If there’s one thing we do not lack on our tiny islands it’s churches. One for everyday of the year they say - more than two in each locality - and often a patron saint to pay reverence to.
This bounty comes in handy though if you’re looking to partake in the traditional Maundy Thursday reflections which are expected of active church goers. There’s a sea of churches you can visit, to fulfill you religious obligations but also for the art and historical worth within.
St John’s Co-Cathedral
Why not make a day out of your prayer visits? There’s no harm in that surely, and the flamboyant St John’s co-Cathedral, situated in Valletta, is fantastically Baroque. Pay this cathedral a visit but don’t forget to lift your head from your reverence and take a good look at the Mattia Preti ceiling.
Our Lady’s Sanctuary
Head north to Mellieha, to its parish church, which is rather large and can house a number of devoted believers. Apart from showing your humility here, take a look at the altar piece hanging proudly in this church. A Giuseppe Cali masterpiece stands before you. Take it all in. It was worth the drive, right?
Santa Maria Assunta
Fancy going further north? That takes us to Gozo - Zebbug to be precise. The village here hosts a grand church, rather large and totally in charge. Step inside, get your religious duties done and, then, take a walk towards the stunning Emvin Cremona masterpieces. You’re standing in front of a true master here.
Basilica of Visitation, Gharb
Now this one may not be on your radar at all, but there’s a story connected to the Basilica of Visitation and it’s one to note. Legend has it, that the Gharb parish church is said to have been visited by a poor woman who’d pray for her family daily. Her prayers resulted in a miraculous flow of oil (used for burning light in the night) from the rocks. The legend gave the church the title, taz-zejt.
St George’s Basilica
Head to the Gozitan capital of Victoria for a quick kneel down and a nosy look around. This church is full of glorious artwork and ecclesiastical elements including the umbraculum at the centre of the church. Then, discover the Marriage of St Catherine by none other than Giuseppe D’Arena.
San Guzepp
A Manikata icon, San Guzepp church stands firmly at the top of the hill hailing visitors from all over the island with its stunning views and architectural wonder. Richard England’s design is timeless and stuns people with its ingenuity and sheer style. Stop over on your way to the Cirkewwa ferry for another one off your list!
Santa Maria ta’ l-Angli
A short drive from Manikata takes us to the seaside village of Bahar ic-Caghaq which boasts some modern sites likely to expand your cultural worth. Inside Santa Maria ta’ l-Angli you’ll find an Esprit Barthet pairing of Christ on the cross looking down onto a wonderful display of the Last Supper basking in the smell of incense.
That’s the full tour folks - a trip across the islands for your Maundy Thursday sacrifices. Do you have any other favourites?