TheSt John's Co-Cathedral Foundation proudly announces the opening of GrandAmbitions, a landmark exhibition that shines a spotlight on the visionary16th-century Italian architect Francesco Laparelli da Cortona, whoseRenaissance blueprint laid the foundations of Valletta. The exhibition will rununtil Friday 18th July 2025 in the Caravaggio Wing at St John’s Co-Cathedral.
Ondisplay are original drawings by Laparelli, including a rare map of Malta andfour drawings of Valletta on loan from the Accademia Etrusca di Cortona,exhibited in Malta for the very first time. These works provide invaluableinsight into Laparelli’s conceptualisation of Valletta, not only as aformidable stronghold but as a harmoniously designed civic and religiouscentre. His assistant, Girolamo Cassar, later brought these plans to life,designing many of the city’s iconic buildings including the Conventual Churchof St John the Baptist.
Theexhibition was inaugurated by an extraordinary organ concert by Josep SoléColl, the acclaimed chief organist of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Hisspiritually charged performance set the tone for the exhibition’s celebrationof sacred architecture and cultural heritage, held within the stunning baroquesurroundings of the Co-Cathedral.
Duringthe inauguration, Prof. Mons Emmanuel Agius, President of the St John'sCo-Cathedral Foundation, addressed the significance of Laparelli’s legacy. Ashe adressed the attendees, Agius stated "This exhibition is more than a tribute to Francesco Laparelli.It's a celebration of the enduring legacy of intelligent design, civicresponsibility, and the power of imagination rooted in intellectual discipline.Laparelli's collaboration with the Knights of St John and his deepunderstanding of art and science of urban design single him out as not just anarchitect of stone and bastion, but as an architect of destiny."
Keycollaborations included Adriana Alescio, Chief Curatorial and ConservationOfficer of St John’s Co-Cathedral, Mr Sandro Adario, a representative of theLaparelli family, and Dr Patrizia Rocchini, Head Librarian of the BibliotecaComunale and of the Accademia Etrusca di Cortona. Together, they reflected onthe enduring impact of Laparelli’s architectural vision and the historical andcultural ties between Malta and Cortona.
Theevening concluded with a special lecture by Prof Conrad Thake, on FrancescoLaparelli and the Genesis of Valletta, a leading scholar in Maltesearchitectural history. His insights into Laparelli’s urban planning reinforcethe exhibition’s aim to reconnect the public with the roots of Valletta’scityscape.
StJohn’s Co-Cathedral continues to serve as a living monument, one that not onlyconserves Malta’s rich heritage but actively engages with it through music,scholarship, and visual art.
Entryto the exhibition is included with the purchase of a general admission ticketto St John’s Co-Cathedral.
This project is made by St John'sCo-Cathedral Foundation, Visit Malta, Comune di Cortona, Accademia Entrusca diCortona, Biblioteca del Comune di Cortona e dell'Accademia Etrusca, and theMuseo dell'Accademia Etrusca e della Città di Cortona.
Formore information, visit: www.stjohnscocathedral.com
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