The Church of St Barbara

The Church of St Barbara on Triq ir-Repubblika was originally the official church of the Langue of Provence. The exterior
was designed by the accomplished Italian architect Romano Carapecchia, and construction of the church started in
1739. The interior was completed by the Maltese architect Giuseppe Bonnici as Carapecchia died before the church was
completed.

The façade of the church is typical of the baroque style and the central pediment supports a large gilded statue of Our
Lady. Internally, the church is centrally planned (one cell), having an elliptical dome typical of the baroque period and
which is a very rare feature in local churches. This, combined with the semi-circular choir provide a very interesting
planimetric innovation, which is unique. St Barbara is the patron saint of gunners and for centuries the Confraternita dei Bombardieri (artillerymen) held their religious services at this church.