St Mary's Chapel, Bir Miftuħ, Medieval chapel in Gudja, Malta.
St Mary's Chapel in Bir Miftuħ is a medieval chapel with a rectangular stone structure and a belfry added in the sixteenth century. The small building measures about 11 by 14 meters (36 by 46 feet) and shows the simple, solid construction typical of medieval Malta.
The chapel was consecrated in 1401 and served as the main parish church of Gudja for centuries until a larger church was built in 1676. This shift marked the end of its role as the community's primary place of worship.
The interior walls display medieval frescoes showing biblical scenes like the Last Judgment, reflecting the artistic traditions of fifteenth-century Malta. These paintings reveal how religious art was practiced in the islands during that period.
The chapel can be visited through organized tours usually held on the first Sunday of each month arranged by Din l-Art Ħelwa national trust. It is best to confirm availability in advance since access is limited and scheduled only on specific dates.
During the 1565 Great Siege of Malta, residents hid the chapel's treasures inside its burial tombs to protect them from invading forces. This reveals how important this small building was to the local people.
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