Churches of Malta - The Parish Church of St Lawrence in Vittoriosa
This is the oldest church in Malta. It is said that it was a gift from Count Roger the Norman, when he came to Malta in 1090. In its present style it was built in the 17th century and designed by the Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa, who also designed the Cathedral in Mdina and the Cathedral in Gozo.
The Knights of the Order of St John used the parish church of St Lawrence as their Convent Church. One must remember that Valletta was not yet built when the Knights came to Malta in 1530. The Knights of the Order of St John did not settle in Mdina, the old capital, as by now they had organized themselves into a military order and they wanted to be close to their ships. Mdina was too far away from the harbor. This church is built in Baroque style and is in the shape of a Latin cross. The columns are of a very beautiful pinkish colored marble and on each column one can see the eight-pointed cross. The titular painting depicts the martrydom of St Lawrence and was painted by Mattia Preti.
The feast of St Lawrence is celebrated in August. The statue which is carried shoulder high through the streets of Vittoriosa is made of silver.
