Art, History, and Mysteries: Explore the Wignacourt Museum

Are you ready to embark on an adventure through art, history, and ancient wonders? If you’re a fervent admirer of art or captivated by the rich tapestry of Maltese history, we’ve got an absolute gem of a destination for you – the captivating Wignacourt Museum!

Nestled in the heart of Rabat, this hidden treasure is a world of wonder waiting to be explored. And the best part? It will only take you a mere 3-minute read to be utterly enthralled!

Once a baroque residence for the Chaplains of the Knights of Malta, the Wignacourt Museum has a storied history that stretches back centuries. Its former moniker, ‘Wignacourt College,’ whispered tales of grandeur, but in 1981, this historical marvel was reborn as a museum, and it has been enchanting visitors ever since.

Step inside and be transported to 1749, when this architectural masterpiece was born. The Wignacourt Museum unfurls across three captivating levels, each holding a treasure trove of secrets and stories waiting to be unveiled.

The main floor beckons with an extraordinary art gallery showcasing works from both international and local artistic luminaries, such as Mattia Preti, Antoine Favray, and Francesco Zahra. But that’s just the beginning! This floor is also home to an awe-inspiring collection of artefacts from the church and the Knights of St John. Picture yourself surrounded by 17th to 19th-century silver from Spain, Italy, and Malta, a historic wooden altar that has witnessed countless Masses, sculptures crafted from wood, alabaster, and bronze, as well as a captivating array of historical maps, pottery, coins, and an assortment of rare books, including the legendary ‘Septum Sacraments’ of King Henry VIII.

But the adventure doesn’t end there! Venture downstairs, and you’ll find yourself in a tranquil garden where the refectory of the Chaplains of the Order once stood. This garden isn’t just a place of serenity; it’s also home to an oven that played a crucial role during the Second World War, churning out 2000 loaves of bread daily to sustain the local residents of Rabat. Amidst the chaos of the war, this remarkable building transformed into a school, an infirmary, and a hub of social activities.

As you explore the depths of the museum, you’ll stumble upon the underground levels, housing a labyrinth of Second World War shelters with approximately 50 rooms leading to an inner courtyard. But that’s not all – these passageways intersect with catacombs dating back over two millennia! Here, a maze of Punic, Roman, and Christian hypogea offers a window into Malta’s distant past.

Hold your breath, for the Wignacourt Museum, has one more astonishing secret to unveil. Delve even deeper, and you’ll find yourself descending into St. Paul’s Grotto through an underground passage. This sacred cavern is believed to be the very place where St. Paul the Apostle sought refuge after his shipwreck in Malta and founded the first Christian community on the island in 60 A.D.

The grotto’s history is a tapestry woven by time and faith, cared for by the church until 1610 when it found new guardians in Juan de Cordova Beneguas and later the Knights of St John in 1617. It wasn’t until 1961 that the Wignacourt building was finally returned to the church, allowing visitors to witness this incredible piece of history.

The Wignacourt Museum invites you to embark on this captivating journey every day from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Prices are as follows:

  • Adults: €6
  • Seniors/Students: €4.50
  • Children aged 7 to 11 years: €3.50
  • Children up to 6 years: Free

This museum promes an unforgettable adventure through time and culture. Don’t miss out on this cultural in the heart of Rabat, and let the magic of Malta’s past wash over you!

For more information visit the website here.

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