This ambious project is the timber and painting restoration and renovation of all the ceiling of St Francis Church, Republic Street, Valletta which hosts the largest painting by Giuseppe Cali (The Apotheosis of St Francis) and, by the same painter, The Death of St Francis. Other painters and decorations feature on the side wall painting included also in the restoration.
This is a very popular church for the Maltese community and is well known for everyone being the first church one encounters when entering popular Valletta. The church and friars from the very beginning always offered pastoral assistance to the people coming here especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Addition information:
• Location: Republic Street (near the corner with Melita Street), Valletta, Malta.
• Foundation: Originally built in 1598 and completed in 1607.
• Rebuilding: Rebuilt in 1681 under Grand Master Gregorio Carafa (whose coat of arms is on the facade) due to structural defects.
• Expansion: Expanded in the 1920s by Emanuel Borg, adding a dome.
Art & Architecture:
• Famous Artworks: Features paintings by renowned artists including Mattia Preti, Giuseppe Cali, Pietro Gagliardi, and Filippo Paladini.
• Pipe Organ: Houses an exquisite 1932 pipe organ built by the Italian firm Mascioni, which was restored in 2014.