St. Catherine's Old Church, Żejtun
Church in Żejtun, Malta / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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St. Catherine's Old Church (Maltese: Knisja ta' Santa Katerina l-Antika), also known as St. Gregory's Church (Maltese: Knisja ta' San Girgor), is a Roman Catholic church in Żejtun. The church and its complex sit towards the outskirts of the town, commanding views over Marsascala Bay, St. Thomas' Bay and Marsaxlokk harbour. The church is colloquially known as Saint Gregory's due to a traditional procession held on the first Wednesday following Easter Sunday.[1] Its dedication to Catherine of Alexandria dates back to an original chapel on this site, which was one of the eight mother churches on Malta.[2] The church stands next to the three cemeteries of Żejtun, dedicated to St. Rocco, St. Gregory and St. Catherine.[3] The church's functions as the parish church of Żejtun were taken over by a new parish church, also dedicated to St. Catherine, and designed by Lorenzo Gafà.
St. Catherine's Old Church | |
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St. Catherine's Old Church | |
St. Gregory's Church | |
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35°51′10.6″N 14°32′17.7″E | |
Location | Żejtun |
Country | Malta |
Denomination | Roman Catholic |
Tradition | Latin Rite |
History | |
Dedication | Saint Catherine of Alexandria |
Other dedication | Pope St. Gregory |
Architecture | |
Heritage designation | Grade 1 Listed building |
Style | Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque |
Groundbreaking | Unknown (current edifice dates from 15th century) |
Completed | 1606 (1606) |
Specifications | |
Length | 130 feet (40 m) |
Width | 105 feet (32 m) |
Materials | Limestone |
Administration | |
Diocese | Malta |
The present day church was built on the site of an older 15th century chapel, also dedicated to St. Catherine, along with an adjacent private chapel dedicated to St. Mark and St. Jacob.[4] Late medieval texts prove that the church became a landmark for seafarers. Over the years, the chapel was restructured and enlarged, with the demolition of the adjacent private chapel. The extensions included the construction of a transept and a dome. The present day façade was probably altered in the 17th century, with the addition of a Renaissance doorway.[4] St. Catherine's Old Church is a working church with prayer and daily mass services.[5] The church is a Grade 1 scheduled building and is listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.[4]