For the second consecutive year, St Lawrence Church of Vittoriosa is showcasing its' hidden gems which are normally not accessible to the general public during the year. This is an opportunity to delve into the heart of Vittoriosa's rich history and culture. This year's 'Hidden Gems' coincides with two significant anniversaries: 460 years since the Great Siege of Malta and 1,800 years since the birth of Saint Lawrence, the patron saint of Vittoriosa.
The Collegiate Church Complex of Saint Lawrence boasts a magnificent collection of sacred art, archives, and relics that witness the glorious past of this historic maritime city and the deep faith of its people. Among these treasures, the Parish Museum houses the hat and battle sword of Grand Master Jean de Valette, along with other invaluable relics linked to the Great Siege of 1565. These objects remain tangible reminders of one of the most defining moments in the history of Malta and Vittoriosa.
Born in Huesca, Aragon, in 225, Saint Lawrence has been the patron saint of the city for centuries. The Aragonese were instrumental in introducing and strengthening the cult towards the Spanish saint. This year, the parish of Vittoriosa, together with Lawrenzjani around the globe, is celebrating the 18th centenary of his birth. Visitors will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Baroque church, the work of Vittoriosa-born architect Lorenzo Gafà. When the Order of St John arrived in Malta in 1530, the church became the Conventual church of the Order. It was also the Church of the Inquisitors.
The church boasts an immense artistic heritage that is closely tied to this revered martyr. Among the many artefacts that adorn this beautiful church, one finds Mattia Preti's masterpiece portraying the saint's martyrdom, the biggest canvas of the renowned artist from Calabria, which was commissioned in 1689. Another work of great artistic value is the 19th century pulpit which was restored in 2023. The church also houses the artistic statue of Saint Lawrence, the only titular statue in Malta dressed in real garments and boasts two historically significant silver reliquaries containing relics of the saint. The older one dates back to the 17th century, and the relics of the other were gifted to the church by Inquisitor Giuglio Carpegna. Furthermore, Saint Lawrence is prominently featured in six paintings decorating the church's ceiling, masterpieces created by the celebrated artists Ignazio Carlo Cortis and Giuseppe Cali. Visitors can also admire the grand painting adorning the dome, an impressive depiction of the Great Siege, created by contemporary artist Manuel Farrugia.
The city of Vittoriosa has always been a melting pot of cultures, from Genoese, Venetian, and Greek seafarers to the later arrival of the Knights of St John in 1530. These various cultures left an indelible mark on the city, shaping its traditions, customs, and character. The arrival of the Knights of St John in Birgu ushered in its most glorious era, as the city became the epicentre of one of the greatest Christian institutions of its time. Vittoriosa's legacy continues to thrive today, with its vibrant traditions and folklore, even amidst the challenges of post-war Malta and an ageing population.
During the St Lawrence Hidden Gems Open Weekend, apart from the church, visitors will have the chance to explore the Chapter House, which houses the archives of the parish and some of the most cherished 16th Century silver artefacts that the Knights of St John brought with them from Rhodes, among them a small silver cross with precious stones which was used by the Grand Masters to take the solemn oath of office. One can also admire an early 16th century painting, known as the Sacred Conversation, which is of Venetian style, the work of the renowned painter Palma Vecchio, a silver Gothic censer, possibly datable to the early 15th century and an artistically Gothic impressive altar cross which is displayed on the main altar during the annual festivities of St Lawrence in August. This year a set of six wooden statues of the Apostles is also being exhibited, sculpted by the renowned artist Mariano Gerada. One can also visit the Parish Museum, the Oratory of the Crucifix, where the Good Friday statues are kept throughout the year, two of the four crypts, and the old belfry.
This cultural initiative is being held between this coming Friday and Sunday, between 10 am and 5:30 pm. Visitors will be asked to donate €5; children under 12 enter for free. During the Open Weekend, visitors can roam about with the help of a specially designed visitor's map or join a guided tour on the hour. The weekend will also include a historical rendering of the Great Siege by a drama group and re-enactments by the In Guardia group. On Friday, the Soċjetà Mużikali San Lawrenz will be giving a concert to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first musical programme conducted by their former German musical director, Carl Maria Artz. On Saturday, the Vox Dulcis Chorale Choir will be animating the 6 pm Mass and giving a short concert after the celebration.
This event is being organised by St Lawrence Parish Church, in collaboration with the Vittoriosa Local Council and with the support of the Malta Tourism Authority, Heritage Malta, the Kottonera Foundation and Esplora.