Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, Pietà, Roman Catholic church in Pietà, Malta
The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows is a Baroque building with a rectangular doorway, pilasters, and a statue of the Virgin Mary on its facade that defines the structure's appearance. Inside, it houses an altarpiece by Gioacchino Loretta showing the Virgin Mary with Jesus, along with several restored historical paintings.
The building was constructed during the plague epidemic of 1592-1593 as a chapel honoring Saint Roch near a cemetery for plague victims. The establishment of an Augustinian convent in 1617 later led to the church's rededication and shaped its ongoing importance.
The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary's sorrow, but it originally honored Saint Roch before an Augustinian convent was established in 1617 and the dedication changed. This shift reflects how faith and community needs evolved in Pietà over time.
The building underwent extensive restoration and repairs in the early 2000s to preserve its condition. The site is straightforward to visit and accessible to most visitors.
The altarpiece features a significant work by Gioacchino Loretta depicting the Virgin Mary and Jesus, representing one of the church's artistic treasures. This painting is one of the most notable elements for visitors interested in art and religious imagery.
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