Chapel of St Paul the Hermit, Wied il-Għasel, Rock-hewn chapel in Wied il-Għasel valley, Malta.
The Chapel of St Paul the Hermit is a rock-hewn sanctuary set within a natural cave formation in the Wied il-Għasel valley near Mosta. The structure uses the existing rock to create a simple worship space overlooking the surrounding landscape.
The chapel was rebuilt in 1656 by Gan Pawl Mangion with bishop's permission, and an altar was added around a painting of the Virgin Mary. This reconstruction shaped the site as visitors experience it now.
The chapel is dedicated to St Paul the Hermit, a figure venerated in local tradition as a patron of solitary religious life. The paintings inside link visitors to the spiritual meaning this place holds for the community.
The approach passes through the rocky terrain of the valley, requiring careful footing on uneven paths. Sturdy footwear and attentiveness help ensure safe passage to the site.
Behind the chapel lies a rock-cut chamber that once served as living quarters for a hermit. This hidden space reveals how the location functioned as a refuge for spiritual practice over time.
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