Background

Our Lady of the Grotto: A Mellieħa Sanctuary

Discover the serene beauty and spiritual significance of Our Lady of the Grotto in Mellieħa, Malta, a historic shrine amidst stunning landscapes.

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Our Lady of the Grotto, located in Mellieħa, Malta, is a revered shrine with a rich history. The site features a chapel carved from the rock, housing a statue of the Virgin Mary, and offers a serene atmosphere for reflection and prayer. It stands as a testament to Malta's deep-rooted faith and cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Our Lady Of The Grotto

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

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience a more peaceful atmosphere.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby scenic trails for panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
  • Check the Sanctuary's schedule for Mass times if you wish to attend a service.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Valletta, take bus line 41, 42, or 49 directly to Mellieħa. Alight at the 'Niklaw' or 'Luna' bus stop, which are closest to the Sanctuary. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the Sanctuary. A single bus ticket costs €2.50.

  • Taxi

    From Malta International Airport, a taxi to Our Lady of the Grotto in Mellieħa costs approximately €33 and takes about 50 minutes. A taxi from San Pawl il-Baħar to Mellieha will cost approximately €6. Taxis are readily available at the airport and in major tourist areas.

  • Walking

    From the Mellieha Parish Church, walk along Triq l-Erwieħ. Our Lady of the Grotto will be on your right, a short distance from the church. The walk is less than 5 minutes.

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Discover more about Our Lady Of The Grotto

Our Lady of the Grotto is a significant religious site in Mellieħa, Malta, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. The sanctuary's origins are shrouded in mystery, with traditions suggesting the site was first consecrated as a church in antiquity. One tradition holds that St. Luke the Evangelist, companion of St. Paul, painted an image of Our Lady on the cave's rock face around AD 60. Another tradition says that in 409 AD, a group of bishops visited the grotto and consecrated it as a church. In 1436, the cave was recognized as one of Malta's ten parishes. The current icon of Our Lady is believed to be of Byzantine-Sicilian origin, dating back to the 11th or 13th century. The sanctuary has undergone several expansions to accommodate the growing number of devotees. In 1614, Barbary pirates vandalized the sanctuary, causing severe damage to the lower parts of the paintings. A Sicilian wine merchant named Mario de Vasi contributed to the site's development around 1610 by excavating a cavern and commissioning the statue of Our Lady of the Grotto. The grotto and sanctuary have been visited by prominent figures, including Pope John Paul II, who prayed at the site in 1990. The site continues to be a place of pilgrimage and prayer, with visitors seeking solace and spiritual connection. The Sanctuary is open daily, with visiting hours from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

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