Jesuits’ Church in Valletta reopens to public after €5 million restoration

The Jesuits’ Church in Valletta has reopened to the public following extensive restoration works aimed at returning the historic building - the birthplace of the University of Malta - to its original glory.

“This is the cradle of an essential part of Maltese culture, the birthplace of Malta’s university,” rector Nicholas Joseph Doublet said during the reopening event.

National Heritage Minister Owen Bonnici said the €5 million restoration project, funded entirely through national funds, reflected the country’s determination to safeguard its cultural heritage.

“These works were planned and carried out over a decade. We have taken a church that was in a state that would make you cry and brought it back to its former glory,” Bonnici said.

The main church is being reopened to the public after about four years

Describing the church as “a very important part of our identity as a nation”, the minister said the reopening would be marked by a special Mass on Friday at 6pm, which will be broadcast live on TVM.

The main part of the church had been closed for around three years while restoration works were underway, with Mass held instead at the two restored oratories located on either side of the church’s side entrance.

The project included the restoration of internal walls and ceilings, columns, windows and marble flooring, as well as the modernisation of the electrical and security systems. Works also covered the roof, dome, belfry and façade, in addition to the restoration of the two oratories. Further restoration works are still ongoing.

The restoration project seeks to bring the historic building back to it former glory. Photo: AX Construction

Ceilings and walls were restored.

The dome of the Jesuits' Church underwent extensive works.

The church is the birthplace of the University of Malta. Photo: AX Construction

Formally known as the Church of the Circumcision, the Jesuits’ Church is one of Valletta’s oldest churches and among the largest in Malta. Built between 1593 and 1609 by the Society of Jesus, it is renowned for its architectural evolution and rich artistic patrimony.

Located in the heart of Valletta, the church hosts liturgical services, musical events and heritage activities, and has long been closely linked to the development of the University of Malta at its former Valletta campus. It continues to be used by the university for functions and graduation ceremonies.

The church houses an important collection of artworks, including paintings by Mattia Preti, Giovanni Battista Caracciolo, Stefano Erardi and Alessio Erardi.

The Jesuits’ Church Foundation, established jointly by Church and State in 2021, is responsible for overseeing conservation works, educational and cultural outreach, fundraising initiatives and the long-term stewardship of the church’s artistic heritage.

The foundation works with experts, donors and community partners to ensure the church remains active, accessible and preserved for future generations.

The restoration was led by the Department of Restoration and Preservation, and works were carried out by AX Constructions. Main sponsors include Bank of Valletta, MAPFRE Middlesea, the Alfred Mizzi Foundation, HSBC Malta Foundation and the Tumas Group, as well as public cultural entities including the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, Heritage Malta and Arts Council Malta.