Parish Church of the Annunciation, Balzan

The Parish Church of the Annunciation stands in the village of Balzan on the island of Malta. A church has stood on this site since the 14th century, though the present building dates from the late 17th century. In 1655 Balzan became an independent parish and this church was chosen as its centre. The new church took the form of a Latin cross and was completed by 1695. A belfry was added in 1708 and now holds six bells cast in Annecy, France. The church is recognised for its impressive belfry and the third-largest bell in Malta. The largest bell weighs about four tonnes and was blessed and installed in January 1949. An electric clock was added in 1970. Bishop Davide Cocco Palmieri blessed the church on 23 January 1695 and Bishop Vincenzo Labini consecrated it on 7 October 1781. Inside, the church follows the plan of a Latin cross with a spacious nave and transepts. The walls and ceiling display traditional Maltese church decoration. The belfry rises above the entrance and offers views over Balzan and the surrounding countryside. The village itself is quiet and residential, with narrow streets leading to the church square.