Valletta
Always look up! Did you know St Anne’s Chapel owes its baroque brilliance to Grand Masters Lascaris and Cotoner?
St Anne’s Chapel dates back 64 years before the construction of Fort St Elmo.

Lyndsey Grima

Situated in Valletta, St Anne’s Chapel in Fort St Elmo is the oldest surviving structure, with roots dating back to 1488. During the illustrious leadership of Grand Master Giovanni Paolo Lascaris from 1636 to 1657, St Anne's Chapel underwent a transformative transformation, solidifying its status as a testament to Baroque artistry.

The interior enhancements during Lascaris's tenure included a newly constructed altar, an intricately sculptured alcove, and a breathtaking coffered ceiling. These additions not only beautified the sacred space but also reflected the grandeur and opulence characteristic of the Baroque period.

A subsequent chapter in the chapel's history unfolded under the stewardship of Grand Master Nicolás Cotoner, who held office from 1663 to 1680. Cotoner's contribution to the chapel's aesthetic legacy is epitomised by the remarkable Baroque wall, an artistic marvel that graces the sacred space.

This wall, bearing the coat of arms of Grand Master Nicolás Cotoner prominently on its upper right, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of these visionary leaders who left an indelible mark on St Anne's Chapel, turning it into a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

Have you ever been inside St Anne’s Chapel?

12th December 2023


Lyndsey Grima
Written by
Lyndsey Grima
Lyndsey has always been passionate about all things content. She keeps her storytelling skills sharp by exercising physically as she’s a fitness buff and also mentally as she enjoys reading and travelling.

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