Attractions
The old dame by the sea: a spotlight on Malta’s gothic church at Balluta Bay
The gorgeous church has been around for centuries!

Jillian Mallia

Everyone has passed by the Balluta Church and stopped to admire its grandeur at least once, because let’s face it, it’s quite the Insta-worthy shot. But what do you really know about the church?

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The Balluta Church

The Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, or simply known as the Carmelite Church or Balluta Church by locals, is a neo-gothic Roman Catholic parish church located by the small inlet of Balluta Bay (hence the dubbed name) on the threshold between St Julian’s and Sliema.

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The church is stunning, with many locals and visitors snapping away at the gorgeous historical site for the perfect Instagram shot.

A jump back in time

According to the Carmelite provincial archives, the first Carmelite friars went to Balluta church on the 22nd of May 1890.  With their arrival, the place began to develop at a fast pace. In fact, just 10 years later, at the turn of the century, the prior called a community reunion to propose the enlargement of the church, in order to cope with the spiritual needs of the growing number of people in the locality.

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In 1906, the Carmelite friars enlarged the sacristy by taking part of the mezzanine’s garden next door. The new church consisted of a main nave with 2 side aisles, a transept, a choir, an apse and a sacristy. The church was then consecrated in 1911 by Archbishop Dom Mauro Caruana.

Fifty years down the line, the friars felt the need to, once again, enlarge the church as the Sliema and St Julian’s areas were no longer a place for summer vacation and had become a residential area with a growing population. Thankfully, the church wasn’t hit by aerial bombs during the war, but the roof was in dire need of restoration, so works began to enhance the church.

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After over 25 years of works, the new church was consecrated by the Archbishop of Malta H.G. Msgr. Joseph Mercieca in 1984 and dedicated it to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, after becoming the parish church in 1974.

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Architectural style

This stunning church was built in the neo-gothic style and is adorned with beautiful interior decorations. There are several beautiful works within the church such as paintings, stained glass windows and a niche for the statue of Our Lady.

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Have you visited the Balluta Church yet?

29th June 2019


Jillian Mallia
Written by
Jillian Mallia
A book lover, writer and globetrotter who loves exploring new places and the local gems that the Maltese Islands have to offer. An avid foodie and arts fanatic, Jillian searches the island and beyond for the perfect settings to write about.

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