| Page Views: 1,749 Last Visit to Mosta: October, 2004 | Mosta Dome by joanj - last update: Dec 21, 2004 |
the Church of Santa Marija Assunta This church known at Mosta Dome can be seen from many vantage points in Malta.
At 40 metres (130 ft) in diameter and is reputed to be the third or fourth largest unsupported dome in the world.
The Dome was built to the design of Giorgio Grognet de Vasse, with almost total voluntary labour drawn from the parish. The first stone was laid in 1833, and it took 27 yrs. to complete the main structure. It is so large due to the fact that it was erected around a church already existing on the site. The original church has become too small for the growing parish, but could not be demolished until an alternative was available.
The story of the miracle goes like this:-
During World War II a bomb pierced the dome while the church was crammed full of parishioners. It grazed the interior wall, skidded across the floor, but did not explode. A replica is now on display in the church. (pictures on my pages show this).
An interesting fact while we were visiting, a church member on voluntary duty at the entrance, actually showed us where the bomb came through the dome ( the repair work only could be seen when you knew exactly where to look), and also the repair work when it grazed the stonework above a painting. This was also clear when shown the exact spot.
The dome interior is absolutely amazing. |
|  | Ornate clock tower This is a photograph of one of the two clock towers on the church of Santa Marija Assunta. |
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