Did you know? The Curia’s refectory is home to a remarkable series of religious murals

An important part of Malta’s ecclesiastical and social history, Casa Manresa in Floriana was founded by Fr Pier Francesco Rosignoli in 1743, as the Jesuits felt that they needed to provide a place of refuge and reflection for people of all social classes.

Following the style of the time, the building possesses a Baroque architectural style, with many paintings, murals, and sculptures. Today, the building houses the Archbishop’s Curia, which is only open to the public once a year.

The Curia’s refectory is decorated with a remarkable cycle of murals, with religious scenes that have some connection to food or drink. These paintings were commissioned by Fr Domenico Calvi, Fr Rosignoli’s successor, in 1762.

There isn’t much knowledge about the artist behind these paintings apart from his name: Pasquale Leonetti, who hailed from Sicily. The cycle’s paintings show 15 biblical episodes where food is mentioned, along with the Scriptural quote that inspired them.

At opposite ends of the hall, on can find the scene depicting St Publius welcoming St Paul upon his arrival on the Maltese Islands; and a scene depicting the Triumph of the Lamb of God. With the theme of food tying the room’s artworks together, it is suggested that even these two scenes with St Paul are connected in the same way. St Paul brought the Christian faith to the Maltese, and religion is considered by many to be food for the soul.