St. Catherine's Monastery
St. Catherine's Monastery in Valletta, Malta, is home to cloistered nuns of the Second Order of Saint Augustine. Originally established in 1580 in a palace, it was rebuilt in the 18th century to house the Church of the Presentation of Our Lady, more commonly known as the Church of St. Catherine. The monastery was officially recognized as an Augustinian community in 1851 and has been part of the Second Order of Saint Augustine since 1946.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1580 as a community caring for children.
- ›Transformed into a monastery in 1601.
- ›Rebuilt in the 18th century, with construction starting in 1714.
- ›Officially recognized as a community of Augustinian nuns in 1851.
- ›Recognized as part of the Second Order of Saint Augustine since 1946.
- ›The adjoining church is known as the Church of St. Catherine.
Baroque
Church of the Presentation of Our Lady, Cloisters, Garden, Crypt, Mysterium Fidei Museum
Monasteru Santa Katerina Ta' Lixandra
Giovanni Vasco Oliviero, Katerina Vasco Oliviero, Romano Carapecchia, Pope Pius Ix
- Rebuilding of the Monastery and Church In the 18th Century
- Recognition As A Community of Augustinian Nuns In 1851
About St. Catherine's Monastery
St. Catherine's Monastery, also known by its Maltese name Monasteru Santa Katerina ta' Lixandra, is an active monastery located in Valletta, Malta. It serves as the residence for cloistered nuns belonging to the Second Order of Saint Augustine. The complex incorporates the Church of the Presentation of Our Lady, which is widely recognized as the Church of St. Catherine.
History and Development
The monastery's origins trace back to 1580, when the palace of Marquis Giovanni and Katerina Vasco Oliviero in Valletta began to accommodate the Orfani della Misericordia, a group dedicated to caring for children. Following a bequest from Vasco Oliviero, the palace was converted into a monastery in 1601. A chapel dedicated to the Assumption of Mary was added during the 17th century.
The current monastery and church were constructed in the 18th century, based on designs by architect Romano Carapecchia. Construction commenced in 1714 and spanned several decades, resulting in the new church dedicated to the Presentation of Mary.
In 1849, Pope Pius IX officially recognized the community as Augustinian nuns, with 16 nuns making their profession on September 3, 1851. The community has been formally identified as part of the Second Order of Saint Augustine since 1946.
Public Access and Architecture
Since 2023, significant portions of the monastery, including its cloisters, garden, and the crypt beneath, have been opened to the public. These areas are now presented as "The Mysterium Fidei museum". The church itself is constructed in the Baroque style, and the monastic complex includes a notable garden.
The church operates under the jurisdiction of Valletta's parish of St. Dominic and is officially listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was St. Catherine's Monastery founded?
The origins of St. Catherine's Monastery date back to 1580 when a palace began housing a community of women. The palace was transformed into a monastery in 1601.
What religious order does St. Catherine's Monastery belong to?
St. Catherine's Monastery houses cloistered nuns of the Second Order of Saint Augustine. They were officially recognized as an Augustinian community in 1851 and have been part of the Second Order of Saint Augustine since 1946.
What is the architectural style of St. Catherine's Monastery?
The adjoining church is built in the Baroque style. The monastery complex also includes a garden.
Can the public visit St. Catherine's Monastery?
Since 2023, the cloisters, garden, and crypt beneath the monastery have been made available to the public as 'The Mysterium Fidei museum'.
What is the Church of St. Catherine commonly known as?
The church incorporated into the monastery, officially the Church of the Presentation of Our Lady, is more commonly known as the Church of St. Catherine.
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