Carmelite Priory Museum

Carmelite Priory Museum Overview

The Carmelite Church and Priory Museum is the only monastery in Malta that has opened its doors to welcome regular visitors. This initiative is the end product of two exhaustively intensive years of restoration that have brought this seventeenth century priory back to its former glory.

Constructed around an idyllic courtyard, the highlight of the place is undoubtedly the Refectory where the friars would congregate for communal meals. It is a rare example of the Baroque concept of the total work of art, where painting, sculpture and architecture come together to create a harmonious whole. On either side of the refectory are the pantry and the kitchen with an original stone stove. Here one can delight in a variety of antique tools and utensils that were used in the priory and that date back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Other areas provide further insight into the everyday communal life of the Carmelite friars. The friars would gather at different hours of the day to pray in the Oratory which still houses the original first wooden gilded altar of the church that was made in 1670. In the Chapter Hall the Carmelites would assemble around the large table to discuss and decide upon important issues.

Open for viewing is a typical friar’s bare cell and a bier which was used to carry the bodies of the dead friars to the crypt. A small selection of liturgical vestments made by cloistered nuns feature exquisitely intricate patterned embroidery. A small number of ecclesiastical silver has also been put on display.

The museum is connected to the Carmelite Church from behind the altar. Its arresting impression lies in the fact that it was built to an elliptical shape which creates a very harmonious and welcoming space for congregation and prayer. Here, one can appreciate the extensive restoration projects that have been undertaken. Among the most notable paintings in the church are the two works in the large main chapels executed by Michele Bellanti in the mid-nineteenth century and also six works by Giuseppe Calì, with the Virgin of Sorrows being a very poignant and devotional work. Finally, the statue of the Virgin of Mount Carmel that is taken out in procession in July, is a triumph of Maltese sculpture.

After exploring the museum, one can extend their visit with a light lunch or tea at the Old Priory Café which offers a good selection of Mediterranean meals and fine wines. The Old Priory Giftshop is also worth a visit as here one can find products of Maltese craftsmanship.

Photos by Daniel Cilia

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Carmelite Priory Museum Photos

4 Visitor Reviews

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  Posted October 2009

  A wonderful glimpse into the past

  Theresa Attard from Hamrun

  A beautiful gem, once hidden but now is easily accessible to all.it is good to delve into the past of this 17th. century priory. Hope many more will follow the example. Beautifully restored!

  2/2 people found this helpful
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  Posted August 2009

  loved it

  karl mark joseph from UK/Malta

  had a few friends over from the UK, and wandered through Mdina. We were lucky to be there on a saturday as lunch time concerts are held on weekly basis. atmosphere was great. cudos to the musician! and curator who was very well informed and helpful. ended up having lunch there too. lovely salads in chilled surroundings. well done to the carmelites.

  4/4 people found this helpful
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  Posted April 2009

  Mdina the silent city?

  Andrea Svelt from Zurich

  We visited last weekend in the middle of many activities and crowds in Mdina. We expected a silent city! but we believe that this was just a one time event. The museum was interesting and certainly a nice look into Malta's religious past.

  2/2 people found this helpful
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  Posted April 2009

  Super Job

  Mr Charles Fenech from Sliema

  We went up to the Carmelite Priory Museum last week and were surprised at this hidden beautifull jewel, Well done to the master mind behind this huge project you have managed to preseve this place with great taste.I suggest a visit to both locals and foreigners. Thank you for giving us a chance to view this beautifull Priory.

  5/6 people found this helpful