Church Museum Of Vittoriosa

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Behind St Lawrence Parish church one finds the Church Museum of Vittoriosa which is a museum that shows the character of the old city of Vittoriosa. Originally, the building which now hosts the Church Museum served as the church of St Catherine. In the 1830s, the building served as the Oratory of St Joseph whilst in the Second World War, it was used to store feast ornaments. On 16th January 1941, in the Second World War the old chapter house and the sacristy were destroyed during an aerial bombardment. Around 35 people lost their lives and Vittoriosa lost invaluable treasures such as the archives.  In 1990, the then German Ambassador, Dr Gottfried Pagenstert gave money so that the building could be turned into a museum. Various artefacts are found in the museum including the sword and the hat of Grand Master La Valette. In the museum one also finds the painting of St Jerome, painted by Mattia Preti, the painting of Our Lady of the Angel painted by Rocco Buhagiar and the painting of the Sagra Famiglia. One also finds a coin collection, candle holders and chalices, relics, rare books and three incunabula, several books that were used at the Holy Infirmary in Vittoriosa, and a 17th century book which belonged to Dun Mikiel Xerri. In collaboration with Kottonera Foundation.