (1578-1635), amongst others. The Jesuits’ Church 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.
Launched in 2021, the restoration of the Jesuits’ Church focused on preserving its art and revitalising its structural integrity. 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 is committed to the long-term preservation, accessibility and safeguarding of this important artistic and religious heritage site, that has stood as a beacon of faith guiding Europe for centuries.
Today, the Jesuits’ 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 project has been at the forefront of cultural preservation in Malta, aiming to ensure that this sacred space continues to inspire future generations.
More information about the event can be found here.