The relationship the Dominican order has with Valletta is a long and intricate one, stretching back 500 years, against the backdrop of the ebbs and flows of the history of the capital. And, this exhibition, titled Valletta and the Dominicans: a common journey, taking place in the Dominican Priory in Valletta and running until the 8th October, aims to tell the story.

Paintings, prints, manuscript volumes, object d’art, vestments and curious paraphernalia from the national and Parish collections will be showcased to illustrate the tale, which started following the Great Siege of 1565 when the Dominican Pope St Pius V sent 30,000 silver florins and his engineer, the now-legendary Francesco Laperelli, to help realise Grandmaster La Valette’s dream: that of building the fortified city which will protect Malta from another attack. 

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The first stone was laid on 28th March 1566 and the Dominicans, residing in Vittoriosa, would cross the waters of the Grand Harbour to bring food, comfort and practical help to the 4,000 workers involved in the construction of what would become Malta’s capital. In return for their help, Grand Master Pietro del Monte acceded to their request of a church and a convent within the city’s walls.

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In 1571, the community moved to Valletta, establishing itself permanently. Their church was to be dedicated to St Mary of Porto Salvo (Basilica of Our Lady of Safe Haven) and St Dominic – a place of respite which would offer prayer to sailors struggling at sea. This story is set to be relived through the exhibition, which also promises to be much more – a tribute to the care and love shown by the Dominican community in Malta. 

The works are on display at the Dominican Priory in Valletta until 7th October. The opening hours are 10am – 4pm, every day. Admission is free.