St John’s Co-Cathedral Launches “Grand Ambitions” Exhibition Celebrating Architect Francesco Laparelli

The St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation proudly announces the opening of Grand Ambitions, a landmark exhibition that shines a spotlight on the visionary 16th-century Italian architect Francesco Laparelli da Cortona, whose Renaissance blueprint laid the foundations of Valletta. The exhibition will run until Friday 18th July 2025 in the Caravaggio Wing at St John’s Co-Cathedral.

On display are original drawings by Laparelli, including a rare map of Malta and four drawings of Valletta on loan from the Accademia Etrusca di Cortona, exhibited in Malta for the very first time. These works provide invaluable insight into Laparelli’s conceptualisation of Valletta, not only as a formidable stronghold but as a harmoniously designed civic and religious centre. His assistant, Girolamo Cassar, later brought these plans to life, designing many of the city’s iconic buildings including the Conventual Church of St John the Baptist.

The exhibition was inaugurated by an extraordinary organ concert by Josep Solé Coll, the acclaimed chief organist of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. His spiritually charged performance set the tone for the exhibition’s celebration of sacred architecture and cultural heritage, held within the stunning baroque surroundings of the Co-Cathedral.

During the inauguration, Prof. Mons Emmanuel Agius, President of the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, addressed the significance of Laparelli’s legacy. As he 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, civic responsibility, and the power of imagination rooted in intellectual discipline. Laparelli’s collaboration with the Knights of St John and his deep understanding of art and science of urban design single him out as not just an architect of stone and bastion, but as an architect of destiny.”

Key collaborations included Adriana Alescio, Chief Curatorial and Conservation Officer of St John’s Co-Cathedral, Mr Sandro Adario, a representative of the Laparelli family, and Dr Patrizia Rocchini, Head Librarian of the Biblioteca Comunale and of the Accademia Etrusca di Cortona. Together, they reflected on the enduring impact of Laparelli’s architectural vision and the historical and cultural ties between Malta and Cortona.

The evening concluded with a special lecture by Prof Conrad Thake, on Francesco Laparelli and the Genesis of Valletta, a leading scholar in Maltese architectural history. His insights into Laparelli’s urban planning reinforce the exhibition’s aim to reconnect the public with the roots of Valletta’s cityscape.

St John’s Co-Cathedral continues to serve as a living monument, one that not only conserves Malta’s rich heritage but actively engages with it through music, scholarship, and visual art.

Entry to the exhibition is included with the purchase of a general admission ticket to St John’s Co-Cathedral.

This project is made by St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, Visit Malta, Comune di Cortona, Accademia Entrusca di Cortona, Biblioteca del Comune di Cortona e dell’Accademia Etrusca, and the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca e della Città di Cortona.