The Church of Our Lady of Miracles

Devotion to Our Lady in these areas dates back to the 15th century, when we know that there already was a small church nearby.

It seems that by the middle of the 17th century the old church had fallen into disrepair and so, Grandmaster Cottoner, who often visited this village, thought of building a new bigger church.

So, in 1664, the church we see today was built, with simple Doric-style architecture and covered with a round roof and a beautiful dome. It also boasts a bell tower, a sacristy, and a small mezzanine.

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Il-Madonna tal-Mirakli Painting

The wooden triptych is attributed to the Sicilian artist Corso di Buono and is from the end of the 13th century. Similar paintings can be found in Sicilian museums, and this gives us an indication as to the likely origin of this painting. 

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In the triptych we find Our Lady seated on a throne holding her Son the baby Jesus in her lap. Jesus has the world in one hand and with his right hand imparts a blessing – this is a symbol of Jesus as the Savior of the world. On the right side of the square we find St. Peter, and on the left St. Nicholas.

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A miraculous event in 1743 greatly increased the devotion of this painting and this church. It is said that the caretaker of the church went to light the lamp in front of the Holy Image and saw that on the cheeks and the divine breast of the Virgin, were large drops of water-like sweat. At first he thought this was just moisture; but couldn’t see where this moisture could have come from. The church was not nearly damp enough to account for this. He immediately informed the church authorities who examined the painting and concluded that this was perspiration and that it seemed to have come from a living person. 

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That same day Malta felt the impact of a great earthquake which shook these islands - but no lives were lost. The Grand Master and the Bishop of Malta concluded that this was a miracle and the fact that no one lost their life was thanks to the intercession of Our Lady. 

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For this reason the church has since been referred to as the "Church of Our Lady of Miracles”.