One World - Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (4)

The Church of St Barbara on Triq ir-Repubblika was originally the official church of the Langue of Provence. The exterior was designed by the accomplished Italian architect Romano Carapecchia, and construction of the church started in 1739. The interior was completed by the Maltese architect Giuseppe Bonnici as Carapecchia died before the church was completed.

The façade of the church is typical of the baroque style and the central pediment supports a large gilded statue of Our Lady. Internally, the church is centrally planned (one cell), having an elliptical dome typical of the baroque period and which is a very rare feature in local churches. This, combined with the semi-circular choir provide a very interesting planimetric innovation, which is unique.

The interior design leads one to look upwards towards the soaring dome which is brightly illuminated by the lantern windows. St Barbara is the patron saint of gunners and for centuries the Confraternita dei Bombardieri (artillerymen) held their religious services at this church.

Mepa scheduled the church of St Barbara as a Grade 1 national monument as per Government Notice number 276/08 in the Government Gazette dated March 28, 2008.