Attractions

Did you know? The San Martin Cave Chapel in Mġarr is actually dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes

The chapel's first mass took place on 23rd January 1952.

By Francesca Vella 8 November, 2026

Just off Triq San Martin, among the fields and greenery between St Paul’s Bay and Mġarr, lies a hidden spot that might pass by many unnoticed – the San Martin Cave Chapel, or L-Għar ta’ San Martin.

Despite what its name suggests, this little cave chapel isn’t dedicated to Saint Martin at all. Instead, it’s a shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, built within a natural cave that has been transformed into a serene place of worship.

A short walkway leads down from the roadside gate to the cave entrance. Inside, a small stone staircase takes you into the quiet interior, where an iron gate protects the simple altar and the statues of Our Lady and Saint Bernadette.

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According to research by Keith Muscat, published in L-Għar ta’ San Martin – 75 Sena ta’ Devozzjoni Marjana, the cave has a fascinating past. Archaeological evidence suggests it was once used as a dwelling, later serving as a storage space for kindling used in bread ovens during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Its transformation into a sacred space began in 1931, when the cave was cleared and a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, crafted by Wiġi Muscat in 1905, was placed inside. The site’s noble landowner, Hannibal P. Scicluna, obtained special permission from the Vatican to celebrate mass there, and the first one took place on 23rd January 1952.

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Although regular masses are no longer held, the cave chapel remains listed as an active chapel on quddies.com.mt, and continues to attract visitors, particularly around the Feast of Saint Martin, which takes place on 11th November but is usually celebrated the Sunday closest to this date (this year, on Sunday 9th November).

So if you haven’t discovered it yet, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to take a stroll to that particular area on the outskirts of Mġarr, to breathe in some greenery and to take a look at this hidden sanctuary waiting to be discovered.

Have you ever been there?

Written by

Francesca Vella

Francesca has always felt most at home in a cinema or theatre, particularly if musicals are involved. She loves to read, write, and share about her experiences of both the fictional and the real world.