The Church of St Catherine of Alexandria (), commonly known as the Church of St Catherine of Italy (, ) is a Roman Catholic church in Valletta, Malta. It was built by the Hospitaller Langue of Italy and it serves as the parish church of the Italian community of Malta."St Catherine of Alexandria". Retrieved 23 October 2014.

Origins

The church was built in 1576 by the Italian knights of St John to serve as their church. It was built adjacent to the Auberge d'Italie. Girolamo Cassar was commissioned to draw up the plans. In the 17th century the church was enlarged."ST. CATHERINE OF ITALY CHURCH, VALLETTA ". Retrieved 23 October 2014. An octagonal church was added to the existing chapel. The original chapel was changed into the sanctuary of the church. The church underwent a major restoration from 2001 till 2011. Today the church still serves as the parish church of the Italian community of Malta."Restoration of St Catherine of Italy Church in final phase", Times of Malta, Malta, 17 March 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2014.

The church building is listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.

Works of Art The titular painting was painted by Mattia Preti. It depicts the martyrdom of St Catherine of Alexandria. Preti donated the painting to the church after his arrival in Malta. The cupola of the church was also painted by Preti. He drew it with painted stucco decorations and ornamental patterns in grey and gold."Church of St Catherine of Alexandria" . Retrieved 23 October 2014.

See also

Culture of Malta

List of Churches in Malta Religion in Malta

References