Gozo’s skyline is marked by the many cupolas and steeples of the churches and basilicas that are the heart and core of Gozo’s towns and villages. While these magnificent and inspiring churches are not easy to miss when one is exploring Gozo because their size dominates the scene, the same cannot be said of the Gozo chapels.
Less adorned, more rustic and at times crude, Gozo’s chapels echo the humble and rural history of the island, and yet, they still stand as monuments of time and worship. Discovering the hidden Gozo chapels is akin to escaping back in time, where history, devotion, legend and folklore have fused. Just make sure you take note of Gozo’s top chapels to include in your list of places to visit in Gozo.
Lourdes Chapel (Mġarr)
Overlooking the harbour, the Lourdes Chapel is hard to miss. Anyone arriving in Gozo on board the ferry must glimpse this neo-Gothic-styled chapel perched high on the cliff. The architectural elegance of the Lourdes chapel is perfectly poised within its dramatic setting with vistas of Mgarr harbour and the channel.
Lunzjata Chapel (Rabat outskirts)
In stark contrast to the Lourdes Chapel, the Lunzjata Chapel, located in the Lunzjata Valley, is a chapel built partially in a cave and seems to emerge out of the rock face. The small, intimate, white-washed chapel, with its rustic, homely wooden door, is an ancient chapel, and one cannot but feel the serene embrace that the place evokes in the lush green valley.
Ta’ Pinu Chapel (Għarb)
While the grandeur of Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary needs no introduction, few visitors realise that the original countryside chapel has been incorporated as part of the structure at the deeper end of the church. The ancient and tiny inner sanctum of the Ta’ Pinu sanctuary is the chapel, where Our Lady Assumption’s original and recently restored painting is venerated. This is a miraculous place for pilgrims and devotees and one of deep spiritual significance. The hundreds of ex-voto testify to the gratitude that visitors to the shrine have for Our Lady.
San Dimitri Chapel (Għarb)
Away from everything, the San Dimitri Chapel in Għarb, stands alone amid the fields on the western sides of the island and within a short distance of the coast. The natural surroundings of the chapel change with the seasons and evoke different vibes even at different times of the day. The original chapel dated back to medieval times, and the chapel that stands today was built in the early eighteenth century. San Dimitri Chapel is closely tied to the legend of Żgugina, a woman whose son was captured by the corsairs. Legend says that San Dimitri himself heard the plea of sorrowful Żgugina and rescued the boy from the hands of the pirates.
Santa Cecilia Medieval Chapel (Għajnsielem)
Gozo’s most ancient chapel in Għajnsielem is one of the places to visit in Gozo for its historical significance. The chapel is the only surviving chapel from its medieval days, and its severe and unadorned architecture is part of Gozo’s vernacular architectural heritage. The Santa Cecilia Chapel is located next to a medieval tower.
St. Anne's Chapel
One must not miss Gozo’s most ‘modern’ chapel when exploring the western side of the island of Gozo. The chapel, built in the 1960s, is sought after by devotees who seek the intercession of Saint Anne for their causes at the intimate and cosy shrine. Once in the area, make sure you explore the rest of Dwejra.
St. Joseph's Chapel (Citadel)
Finally, take note of the old St. Joseph Chapel within the walls of the Citadel. The chapel dedicated to St. Joseph has a simple exterior, but you will be surprised by the more elaborate architecture inside. Notice the intricately vaulted ceiling and other architectural elements. One exciting aspect is the intriguing altarpiece painting, representing the flight of St. Joseph and the Holy Family to Egypt.
Whether you’re on a voyage of discovery or seeking yourself, Gozo’s chapels are imbued with serenity. Some of the above chapels have strong community connections, especially when it’s time to celebrate the titular saint’s feast. The sense of cultural identity and shared history adds to the appeal. For many others, chapels hold a certain sacredness, mainly when life’s important moments, like weddings and baptisms, are celebrated at locations like these.
Discovering the chapels in Gozo is not only about a pretty picture but also about historical and cultural significance or religious reverence. Chapels in Gozo call for a moment of reflection at what could possibly be the closest thing to heaven on earth.
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