Church of St Mary, Renaissance parish church in Birkirkara, Malta
Church of St Mary is a parish church in Birkirkara, Malta, featuring Renaissance architecture with Corinthian pilasters adorning its facade and an arched main entrance decorated with detailed stonework. The structure includes a prominent dome and rises on an elevated position that dominates the local skyline.
The current structure replaced a medieval church, with construction beginning around 1615 and major elements completed by 1646. The distinctive dome was added in 1656 and has defined the building's appearance ever since.
The religious building maintains its position as one of three parish churches in Birkirkara, serving the local Catholic community alongside St Helen's and St Joseph's churches.
The building sits on a hillside location and is easily visible from various parts of the town. Access requires climbing steps or paths leading up to the elevated site, so plan accordingly for your visit.
The site was deliberately chosen on a hill to protect residents from pirate raids, reflecting the strategic planning of the settlement at that time. The building later received national monument status in recognition of its architectural importance.
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