Team
Client: Jesuits’ Church Foundation
Lead Perit/i: Restoration and Preservation Department
Architecture Design Perit/i: Restoration and Preservation Department
Conservation Perit/i: Restoration and Preservation Department
Planning Consultant Perit/I: Restoration and Preservation Department
Building Systems Engineer: Engineering Projects Studio
Interior Design Lead: Restoration and Preservation Department
Project Manager: Restoration and Preservation Department
Warranted Conservator: Restoration and Preservation Department, AX Construction Ltd
Architect: Restoration and Preservation Department
Scientific Analysis: Restoration and Preservation Department
The arrival of the Jesuits on the Maltese islands coincided with the setting up of the new city of Valletta. It was the newly appointed Bishop Tomás Gargallo who asked the Jesuit provincial in Sicily in 1578 to open a college in Malta.
It was only in 1590 that the Jesuits finally settled in Malta. The chosen location was that occupied by the church of St Paul Shipwreck, property of the Cathedral Chapter of Mdina. The layout is attributed to Jesuit architect Padre Giuseppe Valeriano. The church has a four-bay nave with side chapels, two transepts and crossing, and an apse, and is essentially a reproduction of the plan of the Il Gesu’ in Rome. Works started in 1595 making it the first Latin cross church on the island. A nearby explosion in 1634 provided the opportunity to embark on improvements seemingly entrusted to Francesco Buonamici who transformed what was a dark and sombre church into the existing one.
In recent times the church had fallen into disrepair. Rainwater infiltration in the church was common, particularly from the dome. The paint layers were flaking, and a general sense of neglect prevailed. Interventions were carried out in the years 2015 to 2018 whereby the roof structures and the external facades of the church were restored in accordance with PA 595/15.
It is however the internal interventions carried out between 2023 and 2026 that are the subject of this submission. The roofs have been repaired, including the extrados of the dome and its internal replastering. The modern paint layers were removed, and the dome, vaults and walls repainted in colours that reflect the traces of underlying historic paint. Sculptural features buried under multiple coats of paint were revitalised. The coat of arms of Bishop Gargallo was duly restored. The marble floor was also repaired and repolished. Plaques were cleaned and restored. All the services were replaced, and modern lighting, sound systems, intruder and fire detection systems were introduced. Several of the major paintings were restored or are in the process of restoration, as are the altars and chapels.
In line with best practice restoration principles, the project saw the collaboration between various entities and individuals. Basic historic research identified the value of these spaces and their relevance from an artistic and cultural perspective. This was complemented by on-site surveys using laser scanning techniques and scientific analyses.
These interventions involved listening carefully to the story these spaces had to tell. The interventions were not undertaken blindly. Multiple investigations and scientific analyses helped identify the materials present and their stratigraphy. Interventions were supported by studies carried out on the existing plasters and paint, detect areas of defects, propose intervention materials and techniques, as well as to test colour compatibility.
The church has been given a new lease of life. Beyond serving as a place of worship, it has become a centre for cultural and academic activity, welcoming visitors throughout the year. Where signs of neglect once prevailed, visitors are now greeted by a beautifully restored seventeenth-century church that has been brought back to life.
