Fort Ricasoli, like all other major fortresses constructed by the Order of St John in Malta, was equipped with a church to cater for the spiritual needs of the corps stationed therein. To this effect, as soon as the construction of the enciente and related facilities was in an advanced stage, this church started being built.
The plans were drawn up by Fra Mederico Blondel, the resident engineer of the Order, whereas the first stone was laid in 1696. Works progressed swiftly, and the then novel church was consecrated on 15 May 1698. As expected, this was dedicated to St Nicholas of Bari in commemoration of Grand Master Nicholas Cotoner who triggered the construction of this fort in 1670, and whose Foundation sponsored the creation of this church.
Contrary to the other churches built within the forts of the Order, St Nicholas was shortly after elevated to the rank of parish church under the jurisdiction of the same Order. Needless to state, this development did not go down well with the Bishop and proved to be the subject of a long drawn out quarrel. Ultimately, the Bishop had the upper hand and this church started forming part of the Birgu Parish. In 1897, then, it began to form part of the newly founded Kalkara Parish. (see St Joseph Parish Church, Kalkara)
Exterior
The church’s exterior shell integrates seamlessly with the masculine vibe of the surrounding ramparts and related amenities. Indeed, its cubic massing is minimally articulated by Mannerist and Baroque elements. The main façade featues a central door surmounted by an oval window, and a crowning cornice and pediment. In turn, the side elevations are divided in three bays, each perforated by a window.
Interior
Measuring 18 x 9 metres, the church’s interior echoes Baroque sophistication. This is particularly evident in the reredos of the altars and the organ loft. The main altarpiece was executed by Mattia Preti and shows St Nicholas of Bari in the presence of Grand Master Nicholas Cotoner, the church’s leading benefactor. The other altar canvases represent Our Lady of the Pillar and St John the Evangelist and St Lawrence. All artworks were removed and transferred to the National Collection during the closing years of the past century. Formerly, St Nicholas Church was also endowed by a reliquary and an icon of St Nicholas. The latter was brought over from Rhodes in 1530 and eventually donated to this church in 1744. Notwithstanding the removal of all artworks and furnishings, the church still retains notable interesting elements, including the balustrade of the presbytery and the organ loft. Equally intriguing is the underlying crypt, which still preserves two stone altars.
Milestones
1696: commencement of St Nicholas Church project
1698: consecration of church
1897: establishment of Kalkara Parish and transfer of ecclesiastic jurisdiction over St Nicholas’s Church accordingly
1722: building of adjoining Chaplain’s House
1744: donation of St Nicholas’s reliquary
1964: decommissioning of Fort Ricasoli and closing down of St Nicholas Church
