Annunciation Church, Balzan

The Parish Church of the Annunciation is one of the Roman Catholic parish churches located in the village of Balzan, Malta.

Parish Church of the Annunciation
Il-Knisja Parrokjali tal-Lunzjata
The church's façade in 2011
Map
35°53′55″N 14°27′05″E / 35.898700°N 14.451464°E / 35.898700; 14.451464
LocationBalzan, Malta
DenominationRoman Catholic
Websitebalzanparish.com
History
StatusParish church
DedicationAnnunciation
Consecrated7 October 1781
Architecture
Functional statusActive
Architectural typeChurch
Completed1695
Specifications
Length120 ft (37 m)
Width92 ft (28 m)
Nave width27.5 ft (8.4 m)
Number of domes1
MaterialsLimestone
Bells6
Administration
ArchdioceseMalta
ParishBalzan

History

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The original church of the Annunciation dated back to the 14th century.[1] On 14 August 1655 Balzan became an independent parish and the church was chosen as the parish church. On December 23, 1669 the cornerstone of the new church was laid. The church was built in the form of a Latin cross. Works were completed by 1695 and the church was blessed that year on January 23 by Bishop Davide Cocco Palmieri and consecrated by Bishop Vincenzo Labini on October 7, 1781. A belfry was also added in 1708 which today includes 6 bells made in Annecy, France, by Fonderie Paccard. The largest bell of this set weighs about 4 tons and is the third largest bell in Malta. The bell was blessed and installed in January 1949. An electric clock was added in 1970.[2]

 
Balzan in 1886

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Ħal Balzan", Archdiocese of Malta. Retrieved on 2 June 2017.
  2. ^ "Balzan Parish Church History" Archived 22 April 2018 at the Wayback Machine, Balzan parish. Retrieved on 2 June 2017.