Malta

Malta, Cospicua: A glimpse of Heaven’s beauty reflected on Earth. This sacred masterpiece reminds us of the eternal glory of the Lord above. The Collegiate Church of the Immaculate Conception in Cospicua, Malta.

The statue of Our Lady widely known in Malta as “Il-Bambina” (which means young girl) at the basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady in Senglea (l-Isla), Malta.

The Christ the Redeemer (Ir-Redentur) statue in Senglea, Malta, crafted from papier-mâché, presumably the work of Saverio Laferla (1742–1744). Housed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Victories, it is a powerful symbol of faith. During Lenten and June processions, devotees show solemn devotion, with acts of penance and a profound display of faith. These acts of piety are also expressed throughout the year in the church. Many attribute miracles to the statue, making it one of Malta’s most revered religious icons, central to the whole island’s spiritual life.

The Mosta Dome, or Rotunda of Mosta, is a remarkable church in Malta dedicated to the Assumption of St Mary. Renowned for its massive unsupported dome, one of the largest in the world, it was built between 1833 and 1860 in a neoclassical style inspired by Rome’s Pantheon. During World War II, it became famous when a bomb pierced the dome but failed to explode, sparing hundreds. This “Miracle of Mosta” adds to its iconic status.

Malta, St John’s Co-Cathedral: The Baptism of Christ statue at St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta was begun by Melchiorre Gafà in 1666, but he died before finishing it. Decades later, his pupil Giuseppe Mazzuoli completed it in marble, not bronze, as a tribute to his master. The two lifelike figures are carved from a single marble block. It is one of many astonishing works of art at the cathedral.