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Our Lady Of The Grotto: A Mellieħa Sanctuary

Discover a serene Maltese shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, offering a tranquil escape and stunning Mediterranean views.

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Our Lady Of The Grotto, located in Mellieħa, Malta, is a serene shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Carved into the rock, the grotto features religious art and invites visitors to prayer and reflection. Its history dates back to the 19th century, offering a tranquil escape with stunning views.

A brief summary to Our Lady Of The Grotto

  • X966+3QR, Triq Il-Marfa, Mellieħa, MT

Local tips

  • Visit early or late in the day for a quieter experience and better lighting for photographs.
  • Bring a small candle to light at the shrine.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven path to the grotto.
  • Those sensitive to allergies should be cautious due to bugs and mold.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Our Lady Of The Grotto via public transport, take a bus to the Mellieħa bus terminus. From the terminus, walk northeast on Triq Il-Marfa. The shrine will be on your left. Bus routes serving Mellieħa include 41, 42, 49, X1, 101, 221, and 222. A single bus ticket costs €2.50 in the summer and less in the winter. A multiday pass for one week costs €12.

  • Walking

    From the Mellieha Parish Church, walk along Triq Il-Marfa in a northeasterly direction. The Grotto of Our Lady is a short walk down the road on the left-hand side. The walk is short but involves a descent down a flight of steps.

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Discover more about Our Lady Of The Grotto

Our Lady Of The Grotto is a revered shrine in the charming town of Mellieħa, Malta. This sacred site, also known as the Mellieha Grotto, is a place of worship and a significant tourist attraction. The shrine is set against a backdrop of greenery and Mediterranean views, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The grotto's history dates back to the 19th century when it became a place for pilgrims seeking solace. A Sicilian wine merchant, Mario de Vasi, suggested creating steps down to a natural cave with a spring. The cave was enlarged to accommodate devotees, and a statue of Our Lady holding the Infant Jesus was placed inside. Tradition holds that St. Luke painted the figure of Our Lady on the cave's rock face around 60 AD. Another tradition says that bishops consecrated the cave as a church in 409 AD. The present icon is of Siculo-Byzantine origin, likely painted around the 11th century. Over the centuries, devotion to the sanctuary increased, with pilgrims attributing miraculous interventions and healings to Our Lady. Pope John Paul II visited the sanctuary in 1990. Visitors can explore the chapel, which houses a statue of the Virgin Mary, and enjoy the tranquil ambiance. The grotto is accessible via a small metallic door and steep stairs. Votive offerings adorn the grotto's walls, and devotees have reported seeing the figure of Our Lady moving as a sign of blessing.

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