‘Birgu, St Lawrence Parish Hidden Gems’ open weekend
Multisite Entrance Donation 5 Euro Adults Under 12 year olds FREE
Friday 16, Saturday 17 &Sunday 18 May 2025 ( from 10h00 to17h30)
EXPLORE,ADMIRE, and above all ENJOY!
Visitors will havethe unique opportunity to visit places which are normally notopento the general public. Do not miss out on this opportunity to experience the Religious,
Historical and Cultural aspects of theSt Lawrence Parish Church Complex -
The event is being organised by the St. Lawrence Parish in collaboration with the Birgu Local Council 460th anniversary of the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.
Birgu evolved from a small hamlet, inhabited byapprox. 500 people, into a fully-fledged and well-defended city. Its defenseswere robust enough to repel the formidable Ottoman armada during the 1565siege. This triumph was a significant turning point in Malta's history andenshrined Birgu's legacy, leading to its renowned title as Citta’Vittoriosa, 460 Years Ago. Visitors can view The Collegiate Conventual Parish Church of St.Lawrence features variousworks of art, including Mattia Preti’s 'The Martyrdom of St. Lawrence',Paladini’s 'St. Roque', the Dome adorned with the painting of the Victory ofthe Great Siege of 1565, amongst others.
TheChapter House to view Sacred Vestments, old manuscripts,paintings, and religious silver artifacts.
TheParish Museum, located in the Oratory of St. Joseph,including the Byzantine Chapel. This museum besides being home to thefamous sword and hat of Grand Master de Valette, also houses a remarkablecollection of historic artifacts, paintings, and other curiosities.
TheHoly Crucifix Oratory houses the processionalstatues depicting the Passion of Christ.
TheCrypts beneath the Church of St Lawrence.
TheBelfry, which is one of the tallest buildings inthe area. From its top, visitors can admire a stunning view of the GrandHarbour and beyond.
The Parish Centre, where documentaries and features will be shown on bigscreen.
Onthe occasion of the 460th anniversary of the victory of the Great Siege, therewill be a small exhibition featuring artifacts related to the event. Theseartifacts, housed in the Vittoriosa Parish Complex, will include items such as thehat and battle sword of Grand Master de Valette, Ottoman belongings,baptismal, death, and marriage registers, as well as other related items.
Visitorswill receive a warm welcome from volunteers at St. Lawrence Parish Church.Guided tours will be organizedin Maltese and English. A special program of activities has been prepared including tours, organand choir recitals and much more. All of these events and more will take placeduring the weekend, promising an enjoyable occasion for all.
