The landscape of Malta is unforgettable for the prevalence of Catholic Church buildings - many if them with domes : each one vying to outdo its neighbour. The old capital, Mdina, is inland and a formidable defensive sight, again dominated by domes.
My memory is less of the large cathedral and more of the smaller churches : particularly this Carmelite church. This had real atmosphere for me. Built between 1660 and 1675 it may have been the first oval church on the island. Probably designed by Mederoico Blondel des Croisettes (1628-1698) a French military engineer. It was used by the Cathedral Chapter after the 1693 earthquake while the Cathedral was being rebuilt. It was damaged during the Napoleonic Wars. It has now been superbly restored and visitors can enjpy the spectacular dome and choir painting by artists including Mattia Preti, Stefano Eradi, Micehele Bellanti and Giuseppe Cali.
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