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Tomb of the English Lady: A Lycian-Inspired Mystery in Qormi

Discover the Tomb of the English Lady in Qormi: a curious Maltese landmark blending local legend with 19th-century British history.

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The Tomb of the English Lady, or 'l-Qabar tal-Ingliza,' is a mysterious rock-cut facade near Qormi, Malta. Contrary to local legend, it wasn't built for a fallen English noblewoman, but rather carved by a British soldier, Major Patrick Yule, in the 1840s as a tribute to his expeditions to the ancient Lycian city of Xanthos.

A brief summary to Tomb of the English Lady

  • VF76+HW2, Qormi, MT

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography and a quieter experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the path to the tomb can be uneven and rocky.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the Wied Qirda valley to enjoy the natural scenery.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Valletta, take bus routes 61, 62, or 63 towards Qormi. Alight at a bus stop in Qormi, such as Armar or Qaddisin, and walk towards the VF76+HW2 coordinates (approximately 5-15 minutes) using a map application for guidance. A single bus ticket costs €3.

  • Taxi

    From central Qormi, a taxi ride to the Tomb of the English Lady is a short trip. Taxi fares in Qormi start at €3.80, with an additional €1.50 per kilometer. A 5km ride would cost approximately €11.30. Consider using a ride-hailing app for potentially better service quality.

  • Walking

    From Qormi's center, the Tomb of the English Lady is accessible by foot. Navigate towards the VF76+HW2 coordinates using a map application. The walk may take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on your starting point in Qormi.

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Discover more about Tomb of the English Lady

Nestled in the outskirts of Qormi, the Tomb of the English Lady presents a captivating, albeit enigmatic, historical landmark. Known locally as 'l-Qabar tal-Ingliza', this intriguing site sparks curiosity with its unusual story and Lycian-style facade. Popular legend suggests the tomb commemorates an English noblewoman who tragically died in a riding accident in the area. However, historical research reveals a different origin. The structure was carved in the mid-19th century by Major Patrick Yule of the Royal Engineers. Yule, inspired by his participation in expeditions to Xanthos (an ancient Lycian city in modern-day Turkey), created the tomb as a personal tribute. The design reflects the Lycian tomb architecture, which Yule had encountered during his travels. While the tomb's interior is not accessible and has been subject to vandalism over the years, the carved facade remains a striking sight. The surrounding valley offers a tranquil setting for contemplation, inviting visitors to ponder the blend of local lore and colonial history embodied in this unique landmark. Although the original purpose has been somewhat lost to time, the Tomb of the English Lady continues to fascinate those who seek out Malta's hidden historical gems.

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