Annunciation Church, Tarxien

The Parish Church of the Annunciation of Our Lord or simply Annunciation Church or in Maltese Il-Knisja tal-Lunzjata is a Roman Catholic Parish church located in the village of Tarxien in Malta.

Annunciation Church
The ArchMatrix and ArchParish Church of the Annunciation of Our Lord
Il-Knisja ArċiMatriċi u ArċiPretali tal-Lunzjata
35°51′53.9″N 14°30′41.0″E
Location	Tarxien, Malta
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Website	Website of the Church
History
Status	Active
Founded	1610
Dedication	Annunciation
Consecrated	8 May 1782
Architecture
Functional status	ArchParish church
Architectural type	Church
Specifications
Number of domes	11
Number of spires	2
Materials	Limestone
Administration
Archdiocese	Malta
Parish	Tarxien
Clergy
Priest in charge	Archpriest Rev Chris Ellul

History

The parish of Tarxien was created on May 29, 1592 by Bishop Tomás Gargallo. Works on the parish church started during the start of the 17th century, the traditional date being May 5, 1610. The church was built on the site of 3 respective chapels. It was recorded that by 1621 the construction was still in progress and that in 1627 works on the architecture was completed. By 1636 the church had two spires. In 1740 the side chapels were built, three on each side of the church. During the 18th century the church underwent extensive changes in its structure and architecture especially in its facade. The church was consecrated on May 8, 1782.

Interior

There are a total of 11 side altars in their respective chapels and one high altar dedicated to the Annunciation of Jesus. The high altar, which was in use prior to the changes brought by the Second Vatican Council, is made of marble and is the work of Antonio Nikolas of Senglea. The high altar was blessed on October 19, 1779. The titular painting depicting the Annunciation is the work of Pietro Gagliardi dating from 1874.

See also

• Catholic Church in Malta