STUNNING VIEWS OF THE ROTUNDA OF MOSTA
Mosta in Malta became a parish in 1608. Soon after, plans for a new church began, leading to the construction of a church around 1614 with designs attributed to Renaissance architecture. By the 1830s, the town's population had outgrown this church, prompting plans for a neoclassical redesign based on the Pantheon in Rome. Despite opposition, the design was approved, and construction began in 1833. The new church was built around the old one, which remained in use throughout the construction. Mosta residents participated in the building process, working on Sundays and public holidays.
The Church commonly known as the Rotunda of Mosta took 28 years to complete, finishing in the early 1860s, with the old church being demolished in 1860. The site remained a place of worship throughout construction, so the new church did not require consecration but was eventually dedicated in 1871.
During World War II, Mosta was vulnerable to aerial bombardment due to its proximity to the RAF Ta Kali airfield. On 9 April 1942, the Luftwaffe dropped three bombs on the church. Two deflected without exploding, but one 50 kg (110 lb) high-explosive bomb pierced the dome and entered the church where 300 people were attending Mass. The bomb did not explode and was defused by the Royal Engineers Bomb Disposal unit, then dumped into the sea off the west coast of Malta. This event was seen as a miracle by the inhabitants, and a replica of the bombshell is now displayed in the sacristy at the back of the church.
In 2015, the parish requested the Vatican to reclassify the church as a basilica. This request was granted, and the church was elevated to a minor basilica on 29 July 2018 by decree of Pope Francis.
The Rotunda is built in the neoclassical style, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. Its façade features a portico with six Ionic columns, flanked by two bell towers. As a rotunda, the church has a circular plan with walls approximately 9.1 m (30 ft) thick, supporting a dome with an internal diameter of 40 m (130 ft). The church interior includes eight niches, a bay with the main entrance, and a deep apse with the main altar. It main feature however is its roof, which is renowned as being the third-largest self supporting dome in the world.
Before construction, there was some opposition to its design, with some viewing a Roman temple as an unsuitable model for a Catholic church. However, others praised the design and in 1839 it was defined in a book as "certainly the most magnificent, extensive and solid modern building" in Malta.
Today, the Rotunda of Mosta stands as a testament to the town's rich history, architectural beauty, and the resilience and faith of its community.
MUSIC
majestic-inspiring-orchestra-music-for-inspiration by Rocot
If you liked this video I have many more on my KZfaq Channel @DocColVideo so please consider subscribing, it's free, and helps with my channel development. Also if you enjoyed this particular video why not hit the like and the notification buttons. Cheers!