Old Parish Church of Our Saviour, Ħal Lija

 

 

Restoration of the Old Parish Church of Our Saviour, Ħal Lija

The Old Parish Church of Our Saviour in Ħal Lija functioned as the parish church from 1594 until the late 1600s. It is recognised as a leading example of early Maltese ecclesiastical architecture, chosen for parish use due to its exceptional state, as noted by Papal delegate Mgr Dusina in 1575.1

Originally designed as a simple rectangular nave with a barrel vault and arched ribs, the building was later expanded with a transept and a dome set on a tall drum.2   The expansion added altar space and drum windows, introducing natural light and a new feature to Maltese church design. The cruciform plan set a precedent for later parish churches.

The church is known for its refined façade with a late 16th-century doorway, intricate carvings, and ornate corbels. Most entrances are now blocked except for those on the west and south sides; the south transept entrance stands out with its decorative canopy and engraved details.3

The north doorway is simple but very old. After being used as a storeroom in the 20th century, the church was briefly restored for parish use in 1928.4 Today it stands as Lija’s most important monument and as a remarkable specimen of 16th-century Maltese architecture.

 

 

 

The Old Parish Church of Our Saviour in Ħal Lija, before (left) and after (right) restoration

 

 

 

The Restoration Works

The restoration was extensive with the aim to preserve and conserve this invaluable cultural heritage. The façades, roof and dome were cleaned of biological patina and dirt. Cement-based plaster was removed, and open joints were pointed with a lime-based mortar.  Deteriorated stone, especially in the door surrounds, was replaced and damaged or missing mouldings, caused by rusted nails in the cornices of the dome and the roof, were carefully recreated by hand. Severely damaged sculpture, including the door columns, was hand-crafted anew. Minor stone damage was repaired using a lime-based mortar and fissures in the walls were sealed. The apertures were repainted, the traditional ‘deffun’ waterproofing of the roofs and dome was repaired, the stone cross was reconstructed after being broken in a storm and pigeon protection spikes and netting were installed.

 

 

References

  1. Buhagiar, M. (n.d.). The Old Parish Church of Our Saviour at Lija. University of Malta. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/75753
  2. Ibid..
  3. Ibid..
  4. Ibid..