Department of Classics and Archaeology, University of Malta.
Special thanks to the head of department Dr Carmel Serracino.
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Francesco Laparelli: Valletta’s Civil Architect Unmasked
12/12/2025 @ 6:30 PM
Lecture by Dr Christian Mifsud
The Prof. Godfrey Wettinger Memorial Lecture: Francesco Laparelli occupies a central place in the story of Valletta’s origins, yet his contribution has long been framed in narrow terms. Dr. Christian Mifsud re-examines Laparelli’s role beyond that of a military engineer, highlighting the broader architectural vision he brought to the city’s earliest planning phase. For centuries, historical narratives have emphasised Girolamo Cassar as the primary designer of Valletta’s early high-status buildings. This lecture re-opens that conversation, inviting a reassessment of authorship, collaboration, and the shaping of Malta’s early modern urban landscape.