Kristu tal-Baħħara, Religious sculpture on Saint Paul's Island, St. Paul's Bay, Malta
Kristu tal-Baħħara is a white stone statue standing on a platform in the waters of St. Paul's Bay, showing Christ holding a book in one hand while the other hand gestures upward. The figure faces out toward the sea and rests on a base that features carved details.
The statue was erected in 1845 to mark the location where Saint Paul's ship reportedly wrecked in 60 AD, a defining moment for Malta's Christian heritage. The placement ties the monument to a founding story of the island's spiritual identity.
The monument connects deeply with the local fishing community, who have long viewed it as a guardian figure watching over their work at sea. It represents the way faith shapes daily life in this coastal area.
The statue can only be reached by boat, with regular departures from the harbor area offering the best way to approach it. Water conditions and weather affect when visits are possible.
The carved snake at the base references a biblical passage where Saint Paul encountered a viper upon landing in Malta. This detail directly links the artwork to the specific account that inspired its creation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
