Giuseppe Calì: creative genius and compelling narratives - A public lecture by Dr Mark Sagona, Ph.D.

In collaboration with University of Malta  The Church of St Francis of Assisi in Valletta has undergone several phases of architectural transformation since its foundation. The first church was built between 1598 and 1607, while a major rebuilding - undertaken in 1681, under the patronage of Grand Master Gregorio Carafa - contributed substantially to the Baroque character of the building that survives today.

Scientific investigation of the historic timber roof has provided further evidence of the church’s architectural development. Dendrochronological analysis has identified significant interventions dating to 1681 and 1876, demonstrating a continuing history of alteration, repair and adaptation.

The building was transformed again in the early twentieth century, when it was enlarged to designs by the Maltese architect Emanuel Borg, including the addition of a domed section. This intervention also affected the church’s decorative scheme and resulted in the loss of elements painted by Giuseppe Calì.

Calì’s surviving St Francis…