St. George's Basilica, Minor basilica in Rabat, Malta
St. George's Basilica is a limestone church in Rabat, Malta, distinguished by its ornate Baroque facade and grand interior space designed for worship. The building contains multiple side chapels dedicated to different saints, each decorated with altars and religious artwork throughout.
Construction began in 1672 under architect Vittorio Cassar, with the building replacing an earlier church that occupied the site of a former Roman temple. The basilica took decades to complete and developed into an important religious landmark for the town.
The basilica serves as the spiritual center of Rabat, dedicated to the town's patron saint and host to the community's most important religious celebrations throughout the year. Locals and pilgrims gather here to mark sacred occasions with processions and ceremonies that reflect their devotion.
The basilica is open to visitors daily and maintains a schedule of religious services throughout the week. Remember that this is an active place of worship, so dress modestly and move quietly to respect those who are praying.
The main altarpiece was painted by Mattia Preti and depicts Saint George in a dramatic confrontation with the dragon, rendered with remarkable detail and movement. This artwork stands out as a masterwork of Baroque painting that deserves careful attention during a visit.
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