Church of St Catherine of Italy to Become Part of MUŻA Visitor Experience

Heritage Malta and the Archdiocese of Malta have entered into a historic agreement to restore the Church of St Catherine of Italy in Valletta and integrate it into the MUŻA – the National Community Art Museum experience. This memorandum of understanding aims to enhance public access to this iconic Knights-era church, which also serves as the parish church for Malta’s Italian community.

The Church of St Catherine of Italy is the only surviving example of a Hospitaller church annexed to its original auberge, the Auberge d’Italie, which is now home to MUŻA. This unique link between the church and the museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with both the history of the building and the rich religious and cultural heritage it represents.

Heritage Malta will oversee the restoration of the church and provide interpretation in Maltese, English, and Italian. The two parties will also share ongoing maintenance responsibilities. The collaboration ensures that MUŻA visitors will have a more complete understanding of the church’s history, which is integral to the museum’s location and its connection to Malta’s Italian heritage.

Mario Cutajar, Chairperson of Heritage Malta and MUŻA Director, emphasised the significance of these developments: “The changes at MUŻA go beyond just the galleries. We are expanding both the space and the experience offered to the public. Soon, an additional area will be available for visitors to enjoy.”

Heritage Malta’s Chief Executive Officer, Noel Zammit, expressed his pride in the collaboration, highlighting how the partnership between the State and Church is helping to bring previously inaccessible heritage to the public. “Through this agreement, we’re inviting both locals and tourists to discover historical treasures like the Auberge d’Italie’s church,” Zammit said.

The Archdiocese of Malta also celebrated the agreement, with Michael Pace Ross, the Archdiocese’s Administrative Secretary, calling it an important step in preserving and sharing Malta’s cultural and religious heritage. “The Church of St Catherine of Italy is a significant place of worship and has deep ties to Malta’s Italian community. Through this partnership, the church will become more accessible, with extended visiting hours while still preserving its role in religious functions.”

Roberto Buontempo, Head of Property for the Archdiocese, added, “This integration of the church into MUŻA’s visitor experience allows us to preserve and share its history. We’re excited for both locals and visitors to engage with the church’s spiritual and artistic legacy.”

Originally built in 1576 by Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar, the church was later transformed in 1713 by Baroque architect Romano Carapecchia, who designed its current façade and porch. The church had previously survived the 1693 earthquake, and its artistic highlights include the altarpiece “The Martyrdom of St Catherine” by renowned Calabrian artist Mattia Preti, as well as the eight monochrome dome segments illustrating scenes from St Catherine’s life.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in making the Church of St Catherine of Italy a key part of Malta’s rich cultural and spiritual landscape, ensuring its preservation and wider accessibility for future generations.