Next Monday, as the islands celebrate Republic Day, Heritage Malta will be offering the public a rare opportunity to visit the Our Lady of the Pillar church in Valletta.

The lesser-known church has been closed off to the public –  but not anymore!

For just ONE day, history-lovers will be able to check out the church, which is connected to the Auberges of the Langue of Aragon, Catalonia, and Navarre.

Tickets will only set you back €2 and can be purchased at the door. The site will be open from 10am to 4pm.

Now onto a quick history lesson…

The Our Lady of the Pillar church was built under the rule of the Knights of St John in the early 1670s, a full century after the construction of the Auberge.

The foundation stone was laid by Grand Master Nicholas Cotoner himself, whilst its construction was financed by Raimondo de Soler and Felice Inniges de Ayerba – Bailiffs of Majorca and Caspe respectively.

Unfortunately, two years after its construction, the church was significantly damaged by an earthquake strong earthquake, although the Aragonese Knights were quick to engage Romano Carapecchia (the resident engineer of the Order) to reconstruct it.

The church’s interior is incredibly striking, boasting high sculptural qualities and hoards of works of art.

Perhaps the most notable and stunning part of the church is the altar piece which depicts the Virgin Mary appearing to the Apostle James the Greater as he was praying by the banks of the river Ebro at Zaragoza.

This was sculpted by leading 17th century artist Stefano Eradi.

Do you plan on visiting?