The design of the Church of the Assumption is attributed to the Maltese architect Tommaso Dingli (1591–1666). Construction began in 1656 and was completed in ten years. The Baroque church shares many similarities with other churches designed by Dingli, particularly in the simplicity of its side walls and the structure of its dome.
The Only Three-Bell Tower Church in Malta
The Parish Church of Gudja is a Baroque gem whose construction, begun in 1656, is attributed to the renowned Maltese architect Tommaso DingliThe original design is notable for the simplicity of its side walls and a dome on an octagonal drum, bearing strong resemblance to the one in Attard, also by Dingli. However, the church we see today is the result of a unique architectural evolution: it is the only church in Malta that features three bell towers.While the current façade was rebuilt in 1901 by Carlo Farrugia in an eclectic style, the third bell tower is an imposing 30-meter Neoclassical structure designed by the British architect William Baker in 1858, topped with a temple-style structure and angel sculptures.
The main façade is a showcase of religious iconography, adorned with allegorical figures of the Hope and the Charityand crowned by an image of the Risen Christ on the pediment. To harmonize these additions, the parvis The atrium was expanded in 1908, surrounding the church with a perimeter wall and wrought-iron gates that welcome worshippers and visitors into this monument, consecrated in 1785. In addition to its aesthetic value, the British bell tower houses clocks by the renowned Maltese master Mikiel Anġ Sapiano and bells cast in London, thus blending local tradition with the colonial influence of the era.
