Church of the Annunciation, Balzan

Region	Central
Building type	Place of Worship
Address	Balzan Parish Church, Main Street, Balzan, Malta
Located Graffiti	Dates, Numbers, Ship Graffiti

The church that is visible today was constructed in 1695 in replacement of an earlier church dating to the 14th century. It is dedicated to the Annunciation of Our Lady and was ordained as the parish church of Balzan. The examples of ship graffiti are found on the facade of the church and on the west and south-facing external walls.

Gallery

This example measures only 5cm and depicts the hull and lateen rigging of a ship.

A comparatively large and detailed ship graffito showing the ship’s standing rigging is visible. Another example is located on the stone block above, partially covered by plaster.

A small ship graffito has been exposed underneath the plaster complete with the depiction of multiple decks, a bowsprit and two masts with a crow’s nest is visible.

Some of the stone’s surface, together with the existing ship graffiti have been damaged.

A thin outline of a ship’s hull and lateen rigging.

The outline of a ship with possible masts. Numbers accompany this ship graffito.

This ship graffito is realistic and detailed, likely featuring a galley with two lateen sails. Flags are visible at the stern and masts. A smaller accompanying boat is visible to the right.

The hull of a ship is visible underneath plaster.

A realistic rendition of a ship complete with lateen rigging on two masts and a full set of oars. Flags are also visible on the masts.

A series of lines form the outline of a ship graffito. This example has been damaged by plaster which was later removed, causing more damaged to the ship graffiti.

Church of the Annunciation, Balzan

Gallery

About

Why Ships?

Get Involved

Legal

Follow Us