St Francis of Assisi Church, Baroque church in Valletta, Malta
St Francis of Assisi Church is a Baroque stone building in Valletta with a grand facade that displays Grand Master Gregorio Carafa's coat of arms above its main entrance. The interior holds paintings by several master artists and includes a large pipe organ used for services.
The church was founded in 1607 but required complete reconstruction in 1681 due to structural damage of the original building. Further expansion took place during the 1920s to strengthen and enlarge the structure.
The church remains an active place of worship for the Franciscan community and local devotees who gather for daily masses. The building honors St Francis through its artistic decorations and continues to serve as a spiritual center in the heart of the city.
The building welcomes visitors during daylight hours to view the interior artworks and architectural details, though services take place regularly. Plan your visit outside of service times if you wish to explore the church without interruption.
Inside stands a 1932 Mascioni pipe organ, one of the largest musical instruments ever built on the Maltese islands, still played during services. Few visitors realize how significant this organ is to the musical and religious heritage of Malta.
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