Fort St Angelo boasts of two churches: one dedicated to the Nativity of Our Lady and another to St Anne. The former is located next to the Medieval entrance to the Castrum Maris. The origins of this small and troglodytic (hewn in the live rock) church are not known, but an inventory of 1274 lists all ecclesiastical vestments and other items in its possession.
Parish Church of the Cottonera Environs
The Birgu parish is traditionally considered the oldest after that of Mdina, while this church looks to have served as its initial seat. The then parochial community comprised the Castrum Maris and the Cottonera environs. It is also popularly believed that this was founded by Count Roger.
The Façade
The present façade was rebuilt after World War II. The centrally placed door and overlying coat of arms of Malta are encased by two pillars and a plain arch. Likewise, the extremities of the composition are marked by slender pillars reaching up to an elegant cornice which, in turn, divides the façade elevation in two tiers. The upper section features an oval window, and an arch-shaped band, whereas the uppermost part forms a corniced pediment crowned by an eight-pointed cross.
Church Interior
The church measures five by four metres. Its side elevations are divided in four bays by stone pillars attached to the rock surface. The second bay on each side contains an arcosolium, reputedly crafted during the De Nava tenure in the 15th century. These were dedicated to (1) St Angelo of Licata, St Onofrio, and St Anthony of Padoa, and (2) St Barbara, St Blaise, and St Appollonia. The main altar is adorned by a typical 17th-century Baroque reredos bearing the date 1654. This comprises three bays and Corinthian pilasters. The titular painting portrays the Nativity of Our Lady, featuring St. Anne and St. Joachim, whereas the lateral paintings show St Paul and St John the Baptist respectively. Most decorative architectural elements were crafted during the tenure of Grand Master Martin de Redin as confirmed by his coat of arms.
Titular Paintings
The titular painting changed repeatedly during the centuries. The earliest known work represented Our Lady of Candelaria. In 1462, this was replaced by a painting of Our Lady of Succour. Eventually, the latter was moved to the Birgu Parish Church complex for safekeeping and substituted by a piece of St Anne holding infant Mary. This third piece was lost in World War II. Raphel Bonnici Calì was eventually commissioned a copy in 1955. The current titular painting was created by the artist Manuel Farrugia in September 2024.
Milestones
1274: reference to a chapel dedicated to St Angelo in the Castrum Exterioris in an inventory
14th and 15th centuries: employed as parish of the Castrum Maris and the Cottonera environs
1430: crafting of arcosolia during the tenure of the De Nava family
1462: commissioning of the new titular in honour of Our Lady of Succour
17th century: commissioning of Baroque decorative
19th century: installation of the new titular painting representing St Anne holding infant Mary
1810: installation of a marble plaque attributing the foundation of this church to Count Roger
World War II: partial destruction by enemy bombing
1955: reopening and blessing of the restored church
2015: extensive restoration and conservation interventions, and opening to visitors
2024: after three years of restoration and conservation, the work was completed
