St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina stands as the central achievement of Lorenzo Gafà, a Maltese architect who shaped the ecclesiastical landscape of the seventeenth century. His career spanned decades of construction projects across the Maltese Islands, blending stone carving traditions with the structural demands of the Baroque style during a transformative era for regional church design.
Early Career and Training
Born in 1639 in Birgu to Marco Gafà, a stone carver, and his wife Veronica, Gafà learned his trade alongside his older brother Melchiorre. While historical records lack evidence of formal schooling abroad, some scholars suggest he might have studied in Rome or served as an apprentice under the Italian architect Francesco Buonamici during his tenure in Malta. His transition from stone carving to architectural design became evident by 1661, when he participated in the construction of the choir at the Church of St. Philip in Żebbuġ.
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Throughout the latter half of the 1600s, Gafà oversaw the planning and execution of numerous religious sites. His portfolio includes the Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta, constructed between 1666 and 1680, and the Church of St. Lawrence in Birgu. He also managed work on the Sarria Church in Floriana in 1676 and the Church of St. Nicholas in Siġġiewi between 1676 and 1693. Secular commissions, such as the 1675 Villa Bichi and the palace of the General of the Galleys in Birgu, further established his professional reputation.
The Mdina Cathedral Project
In 1679, Gafà designed the choir for St. Paul's Cathedral, which survived the 1693 Sicily earthquake while the rest of the original structure suffered significant damage. This event necessitated a complete redesign of the cathedral. Gafà took charge of the new project, producing Baroque plans that were realized between 1696 and 1705. The building, which remains a landmark of his career, reached completion in time for its consecration on 8 October 1702.
Final Years and Legacy
Gafà continued his work until his death on 16 February 1703. His influence extended to projects like the Cathedral of the Assumption in Victoria, Gozo, started in 1697, and the expansion of the Church of Our Lady of Victories in 1699. Numerous other sites across the islands, including churches in Żejtun, Qormi, and Rabat, reflect his involvement in the development of Maltese architecture. He died in his hometown of Birgu.
Fast facts
- Born: 1639, Birgu
- Died: 16 February 1703, Birgu
- Nationality: Malta
- Occupations: Architect, sculptor
- Masterpiece: St. Paul's Cathedral, Mdina
- Notable project: Cathedral of the Assumption, Victoria
- Notable project: Collegiate Parish Church of St Paul's Shipwreck
Questions readers ask
Did Lorenzo Gafà study architecture in Rome?
There is no documentary evidence to confirm he ever left Malta for training, though some sources suggest it as a possibility.
What happened to the Mdina Cathedral during his lifetime?
The original cathedral was partially destroyed during the 1693 Sicily earthquake, leading Gafà to design the new structure that was consecrated in 1702.
