Victory church altar restoration

The high altar at the church of Our Lady of Victory in Valletta is to be restored with the support of the Alfred Mizzi Foundation as part of a longer term sponsorship that will see the conservation of the five altars and altar niches that decorate the church.

The main altar dates to 1752, to the period when the church was extended at both ends and its Baroque façade erected under the instructions of Grand Master Emanuel Pinto de Fonseca.

It is made of a mix of fine marbles inlaid with the cross of the Order of St John that dominates its central body, while two heraldic shields of arms decorate either end. These emblems, which also decorate the vaulted ceiling of the church, belong to the Bailiff of Majorca, Fra Gerolomas Ribas de Montelieu, who financed its construction and paid for its Baroque façade.

Julian Sammut, trustee of the Alfred Mizzi Foundation, said: “The foundation is a long-standing supporter of the Din l-Art Ħelwa project for the restoration of Valletta’s first church. We are glad to see work is solidly underway and are privileged to be associated with the project and proud to be part of its Victory team.”

The church architecture suffered decay through time, rising damp, inappropriate interventions and pollution. The conservation of the high altar has been entrusted to James Licari and Frank Chetcuti, conservator restorers.