Discover Mqabba: Churches, Catacombs and History

Mqabba combines impressive churches, underground burial complexes and historic paths with its own Maltese architectural and religious history. Anyone wishing to shape a culturally focused trip to Malta will find numerous themes here to consider when planning: a medieval church and the history of church construction, shrines, the Old Hospital, catacombs and the Matla Wall. This diversity makes Mqabba particularly interesting for travellers who want to choose their holiday apartment or holiday home not only based on the accommodation itself, but also on the discoveries they wish to make.

Churches and Architectural History in Mqabba

An important landmark is the parish church of the Assumption of Our Lady. It was built between 1699 and 20 May 1774, representing a long development in ecclesiastical history. It is also worth looking at St Basil’s Church. It is one of the 30 medieval churches on the Maltese Islands and is also the only church on the islands dedicated to Saint Basil. Its history includes three extensions: the first took place in 1486 and the last in 1515.

Smaller religious buildings also tell stories of different periods. The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows was built in 1500 and was originally dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. St Catherine’s Chapel stands opposite the parish church. St Michael’s Chapel was originally built in 1550 and rebuilt in 1669. Another historic building, Vinċenti Tower, was erected in 1726 by Prior Orfeo de Vincenzo during the rule of the Order of Malta in Malta. Anyone interested in church art, religious architecture and the development of a place over several centuries can consciously include these various landmarks in their travel plans.

The Matla Wall and the History of the Landscape

The Matla Wall offers a different way of discovering Mqabba. It is a medieval, elevated stone path without mortar joints. The path was about one kilometre long, approximately one metre wide and began in the centre of Mqabba. During the rainy winter months, it served as a preferred dry route across fields prone to flooding. The Matla Wall therefore represents not only historic construction methods, but also how people dealt with the landscape conditions of the time.

The Globigerina limestone, known in Maltese as ġebla tal-franka, also contributes to Mqabba’s distinctive character. Most of the Globigerina limestone found in Malta is located in Mqabba. Anyone interested in geology, traditional building materials and the relationship between landscape and architecture will find another distinct focus of the town here.

Catacombs and Historical Landmarks

The Ta’ Mintna Catacombs lie underground. They consist of three hypogea that were originally independent burial complexes and were later connected so that they could be used as wells. The central hypogeum contains an exceptionally well-preserved triclinium, meaning a table carved into the rock for commemorative meals. Two rows of triangular lamp niches face the triclinium there. These details give the site particular historical depth and make it interesting for travellers who want to learn more about ancient burial and commemorative traditions.

Another landmark is the Old Hospital. It was built during the plague in the 17th century by the foundation of the Order of Malta. The date 1 July 1725 is carved into the wall at the entrance. This specific date inscription adds a visible historical detail to the earlier history of its origins. On a culturally focused trip to Mqabba, churches, catacombs and such historic buildings can therefore be considered under a common theme without conflating their different periods.

Shrines, Festive Traditions and Reasons to Travel

Several religious landmarks are located along Triq il-Parroċċa. The Assumption of Our Lady roadside shrine displays a statue of the Assumption of Mary with angels. A commemorative plaque beneath it bears the date 1878. The shrine is regarded particularly as a place of devotion during and after the First World War. The roadside shrine of the Archangel Michael is also located on Triq il-Parroċċa; the street was formerly called Triq id-Duluri. During the difficult times of the 1850s, the shrine served travellers on their way to Siġġiewi and Ħaż-Żebbuġ as a place to pray for protection. A nearby plaque indicates that Bishop Buhagiar granted indulgences in 1888.

The liturgical feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on 15 September with a Mass in the square in front of the church. Mqabba’s village feasts feature fireworks every year, which are considered particularly popular with audiences. If you wish to base your trip around religious traditions, festive culture and historic sites, these occasions may play a role in your personal travel planning. A holiday apartment in Mqabba or a holiday home in the town therefore offers a cultural focus, while the specific travel plans depend on the desired period and your own interests.

Mqabba as a Starting Point for Your Accommodation Search

Malta Public Transport lists route 117 among the airport routes together with Mqabba. This information can be taken into account when planning your arrival. In essence, Mqabba remains a destination primarily for travellers who want to combine Maltese history, sacred architecture, underground sites, historic paths and local festive traditions.

For further destinations and subsequent planning, you can also explore Ta' Xbiex, San Pawl Il-Baħar, Ħal Għaxaq, Xewkija, Marsalforn, Żebbuġ, Gozo and Żabbar.

For the overarching travel overview: Malta.