St Theresa's Church

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The Carmelites arrived in Malta in 1418 and built their first church and convent in the limits of Rabat. In 1625, the first community of the Discalced Carmelite Friars or as they were also known the Teresian Friars established their presence in Malta. Two years later, a temporary church was constructed whilst the building of the new church dedicated to St. Teresa of Jesus commenced. It is said that the church of St Teresa was the first church to be dedicated to the foundress of the Discalced Carmelites. The main altarpiece of the church which represents The Ecstasy of St Teresa was painted by Fra Lucas Garnier who was a Knight of the Order of St John. Fra Garnier also painted The Canvas of St Francis on a side altar. Another work of art which is found in St Theresa’s church is the altarpiece of Our Lady of Mount Carmel which is presumably the work of the famous painter Mattia Preti or of his Bottega. For many years, the Discalced Carmelites friars used to be buried in the crypt underneath the main presbytery. Later on, this custom was forbidden due to new regulations but in 2009 it was restored and 64 friars who were buried in the Santa Maria Addolorata cemetery in Paola were reburied in the Crypt Ossuary in the convent of St Teresa.In collaboration with Kottonera Foundation.