The Church of St Anne stands on the highest part of the promontory on which Fort St Angelo is built. Over the centuries, it was subjected to multiple structural alterations and enlargements. The origins of the first building lie shrouded in mystery, but an inventory of 1274 makes reference to a church dedicated to St Mary in the upper area of the stronghold (Castrum Interioris). The oldest elements of the present building are datable to the tenure of the De Nava Castilians during the 15th century.
The Grand Master’s Private Chapel
When Grand Master L’Isle Adam established his residence in Fort St Angelo, this church began to serve as the private chapel of the Magistral Palace. The main aisle was extended, while the side chapel dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus was constructed. Likewise, the underlying crypts were employed for the burial of Grand Masters L’Isle Adam, Del Ponte, D’Homedes and La Sengle. Their remains were then transferred to the crypt of the Conventual Church of St John in Valletta.
The Façade
The cubic façade is dominated by a pronounced cornice supported by corbels, on the same lines of the one crowning the Magistral Palace. The central part is taken up by a round-headed door and an overlying oval window. The latter is devoid of decorations, while the former is adorned by a cornice featuring late Medieval elements. These are complemented by a small bellcote flanked by scroll-shaped buttresses and crowned by an eight-pointed cross.
Church Interior
The church comprises an aisle and a side chapel. The former consists of an atrium, three quadripartite vaults and a presbytery, whereas the side chapel is made up of two ribbed quadripartite vaults. In turn, the side chapel’s vaults correspond to the first two vaults of the aisle, and are separated from the latter by a reddish Egyptian granite column resting on and crowned by a white marble base and capital respectively. Most likely, these architectural elements were cannibalised from Classical buildings in the neighbourhood.
Dedication and Art
The titular of this church changed repeatedly prior to the establishment of the present dedication to St Anne. Likewise, its building served other purposes besides a place of worship. For instance, it was used as an artillery magazine, an armoury and a school respectively during the course of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Eventually, in 1935, it was reconverted into a place of worship for the Anglican community, and then into a Catholic church.
The works of art adorning this church were introduced by the Order of St John during the past decades. These include a relief of St Anne holding Baby Mary, several statues and lanterns, and a large papier mâché crucifix. The latter hailed from the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel along the Birgu waterfront.
Milestones
1274: reference to the church dedicated to St Mary in an inventory
15th century: building of a new church by the Castellans de Nava
16th century: enlargement of the church and use as a private chapel of the Grand Master
1798: relegation from place of worship
1861: employment as an artillery magazine
1866: employment as an armoury
1882: employment as a school
1935: reuse as a place of worship following a period of abandonment
World War II: damaged by enemy bombing
1990s: undertaking of restoration works by the Order of St John
21st century: church made accessible to visitors
