The Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Balluta, St. Julian’s
- ronaldbalzan
- Jul 24
- 3 min read
A Legacy of Faith, Architecture, and Community
Overlooking the tranquil waters of Balluta Bay, the Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel stands as a majestic symbol of spiritual devotion and neo-Gothic elegance. Its soaring spires, intricate stained-glass windows, and rich Carmelite legacy make it one of Malta’s most iconic religious landmarks.
A Carmelite Beginning
The story begins on May 22, 1890, when the Carmelite friars first arrived in Balluta. At the time, this seaside village was beginning to develop rapidly. Just a decade later, on December 6, 1900, the Prior convened a community meeting to discuss the expansion of the original chapel, which had become too small for the growing local population.
By 1906, architecturally ambitious plans were drawn up, featuring a main nave, two side aisles, a transept, choir, apse, and sacristy. The newly expanded church was solemnly consecrated in 1911 by Archbishop Dom Mauro Caruana OSB.
A Growing Parish for a Growing Town
As Balluta evolved from a summer resort into a thriving residential area, the need for a larger place of worship resurfaced. On January 11, 1955, the Carmelites approved new plans by Maltese architect Andrea Micallef, and just a few years later, on August 1, 1958, the foundation stone of the new church was blessed by Fr. Carmel Vella, Prior Provincial of the Carmelites.
This iteration of the church was not only larger—it was a masterpiece in neo-Gothic design. With three main entrances leading in from different streets, the church was destined to be both a spiritual sanctuary and a neighbourhood landmark.
On May 25, 1974, the church was officially elevated to the status of a parish, and a decade later, on December 12, 1984, it was consecrated and dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel by Archbishop Joseph Mercieca.
Architectural Marvels and Sacred Art
The church features 52 windows, 22 of which are stunning stained glass artworks crafted by the renowned Italian studio Vetrate d’Arte Giuliani. These windows depict a host of Carmelite saints, as well as beloved Maltese figures: Blessed Adeodata Pisani, Nazju Falzon, and Saint Ġorġ Preca.
At the heart of the choir, five monumental stained-glass windows—each almost 10 metres high—bathe the space in heavenly light. Beneath them sits a beautifully crafted set of 19 choir stalls, installed in 1986.
The Titular Statue and Sacred Symbolism
The titular statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel—central to the parish’s identity—was carved in Naples, although the sculptor remains unknown. In 1896, the Carmelites repositioned this statue into a custom wooden niche, crafted by Alberto Debono of Vittoriosa. Over the years, the statue has been carefully restored and re-gilded, most notably in 1987 by Mdina-based artisan Horace Farrugia.
Other Treasures Within
One of the earliest additions to the church’s artistic heritage was the statue of Jesus of Nazareth, acquired in 1898 from Mr. Vincez Cremona.
The church also houses remarkable paintings by Maltese artist Harry Alden, created in 1988. These oil-on-canvas works are tailored to the building’s neo-Gothic architecture, with elongated saintly figures and vibrant colors that harmonize with the church's golden Maltese limestone and stained-glass artistry. Notable saints featured include St. Anthony, St. Albert of Jerusalem, St. Joseph, St. Thérèse of Avila, and St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus.
A Living Landmark
Today, the Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel continues to serve as a hub of faith and community in St. Julian’s. Its rich blend of history, architecture, and devotional art invites visitors to pause, reflect, and admire.
Take the Journey from Anywhere
Now, you can step inside this sacred space through our high-quality FREE virtual tour, exclusively on VirtualMalta.com. Walk through its aisles, admire its stained-glass windows, and experience centuries of devotion and design—wherever you are in the world.
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