PNL 0003
Decorative Techniques and Applications
Timeline 2
1596
1680
1676 - 1702
1732 - 1789
1732 - 1800s
1850
1870
Level -3
Beneath the crypt, is the rock hewn, Second World War anti-air raid shelter which dates back to 1941.
Excavated by hand using picks, sledgehammers and shovels, the shelter was another refuge to the many, either as a temporary refuge or to those who suffered the loss of their house and belongings during the war. It consists on a main gallery running along the width of the entire facades of the church and convent, sometwelve meters (40 feet) below ground. Along the gallery are a number of small cubicles where entire families lived.
Level -2
The crypt beneath the church was original used as burial grounds for the friars and locals of the area, before public cemeteries were introduced.
In a section of the undercroft, one may still admire the remains of the first cloister attributed to Glormu Cassar, which are unique to Valletta, if not to Malta. The architectural style, particularly of the columns, arches and mouldings, are characteristic to the Medieval style adopted by the Order of St. John in their buildings in Rhodes, Greece and Vittoriosa.
The courtyard although damaged in parts after the WWII bombings is a fine example of the gigantic order.
The architectural fabric reveals the earlier cloister and the earliest church. Remnants of the original architectural fabric and elements throws light on the fine architecture and the various layers of dev elopment of this extensive complex from the 1500s.
Text about Area 02
Text about Area 04
Text about Area 06
Level -1
- Area 01
- Area 02
- Area 03
- Area 04
Level 0
- Area 01
- Area 02
- Area 03
- Area 04
Level 1
- Area 01
- Area 02
- Area 03
- Area 04