The Mysteries of MALTA

The Chapel of the Immaculate Conception is a small Roman Catholic chapel located in Bengħisa, near the town of Birżebbuġa in the Southern Region of Malta.
The church was originally built in 1822 by Rev. Ġakbu Gauci to serve the spiritual needs of local farmers in the area. The chapel was constructed by the mason Francis Callus.
Between 1861 and 1862, the church underwent major rebuilding and enlargement under the direction of Rev. Ġuzepp Gauci, who was the nephew of the founder. After the reconstruction, the chapel was consecrated in 1862 by Gaetano Pace Forno. Today, the chapel is recognized as a Grade 2 scheduled property on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands because of its historical and architectural importance.
Architecturally, the chapel features a simple yet elegant façade decorated with Tuscan pilasters. A small belfry stands above the main doorway, and the church bell bears the inscription “Concetta,” a reference to the Immaculate Conception. Despite its modest size, the chapel reflects the traditional rural religious architecture found in Malta during the 19th century.
The chapel is also associated with Pietru Pawl Saydon, a respected Maltese priest, professor, and translator who served there for more than thirty years. Saydon is especially remembered for translating the Bible into the Maltese language, an important contribution to Maltese literature and culture.

A window located in Ħaż-Żebbuġ dates back to the Late Melitian Period in Malta (1530-1580). This period is particularly fascinating in Maltese architecture, as it showcases a vigorous island style that flourished under the rapidly building knights. This style gradually absorbed elements of the Renaissance, which was transforming architecture throughout Europe.
During this time, a distinctive type of embellishment appeared on doors and windows. The "architrave" became a prominent feature, characterised by a projecting band of stone surrounding the opening. In the Late Melitian style, the architrave is typically a "triple roll." Another notable feature of this period is the projecting "cornice," which consists of three rolls topped by a simple straight moulding of medieval origin, possibly an attempt to imitate the true Classical cornice.

Chapel Of Our Lady of Sorrows (Il-Kappella tad-Duluri).
Near the parish Church of Saint Philip, situated on Triq il-Kbira, there is a family-owned chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows. This is one of fourteen chapels located in the town of Żebbug, which has a rich history. It was once a small village, but it grew significantly in both size and importance. During the reign of the Knights, Grand Master Emmanuel de Rohan elevated it to city status in 1777, granting it the title of Città Rohan.
It was built by Dr. Baldassare Debono in 1725, adjacent to his residence. The chapel is octagonal in shape, with a circular interior. A few years after the chapel was completed, Dr. de Bono passed away and was buried there as per his request. Although the interior is not richly decorated, the facade features the Papal coat of arms, supported by two angels, as Pope Benedict XIII granted this chapel the title of basilica. It is affiliated with the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome. The chapel also includes a small dome and a bell cot on the side.

Ġiżi tal-Baħar/Mediterranean Stocks/Matthiola tricuspidata.

This plant is commonly known as three-horned stock. It is a flowering plant in the Brassicaceae family that blooms between March and June. It used to be found on the Eastern part of Malta, but during the last twenty years it spread to places like Sliema, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq and close to Paceville.
This species is widespread along the shores of the Mediterranean. It is a halophyte, typically found in stable coastal dune grasslands and coastal dune scrub, but not on shifting dunes.
Another species, Matthiola incana, is often used in gardens for its colourful, fragrant flowers, which have a sweet, spicy scent reminiscent of cloves. Matthiola tricuspidata is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant.

While it is common throughout the Mediterranean, it is less prevalent in the western regions. There are 47 species from the Brassicaceae family recorded in the Maltese Islands.

Male Maltese Wall Lizard – Podarcis filfolensis maltensis – il-Gremxula ta’ Malta.
The Maltese wall lizard is often seen basking on rocks or in the cracks of walls, soaking up sunlight. Males of this species vigorously defend their territory against other male lizards. During the breeding season, male wall lizards display vibrant green colouration on their backs, which becomes more vivid at this time. They can grow up to 28 cm in length. In contrast, females and juvenile lizards have a more brownish appearance. Females show a hint of light green that is noticeably paler than the males' hue and have thin lines running along their sides, while males have these lines represented as dots. The bright colours of the males also help attract females.

Mating takes place in spring, with females laying between two to four eggs that measure approximately 10 to 12.6 mm in length and 6 to 7.5 mm in width. After a period of 25 to 41 days, a female may lay another batch of eggs. These eggs generally hatch 45 to 51 days later, from June to mid-August, producing young lizards that are about 65 mm long.
When threatened by predators, wall lizards can shed their tails. The writhing movement of the shed tail distracts the predator, allowing the lizard to escape. Although a new tail will eventually grow back, sometimes the original tail does not break off completely, resulting in a lizard that appears to have two tails.
The Maltese wall lizard primarily feeds on invertebrates, such as insects, but it also scavenges human waste, eating scraps like tomato, apple, and potato peels. This species is endemic to the Maltese Islands and can be found in three distinct races: one on Filfla, one on Fungus Rock, and one that inhabits Malta, Gozo, and Comino. All races of the wall lizard are protected across the Maltese Islands.
Whilst the subspecies of the St. Paul's Island lizard, Podarcis filfolensis ssp. kieselbachi, is extinct, with its population vanishing in 2005. Predation by rats, which were likely introduced by human visitors, was the primary cause of the decline and extinction.

On the outskirts of San Ġwann, the remarkable chapel known as Tal-Prepostu stands as a testament to the dedication of Reverend Giuseppe Gaspare Vassallo, the Provost of the Collegiate Church of St. Helen in Birkirkara. Commissioned between 1732 and 1733 (A notarized document from 18th October 1732 reveals that the provost of the Birkirkara Chapter, Fr. Gaspare Giuseppe Vassallo, had declared the er****on of this chapel on the notable land of Ta’ Wied Ghomor), this chapel was specifically constructed to serve the spiritual needs of parishioners residing in the remote area of Tax-Xwieki (of the thorns) and tal-Għorfa tal-Balal (storage room for bales), a part of the Birkirkara parish known for its tranquil landscape and close-knit community.
This chapel is is dedicated to Saint Philip, Saint James, and the souls in Purgatory, reflecting Vassallo's deep commitment to spiritual care. The chapel’s facade is both charming and inviting, adorned with decorative elements that include two prominent corner structures, each culminating in a meticulously crafted pilasters topped with a pyramidal pointed ball. The center of the facade features a belfry, which originally housed a bell, and is crowned by a finely carved stone cross that symbolizes faith. Inside, the chapel boasts a stunning vaulted ceiling that creates an atmosphere of grandeur and openness, while the floor is paved with carefully selected limestone flagstones, giving it a rustic yet elegant feel. Above the stone altar, a corniced frame once showcased the original titular painting, now a memory of the chapel's rich history. In recent years, Tal-Prepostu has undergone extensive restoration, ensuring that it remains a well-preserved and cherished place of worship, reflecting both its historical significance and beauty.

L-INGLIŻA.
(African wood-sorrel, Bermuda buttercup, Bermuda sorrel, buttercup oxalis, Cape sorrel, English w**d, goat's-foot, sourgrass, soursob or soursop)
The plant’s scientific name is known as Oxalis pes Caprae (The specific epithet pes-caprae means 'goat's-foot', possibly in reference to the shape of the leaf) popularly called "QARSU" or "QARSA" in Malta and "INGLIŻA" in Gozo—was not familiar to the local population before the 1800s. In the mid-18th century, it was cultivated on a small scale in European botanic gardens, such as those in England and Palermo, Sicily. Its native region is the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, where the English referred to it as "CAPE SORREL" or "African Oxalis."
Until recently, Oxalis was not found in the wild in Europe before the arrival of the English in Malta. Its introduction coincided with other English imports, and it was initially referred to as "ĦAXIXA TA'L-INGLIŻA" upon arrival. The plant's flower stalks contain a significant concentration of oxalic acid, which gives them a sour taste, leading to the local names "QARSU" or "QARSA". Oxalic acid is toxic in large quantities,(as are many more common greens, like spinach
This plant, the flowers of which opens when it is a bright day, does not produce seeds; instead it spreads through underground bulbs. It is a noxious w**d and a very invasive species. It generates flowers with golden petals which can be used to produce a yellow dye, with three morphic conditions related to its reproductive structures. The lack of natural predators in its new environment allows this plant to thrive and spread uncontrollably. It has a double-flowered form with various patterns, occasionally tinged reddish, which is less common than the typical variety.
In Malta, this plant, which gives a bright yellow colour to our landscape, flowers from about November to April (comes with the rain and vanishes with the heat ), while in South Africa, where the seasons are reversed, it blooms in June and July. The adaptability and resilience of Oxalis make it a notable presence in the ecosystems of the regions where it is found. This bright yellow plant has become a pest plant in different parts of the world that is difficult to eradicate because of how it propagates through underground bulbs.

Villa Portelli.
During World War II, the villa served as the official residence of the Malta Flag Officer and continued in this capacity until 1979, when Rear Admiral O.N.A. Cecil, the last commander of British Forces Malta, departed from the premises for the final time. Subsequently, the villa briefly housed the Maritime Institute of Malta before falling into neglect for many years.
Villa Portelli was likely built during the French occupation (1798-1800) and belonged to Agostino Portelli. He was a successful businessman during the early British period in Malta, serving as an appointed member of the first Council of Government and the first President of the Chamber of Commerce. Villa Portelli served as his summer retreat.
The restoration of the villa and its transformation into an exhibition and events venue under the custodianship of Heritage Malta signifies a promising new chapter for this historic landmark.
The villa is on one side of Kalkara Creek, near the former Bighi Hospital. Heritage Malta is using it as an exhibition showcasing the restoration of traditional Maltese boats.

Tas-Sgħajtar Mill, Naxxar.
This round Mould Mill was built by Grandmaster Cotoner in c. 1670. It has a square base and unfortunately the sails are missing. It was used as a grain mill. The tower has no stairs and today it is used as a private residence. The emblem of the Grandmaster on the main door is very badly eroded.