The Rotunda of St Marija Assunta in Malta

From maltawiki.com

The Rotunda of St Marija Assunta (sometimes shortened as The Mosta Dome) is a church in Mosta, Malta.

This article is about a church in Malta. See also the article about churches in Malta or the article about tourist attractions in Malta.

[edit] Construction of the Dome

The Mosta Dome is the third largest unsupported dome in Europe. The church is dedicated to the Assumption.
It was built between 1830 and 1860 around Mosta's previous parish church. The dieameter of the dome measures 37 meters accross. The Dome was designed by architect Giorgio Grongnet.

During construction, the Dome was litterary built around the old parish church of Mosta and the old church was first demolished after the completion of the Dome. This menthod was used so that the citizens of Mosta would never be left without a church to attend.

[edit] The organ of the Mosta Dome

The Mosta Dome has the largest organ ever installed in a church in Malta. The organ is constructed by the famous Italian organ builder Pacifico Inzoli. The organ consists of around 2000 pipes of various sizes. The organ was installed in 1885.

[edit] Mosta Dome Bomb

During an afternoon air-raid in the Second World War, on the 9. of April 1942, a 200 kg bomb pierced the roof of the dome and landed right in the middle of the church where it's said that around 300 people were gathered for prayer. However, the bomb did not explode and everyone in the church escaped death. Today the church features a display of a replica of the bomb that hit.