St Publius Parish Church - Floriana, Malta - Monumental Façade Across the Square

The imposing Baroque façade, twin bell towers and dome of St Publius Parish Church overlooking the spacious Pjazza San Publju in Floriana.

This photograph shows St Publius Parish Church in Floriana, Malta, viewed across the broad open space of Pjazza San Publju. The monumental limestone façade is framed by two tall bell towers, while the church’s dome rises behind the central pediment and the adjoining historic buildings extend along its side. Construction of the church began in 1733, when the foundation stone was laid by Bishop Paul Alphéran de Bussan, and the building developed considerably during the remainder of the 18th century. Floriana became a vice-parish in 1776 and was established as an independent parish in 1844, with St Publius as its patron saint. The church suffered extensive damage during the Second World War, most seriously during an air raid on 28 April 1942, when the dome was destroyed, the façade was badly damaged and sixteen people were killed. Reconstruction followed under architect Gustav Vincenti, allowing the church to reopen in December 1944. Today its imposing façade remains one of Floriana’s most prominent architectural landmarks.