Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Valletta, Malta

The Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a Roman Catholic church in the Maltese capital Valletta and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the entire city of Valletta.

The first church was dedicated to the Annunciation. It was built around 1570 on the designs of Girolamo Cassar. In the 17th century it was given to the Carmelites and thus received its present patronage to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The façade was redesigned in 1852 by Giuseppe Bonavia. On May 14, 1895 by Pope Leo XIII elevated the church to the rank of Minor Basilica. The church was seriously damaged during the Second World War and it had to be rebuilt.

The new church was built from 1958 to 1981. It was consecrated in 1981. The 42 meter high oval dome dominates both the city skyline and Marsamxett Harbour. It is higher than the steeple of the immediately adjacent Anglican Cathedral in Valletta. The main attraction in the interior is a painting of Our Lady of Mount Carmel dating from the early 17th century. The interior has been sculpted by the sculptor Joseph Damato over 19 years. Striking are the columns of red marble.

References:

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Religious sites in Malta

User Reviews

Alberto Gullo (2 years ago)
Amazing bazilika to visit. I couldn't explore it inside cause was closed

Cristina “Lexie” Veres (2 years ago)
We just entered on a Sunday evening around 19:00, the priest was holding the Eucharist. It was lovely. Didn't pay anything at that time.

Nabil R (2 years ago)
One of the more underrated churches in Valetta. It is lesser known than the other ones but still a sight to behold. The clear white dome is a huge contrast to the fresco ceiling of other churches nearby. I was able to catch part of a mass service here on a weekend and there was a choir. The acoustics in this place are quite good for the size of the structure. Overall worth it to at least take a peak inside or sit for an entire Sunday mass, if that's your thing. Good historical landmark!

Orestis - (2 years ago)
Although it is difficult to photograph the outside of the basilica with a wide shot as it is located in narrow streets, its dome stands out impressively against the skyline of Valletta. Otherwise, its interior is nothing special - just another Catholic basilica.

Jonathan Rollins (3 years ago)
Very beautiful and characteristic church, visible from almost everywhere around Valletta. But inside Valletta the church is a bit hidden away in small narrow streets and bit easy to overlook.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

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