Chapel of the Nativity of the Virgin, Fort St. Angelo, Vittoriosa

TheMacabreNBold (Atlas Obscura User)

According to tradition, this chapel was founded by Count Roger in 1091 when the Maltese islands were claimed from Arab rule. by 1274 it was dedicated to archangel Michael, but following the outcome of the Great siege of 1565, the Knights of St. John rededicated in honour of the festivity of the Nativity of the virgin whose feast falls on 8th September. This feast still is a much awaited public holiday in Malta.

This curious chapel comes from the troglodytic tradition; originally carved out of rock, the chapel evolved over the centuries and now has a baroque altar with the altar piece of St. Anne holding baby Jesus, flanked by St. John the Baptist and St. Paul.

Know Before You Go

In order to see the chapel, one has to go to fort St.Angelo and purchase a ticket. The chapel itself cannot be accessed, however, it can be seen through glass doors.

Address;
Fort St.Angelo,
Birgu Waterfront, Il-Birgu