the Cloistered Convent of Saint Ursula – Valletta

A Timeless Haven of Silence and Spirit in the Heart of Valletta

Tucked away in Valletta’s historic heart lies the Cloistered Convent of Saint Ursula, a silent sanctuary of prayer and contemplation that has withstood the passage of time.

The convent was founded in the late 16th century, shortly after the Order of Saint John established Valletta itself. As the city grew into a fortified bastion of faith and defence, the Knights saw the importance of nurturing a spiritual foundation through monastic life. The convent was entrusted to a cloistered community of Ursuline Sisters, who dedicated their lives to prayer, silence, and intercession, especially for the spiritual and temporal needs of the island.

A Silent Legacy of Faith – Malta’s Last Enclosed Convent and Its Unseen Devotion

Since its foundation, the convent has remained strictly enclosed, with the Sisters living a life of seclusion from the outside world. Their mission has never been one of visibility, but of hidden faithfulness, offering continuous prayer for the Church, for Malta, and for all in need.

Today, the Saint Ursula Convent is the last living monastic institution with a direct link to the time of the Knights of St. John. It stands as a precious witness to Malta’s religious heritage, quietly serving through the power of prayer.