Kirkop

At the centre of Kirkop stands the Parish Church of St Leonard, a striking example of Malta’s religious devotion. Built at the beginning of the 16th century, the church was elevated to parish status in 1592 and expanded several times to meet the needs of a growing population. Consecrated in 1782, it gained twin bell towers in 1800 and later underwent interior refurbishments in 1878. Inside the Church of St Leonard, visitors can admire several remarkable treasures. The main altar is crowned by a grand baldacchino, a canopy of drapery richly embroidered in gold thread. On the high altar rests a striking silver antependium, crafted in 1949 by the Maltese firm Robinich to a design by sculptor Antonio Sciortino. Its panels depict St Leonard freeing captives, flanked by St Remigius and King Clodovicus. The church also safeguards sacred relics: in 1790, Pope Pius VI donated the remains of St Benedict, which arrived in Kirkop the following year, enhancing the church’s spiritual significance.