The Chapel of St. Roque, also known as the Chapel of Our Lady of Light, is a Roman Catholic chapel located in Malta’s silent city, Mdina. However, did you know that before the current St. Roque Church in Mdina, there was an earlier church dedicated to the Holy Cross?

The Department of Information in Malta, shared these interesting facts on social media. Documented as early as 1398, this smaller church is among the oldest known in Mdina. In 1598, a new church dedicated to St. Roque was constructed at the old entrance of Mdina.

However, with the rebuilding of the city’s entrance in the early 18th century, the church was also rebuilt, replacing the original Holy Cross church.

The present St. Roque Church, dating from 1728, was designed by the architect Francois Mondion. This elegant structure features exquisite Baroque decorations and has become renowned for its artistic beauty.

The titular painting of the church, which depicts Our Lady of Light, is housed in the Cathedral Museum. Due to this painting, the church became popularly known by the name of this devotion, reflecting its significant religious and cultural heritage.

Have you ever visited the Chapel of St. Roque in Mdina?