Cultural Walk: Misterium Fidei, Valletta

Sunday Heritage: Agostinian Monastery of St Catherine, Valletta

We meet in Palace Square Valletta, overlooking Archbishop street for a 09:50 departure so that we are at St. Catherine Monastery at 10:00 a.m.

HISTORY

In 1575 a number of young women were living together as a community in the palace of the Marquis Giovanni and Katerina Vasco Oliviero at Valletta. They gathered children in the area with the aim of sheltering them from the evils of the world. They called themselves “Orfani della Misericordia’’ . In 1601 they decided to change their place of residence into a monastery. The monastery was built as solemn thanks for prayers answered, with the stonework used to build this monastery, literally dug from underneath it. The open quarry was then turned into the underground complex you will be experiencing. Over hundreds of years, cloistered nuns made an oath to lead a life of prayer, contemplation, and of service. From within the walls of this monastery, what is probably the last generation of nuns carry on the legacy to this day.The Marquis welcomed the idea and left all his possessions to the community so that his palace could be transformed into a monastery. Pope Pius IX recognised the community as a community of Augustinian nuns in 1849, and on the 3rd September, 1851, 16 nuns made their first Profession. Since 1946 they have been officially recognised as members of the Second Order of Saint Augustine.

Originally used as a quarry to build the monastery above it, the underground complex is packed with stories that transcend centuries. From the ribbed vaulted rooms, the peaceful, central garden, the fiery ovens, and the undisturbed burial place, this complex is as fascinating as it is unique. From the hustle and bustle of Valletta’s sights and sounds, this silent, underground complex is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Its spaces whisper tales of hard work, intense prayer, and care for all those who needed help. As part of your visit to Valletta, Mysterium Fidei is an authentic experience that cannot be missed.

COST

Euros 8 per person payable at the door. Our members who are licensed guides can enter for free on presentation of their credencials. For liscensed guides that are interested, we can also share the guide’s script in English.

REGISTRATION

Although payment will be directly to the museum at the door, we are still asking for registration by completing the form below so that we can (a.) report back to the museum on expected numbers and (b.) also keep you informed of any news or developments that we would want to share with your regarding this visit.

INTERESTED

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Misterium Fidei - Valletta Cutural Visit

Payment will be directly to the museum at the door. Euros 8 per person.

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