Mellieha And Its Sanctuary – Centuries Of Devotion

By Author: Angelo Xuereb
Total Articles: 11
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One of the most particular villages in the northern part of Malta is Mellieha, a locality which boasts a variety of landscapes and which offers so many different activities to its visitors, both Maltese and foreigners. Having a history which extends back to prehistoric times, Mellieha is a village which attracts religious people, history scholars, countryside enthusiasts, as well as fun-loving people who just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful beach of Ghadira. Listed by the European Union as a “European Destination of Excellence”, Mellieha truly deserves a visit.

Mellieha was always a remote village, cut off from the rest of the island. In fact, up to the British period the nearest large locality would have been Mosta, a town situated in the central part of the island. According to the scanty records available, Mellieha was not much populated in the 1400s, mainly because of corsair raids and fear of attacks. In spite of this people were still attracted to the area due to its fertile land. Many workers preferred to travel from their hometowns to work in the fields instead of settling nearby – those who decided ...
... to settle down in the vicinity of their land would chose caves that were sheltered and well-hidden.

Village communities in Malta were very religious in the past and always sought to build a church to see to their spiritual needs. The same thing happened in Mellieha – a cave-church was established, described nowadays as one of the most important Marian shrines on the Island. Cave-churches are not so rare in Malta. Around twenty such churches have been recorded in the Rabat and Mellieha areas, which is not surprising given the favourable geology of the Maltese Islands. A modest church up to the arrival of the Knights of the Order of St John, the one in Mellieha was later on decorated with more sophisticated art works.

The most popular work of art to be found inside the church is the titular, an icon of the Virgin and Child which has been ascribed to the Siculo-Byzantanesque style and dated to the late 12th or early 13th centuries. Both the church and the icon are connected to the Pauline tradition which permeates the Maltese Islands. In fact, there is a tradition which narrates that the church was founded by St Paul, during his stay in Malta after the 60AD shipwreck. Many used to believe that the famous icon of the Virgin and Child had been painted by St Paul’s companion, St Luke. This legend has now been somewhat dismissed since, as mentioned before, the icon has been attributed to a much later date on stylistic grounds.

In 1883 the village celebrated the laying of the first stone of the new church which was built above the cave. Money started being spent to take care of and embellish this new structure with new paintings and statues. However the most interesting artefacts remain the numerous ex-votos that are exhibited in the sacristy of the church, which bear witness to the constant vows of the believers who seek the help of the Virgin Mary in times of distress.

Just a few minutes’ drive away from the Seashells Resort at Suncrest hotel Malta, (about the location) those visitors who do not want to miss the most famous pilgrimage spots and religious shrines of the Islands have to stop in Mellieha to check out this sanctuary. And, once they are there, they can indulge in the hospitality of the locals, and enjoy walks in the countryside surrounding the town. But this shall be a topic I shall be developing in upcoming articles, as it deserves a detailed description in its own right.

For more information one can consult:
L-Istorja tal-Mellieha: Dati Storici - Jimmy Muscat (2009)
The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Mellieha: the art historical context to a Marian Shrine – BA (Hons) Art Dissertation by Charlene Vella (2006)

This Article has been made available by AX Hotels Malta – a leading operator of Hotels in Malta. The AX Hotels, Malta Hotels Portfolio includes Accommodation in Malta in two prime tourist localities with three hotels in Sliema (consisting of Victoria Hotel, Palazzo Capua and The Palace a fast growing leader 5 star Spa Hotel Malta)