Parish Church of The Assumption
The Parish church of Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Attard, was built in 1613, and is one of the finest of the small number of Renaissance churches in Malta. This church is traditionally attributed to the Maltese architect Tommaso Dingli (1591-1666). However, the design probably originated from Vittorio Cassar (c.1550-1609), while Dingli was the master mason or sculptor, being of a young age. The architect possibly modelled the church on that of S. Maria del Calcinaio (1484-1502) in Cortona, Italy.
Historic Detail
The façade has a symmetrical placement of six niches housing statues of St Anne, St Joachim, St John the Baptist, St Joseph, Abraham and David. These statues were carved by the Maltese sculptor Francesco Saverio Sciortino in 1945. Another stone statue is placed into the triangular pediment above the facade. Above the main doorway is a finely sculpted, large rose-window, the only direct source of light into the church. The façade’s composition resembles 1400s church facades with Spanish decorative overtones.
The proportions and details of the doorways are delicately carved. Those to the sides are adorned with low-relief foliage and natural forms. On the church side walls, oval windows are placed above the lateral doors. More windows extend along the walls in line with the rectangular windows above.
The church has three domes. Two low saucer domes with a lantern span the transepts, while the main dome rises over a high octagonal drum punctuated by four windows and small cornice
moulding
Highlight:
In 1718-26 a belltower was raised to the rear and left end of the church, adjoining the side of one of the transepts. The date ‘1718’ is carved over the door leading to the belltower, indicating its year of construction. In 1722 the belfry was equipped with a bell. The largest bell named ‘Publia’ was made in 1812 by the Maltese founder Antonio Tanti. The belltower included a clock which was installed in 1722. In 1872, this was replaced by a new clock by the Maltese clockmaker Michelangelo Sapiano (1826-1912).
Titular Painting:
The titular painting of The Assumption of the Virgin Mary was executed in 1681 by the Maltese artist Pasquale Buhagiar (1646-1711). The Baroque painting in oil on canvas is surrounded by a stone frame.
The Virgin Mary is shown being carried by angels towards Christ who is waiting to receive her in heaven where he and God the Father are about to crown her. Below, the apostles witness her divine entry to heaven in wonder, as they gather around her sarcophagus.
The elaborate sculpture around the titular painting was carved in stone by the Maltese sculptor (Michele?) Casanova (1595-1665).
The church is also endowed with a fine titular statue made of china. The Parish priest Dun Gwann Ebejer commissioned this in 1874 from the Parisian ceramist Raffael Ignaz. Its pedestal and platform were added in 1925.
Project Information:
The European Union co-funded project, focussed on conservation actions to ensure the long-term preservation of this historic church, of its intricately decorated facade and sculptures. The interventions sought to reverse and mitigate deterioration sustained through weathering, and pollutant processes. This was leading to the loss of the aesthetic qualities of the building as well as putting at risk its structural integrity. These actions are ensuring the long-term protection and enjoyment of this historic building lying in the heart of the community.
Visitors Opening Hours:
Refer to parrocci.knisja.mt/parrocca for full details.
How to arrive:
Refer to Malta Public Transport website: www.publictransport.mt
