St. Lawrence's Church, Vittoriosa

The "Church of St. Lawrence" was the first convent church of the Order of St. John in Malta (1530-1571).

Saint Lawrence, to whom this church in Valetta is dedicated, is one of the early Christian martyrs from a time when Christianity was still forbidden. He was Archdeacon of the Pope and asked by the pagan emperor to hand over the treasure of the Church. Laurentius asked for three days, in the meantime distributed the church property among the poor inhabitants of Rome and after the agreed time came with the poor to the emperor to present them to him as the treasure of the church. He was then martyred to death, legend has it that he was alive on a grate - this attribute can be seen in many depictions of Saint Laurentius - roasted over coals. He is said to have been in good spirits and told his executioner on the one hand he was ready, whether he didn't want to turn him over.
The memorial day of Saint Laurentius in the calendar of saints is August 10th.

Saint Lawrence to whom this church in Valetta is dedicated.