Francesco Zerafa facts for kids

Francesco "Franco" Zerafa (born 1679 – died 21 April 1758) was a talented Maltese architect. He also helped the Knights of St. John. In 1714, he became the chief architect for the Knights, a very important job. He kept this role until he passed away.

Zerafa's Important Buildings and Designs

The Castellania in Valletta, designed by Zerafa. It was finished after his death.

Francesco Zerafa helped design many important buildings in Malta. He worked with another architect, Charles François de Mondion, on the plans for Fort Manoel. This was a big fort built to protect the island.

Decorating the Grand Master's Palace

Zerafa also added beautiful decorations to the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta. This happened when Marc'Antonio Zondadari was the Grand Master. His work made the palace even more grand and impressive.

Working on Churches and Theatres

He was involved in decisions about the front of the Church of St Catherine. This church was designed by Romano Carrapecchia. Zerafa later took over as the main architect for the Knights of St. John in 1714.

Zerafa also helped build the famous Manoel Theatre. He worked with Antonio Azzopardi on this project. They followed the designs of Romano Carapecchia. The theatre was built between 1731 and 1732.

Changing Maltese Architecture

Zerafa was one of the few local architects who helped change building styles in Malta. Before him, many buildings were simple and traditional. Zerafa, along with architects like Giuseppe Bonici and Giovanni Barbara, helped bring more elegant European designs to the island.

Other Public Works

Francesco Zerafa worked on many other public projects during the 1700s. For example, he designed windmills, which were important for grinding grain.

In 1757, he designed the Castellania building in Valletta. This building was for law courts. However, Zerafa died on 21 April 1758 before the building was finished. Giuseppe Bonici took over as the chief architect and made sure the Castellania was completed in 1760.