Our Lady of Victory Church
Our Lady of Victory Church features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Valletta. Give it roughly ~30 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Valletta Valletta guide
About Our Lady of Victory Church
The first building finished in Valletta, in 1566, raised over the city's foundation stone to thank the Virgin for the victory that ended the Great Siege.
The Church of Our Lady of Victory was the first church and the first building completed in Valletta, finished in 1566. The city's foundation stone had been laid on the site on 28 March 1566, marking the formal founding of Valletta. The church commemorates the Order of St John's victory in the Great Siege of 1565, which was lifted on 8 September, the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin, to whom the church is dedicated. Its construction was funded by Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette, the city's founder and namesake.
When de Valette died in 1568 he was initially buried here, before his remains were transferred to the crypt of St John's Co-Cathedral. The Baroque facade was embellished in 1752 with a bronze bust of Pope Innocent XII, and the ceiling was painted between 1716 and 1718 by Alessio Erardi with scenes from the life of the Virgin. Damaged in a 1942 air raid, the church was restored by the heritage NGO Din l-Art Helwa. It forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valletta.
Did you know? This is where Valletta began. The city's foundation stone was laid on the spot on 28 March 1566, and the church rose over it as the first completed building of the new city.
How long is a visit to Our Lady of Victory Church?
Set aside roughly ~30 min for Our Lady of Victory Church. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Our Lady of Victory Church worth your time?
Our Lady of Victory Church is among the 14 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Valletta, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Valletta
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Our Lady of Victory Church and read more:
Day 2 of the Valletta in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Our Lady of Victory Church
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