Carmelite Priory Mdina

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Carmelite Priory Mdina, located on Villegaignon Street in the enchanting fortified city of Mdina, Malta, offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in centuries of spiritual heritage, art, and architectural splendour. Nestled within breathtaking seventeenth-century Baroque architecture, the priory stands as a living testament to the Carmelite tradition, inviting all who pass its threshold to discover its serene cloisters, richly decorated spaces, and vibrant cultural life in one of Malta’s most historic settings.

About the Museum

Following a comprehensive two‑year restoration completed in November 2008, the Carmelite Priory opened its doors to the public, becoming the only functioning priory in Malta to offer guided visits led by resident friars. Guests are welcomed into a peaceful cloister, bathed in natural light, which forms the heart of the complex and leads into several original spaces that remain in active use.

Visitors can step into the Baroque Refectory, where communal meals are still held, and experience the harmonious blend of painting, sculpture, and architecture—a masterpiece of seventeenth‑century aesthetics. Adjacent are the pantry and kitchen, featuring a historic stone stove and an impressive collection of antique culinary utensils dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

The Oratory, originally dedicated to Blessed Franco of Siena, showcases a seventeenth‑century altar and a splendid titular painting of the Virgin of Mount Carmel, attributed to the workshop of Mattia Preti. In the Chapter Hall, visitors can admire Maltese furniture, baroque display cases housing statuettes of Carmelite saints, a St Cecilia painting from Preti’s workshop, and a preparatory “bozzetto” of the church dome by Santi Cacciaguerra.

A highlight of the visit is entering a friar’s cell, complete with basic furnishings that speak to a life of prayer and simplicity. This particular cell belonged to Fr Avertanus Fenech, who passed away in 1943 and is still visited by pilgrims. Nearby, visitors will find the bier used historically to carry deceased friars to the crypt.

The sacristy and vesting room reveal exquisite liturgical vestments embroidered by cloistered nuns and noblewomen, as well as finely crafted ecclesiastical silver and devotional objects. The lavabo, a beautifully sculpted basin, also remains on display,

Finally, the Carmelite Church of the Annunciation—built between 1660 and 1675 and designed by Mederico Blondel—is the only Maltese church executed on an elliptical plan. It features an impressive high altar painting of the Annunciation by Stefano Erardi (1677), works by Michele Bellanti and Giuseppe Calì, and an eighteenth‑century statue of the Virgin of Mount Carmel, used in the summer procession.

Interesting Facts

Restoration took two years and the museum opened in November 2008, reviving a once-neglected priory.
The priory church is uniquely elliptical, one of the few such Baroque spaces in Malta.
In the cloister courtyard, visitors can enter free of charge, enjoying a moment of peace amidst Mdina’s bustle.
The Refectory serves both historic and contemporary roles—as a museum space and as a venue for concerts and events.
The friar’s cell of Fr Avertanus Fenech offers a poignant glimpse into contemplative life and remains a place of pilgrimage.
The sacristy boasts liturgical vestments embroidered by cloistered nuns and noblewomen, highlighting local craftsmanship.
The church houses major artworks by Stefano Erardi, Michele Bellanti, Giuseppe Calì, and a Marian statue by Andrea Imbroll.
It remains a fully functioning priory—prayers and Mass are open to the public, offering a living spiritual dimension.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +3562 145 4524

Website: carmelitepriory.org/

Facebook: facebook.com/carmelitepriory.mdina

Conclusion

For those visiting Mdina, the Carmelite Priory is far more than a museum—it is a living monument where art, faith, culture, and community intersect. A guided tour—led by a resident friar—unfolds this hidden world, weaving together stories of sculpted devotion, finely restored interiors, and centuries‑old traditions. Visitors can witness ritual objects, serene cloisters, contemplative spaces, and dynamic cultural events, from midday concerts to theological seminars and retreats. Whether one is drawn by art, spirituality, or architecture, the priory offers a deeply moving experience.

This remarkable space encourages guests to step beyond the role of mere observer: here, one may pause for quiet reflection, attend Mass in a Baroque church, taste a light lunch in a charming café, or browse local crafts in the gift shop. The priory’s continual care and cultural programming ensure that it remains a vibrant part of Malta’s living heritage.

Ultimately, the Carmelite Priory in Mdina is a sanctuary in every sense—an invitation to slow down, to explore beauty and history, and to encounter something timeless in the heart of the “Silent City.” Visitors leave enriched by the generosity of its friars and the grace of a place that speaks eloquently of spiritual serenity, artistic brilliance, and communal life.