When visiting and discovering the town of Floriana, the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady otherwise known as ‘Ta’ Sarria’ by the locals is a must visit.

This church was originally a chapel that was built in 1585 with funds by the Knight Fra Martino, hence why it is still known as ‘Ta’ Sarria’ by the Maltese.

It was then replaced as the church we know of today in 1676. It was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception by Grand Navarro Master Nicholas Cottoner as a way to show appreciation and thanksgiving after the end of the plague of 1675.

The plague resulted in 11,300 deaths, making it the deadliest epidemic in Maltese history.

The church’s rotunda was designed by the prestigious painter Mattia Preti who also painted at the St John’s Co Cathedral in Valletta. It was built by the even more impressive architect Lorenzo Gafa’, making this a true masterpiece of Maltese architecture.

It has perfect proportion and impeccably brings together the baroque and classical designs which were so popular at the time.

However, what truly sets this church apart is the impressive series of seven large canvases painted by the renowned Mattia Preti.