Sanctuary of Our Lady of MelliehaMellieha, Malta
Originally one of the many natural caves found around the northern part of the island, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa (also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady) was first constructed...
Originally one of the many natural caves found around the northern part of the island, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa (also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady) was first constructed in the late 16th century. Since then, it became a popular place of pilgrimage with an increasing population, so the chapel's internal structure was modified and extended.
A monumental arch was built in 1719, to commemorate the favours obtained from Our Lady of Mellieħa after a long period of drought. On the arch is an inscription that reads, "In thee fathers hoped; they hoped and thou hast delivered them".
Inside, you will find a Byzantine-style fresco depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary holding Christ on her right arm. Legend has it that the painting was created by St Luke who was allegedly shipwrecked on our islands with St Paul. However, recent studies show that it is an early 13th-century work.
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