Church of the Nativity of Our Lady (Savina)

The Church of the Nativity of Our Lady more commonly known in Maltese as Ta' Savina is a church situated in the heart of Victoria, in the island of Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago.

Church of the Nativity of Mary
Knisja ta' Savina
Church of the Nativity of Mary Location within Malta
36°02′41.9″N 14°14′17.1″E
Location	Victoria, Gozo
Country	Malta
Denomination	Roman Catholic
History
Status	Church
Founded	10th Century
Dedication	Nativity of Mary
Consecrated	17 February 1904
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Architectural type	Church
Style	Baroque
Completed	1913
Specifications
Number of spires	1
Administration
Parish	St Mary's parish Victoria
Diocese	Gozo
Province	Malta
Clergy
Bishop(s)	Mario Grech
Rector	Giovanni Bosco Gauci

Origins

The original church was one of the earliest church buildings in Gozo. It was mentioned in notarial deeds of 1479. Other sources trace this church to the time of Count Roger I of Sicily. The church was rebuilt in 1502. Together with that of St. James and St. George's, this church served as the parish church for the locals during the night time since the parish of St. Mary in the Cittadella was inaccessible for people living outside the fortified city.[1] As the threat of a barbarian invasion decreased, Savina and St. James's lost their parochial status and Victoria was left with two main parishes. Burials used to take place in the church yard up until 1899.

Present days

Ta' Savina church

The present church was built in the early 20th century. The cathedral chapter had approved plans for the rebuilding of Savina church. Works started in 1901 and finished in 1904. The church was consecrated on February 17, 1904.[2] In 1913 the church was further enlarged. The church reopened on the same year by Cardinal Domenico Ferrata, a Papal delegate for the Eucharistic Congress. Monsignor Luigi Vella was appointed as the first rector of the church. Monsignor Vella was the one who worked to rebuild the church and open it for perpetual adoration. He later was appointed as Archdeacon of the cathedral.[3]

The church building is listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.[4]

Works of Art

The main altar painting depicts the birth of the Virgin Mary. It dates to 1622 and was commissioned by the governor of Gozo Riccardo de Nini Claret.

See also

• Culture of Malta
• History of Malta
• List of Churches in Malta
• Religion in Malta

References

1. "Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (ta Savina)". GozoChurches.com. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
2. Bezzina, Joseph (2011). "Main Attractions". Victoria Local Council. Archived from the original on 26 February 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
3. "Exhibition on Dun Alwiġ Ta' Savina". Times of Malta. 30 January 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
4. "Church of the Nativity of the Madonna" (PDF). National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands. 27 August 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 August 2016. Retrieved 31 October 2015.