Chapel of St Anthony of Padua, Fort Manoel, Catholic chapel in Fort Manoel, Gżira, Malta
The Chapel of St Anthony of Padua stands within Fort Manoel as a church building with a rectangular floor plan centred by a dome and flanked by four side altars. Its classical Baroque façade displays typical architectural features of the period and fits into the fortification's overall design.
The chapel was completed in 1727 under Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena as part of the fort's development. World War II aerial bombardment destroyed two-thirds of its structure, leading to its later reconstruction.
St Anthony of Padua is honoured in this chapel, which remains a place of worship within the fortress walls today. The space brings together visitors and residents who seek spiritual connection in this military setting.
Entry to the chapel comes through Fort Manoel's main complex, where you can see the interior details and structural elements up close. A comprehensive restoration in 2009 brought the building back to visitable condition and strengthened its overall structure.
The crypt below holds the remains of Charles François de Mondion, the French architect responsible for designing both this chapel and the entire Fort Manoel. His burial here connects visitors to the mind behind the entire fortification.
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