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A rich cultural history! Did you know that Comino's historical chapel existed before 1618?
This chapel is dedicated to the Sacred Family Upon its Return from Egypt.

Lyndsey Grima

Comino's Chapel, dedicated to the Sacred Family Upon its Return from Egypt, stands as a historical gem on the small Maltese island of Comino.

While the exact date of its original construction remains uncertain, it is widely believed to be very old, with its presence recorded on a 13th-century nautical map now housed in the Greenwich Maritime Museum in England. This suggests that the chapel existed long before 1618, though it may not have been located in the exact spot where it stands today.

The chapel is part of the Gozo diocese and has been rebuilt multiple times throughout its long history. Its location on Comino, a remote and sparsely populated island, made it vulnerable to pirate attacks during the medieval period. As a result, the island was abandoned for a lengthy period, likely leading to the looting and destruction of the original chapel.

In 1618, the Knights of St. John constructed the Santa Maria Tower on Comino, a strategic fortress that provided protection from pirate raids. This prompted villagers to return to the island, and they swiftly rebuilt the chapel.

Today, the chapel is a reminder of the island's resilience and the enduring faith of its inhabitants. Its unique dedication to the Sacred Family upon their return from Egypt reflects Comino's rich religious and cultural history.

Did you know about this interesting information about the Comino Chapel?

24th August 2024


Lyndsey Grima
Written by
Lyndsey Grima
Lyndsey has always been passionate about all things content. She keeps her storytelling skills sharp by exercising physically as she’s a fitness buff and also mentally as she enjoys reading and travelling.

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