St. Dominic Basilica

Valletta, Malta

The Basilica of St. Dominic is one of the three parish churches of Valletta. It is administered by the Dominican Order whose convent is located behind the church.

The land upon which the church and convent are built were given to the order by Grand Master Pierre de Monte. Girolamo Cassar was commissioned to draw up the plans. The first stone was laid on 19 April 1571. The parish was established on 2 July 1571 by a decree given by Pope Pius V, considered as the benefactor of the construction of Valletta. It was dedicated to Our Lady of Fair Havens which means 'Good Harbour' because of the great number of sailors that used to attend services at the small chapel that the Dominicans had built prior to the construction of the large church. It was also declared that the parish of St Dominic would be the principle parish church of the city.

The church was closed and declared unsafe on July 24, 1780 as a consequence of earthquakes and severe storms. A new church was built on the same site of the original church some 25 years after it was closed. The church was opened and blessed on May 15, . The church was elevated to the dignity of a Minor basilica on March 25, 1816. The church was finally consecrated on October 15, 1889 by Archbishop Pietro Pace.

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Details

Founded: 1815
Category: Religious sites in Malta

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Malta Tour Guide (6 years ago)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This Beautiful basilica is the main parish church, martrice, domnician convent and basilica of Valletta and is found in the lower and quiet areas of Valletta .The traditional Maltese religious festa is celebrated on the first Sunday of August and is dedicated to St Dominic .Valletta is amazing full of many gems !
Thomasina Jill Louise Grech (6 years ago)
Very nice place this church in Valletta
gio vasquez (6 years ago)
Was such a beautiful church, absolutely amazing architecture. Would definitely recommend others to see for themselves.
Keith Micallef (7 years ago)
Magnificent outside and Superb inside
Alvydas V. (8 years ago)
St. Dominic's Church St. Dominic's Parish Church know as Our Lady of Fair Havens Basilica .
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