The 17th century church in Balzan that took a quarter of a century to be built, is getting its first total exterior makeover, one wall at a time.

The church, whose architect remains unknown, is in the common Latin cross shape, however, it was built in the post-Tridentine era, just as baroque was being introduced locally.

The building of the church started in 1669

So while the building was influenced by the Doric and Tuscan architectural styles, the dome is of baroque influence.

It was later decorated by the renowned Giuseppe Calí in the late 19th century.

Fr Karm Farrugia is proud of his parishioners’ support. Photos: Matthew Mirabelli

The building of the church started in 1669, as the number of inhabitants kept increasing and by 1667 there were about 550 people living in 140 houses, with the old church of the Annunciation being too small for the increasing population.

Throughout the years, the interiors such as the stone wainscoting were refurbished through regular maintenance, but more than 300 years since its construction, the parish embarked on a large project in a bid to conserve the church’s exterior historical heritage. Some 40 years ago sporadic interventions were carried out on parts of the exterior, but when Fr Karm Farrugia was put at the helm of the parish in 2014, he found that plans for a major restoration had been drafted in 2009.

His predecessor Fr Kalcidon Vassallo had set up a team of architects, conservators and restorers from the locality, and studies and mapping of the walls could kick off immediately.

The Balzan parish church is undergoing a major restoration project of its exterior.

More than €30,000 was needed to restore the south-facing side. The parishioners rose to the occasion and pledged funds, however, it is estimated that €500,000 will be needed to complete all of the church’s exterior.

Expressing “gratitude and pride” for the parishioners’ support, Fr Farrugia said restoration of the north-facing side would hopefully kick off soon.

More information on parrocca.balzan@maltadiocese.org