Have you ever passed through Hal-Ghaxaq and noticed a façade in the village covered in snail and seashells?

That it is what is commonly referred to in a Maltese as ‘Dar tal-Bebbux’ (House of Snails).

This historical house is quite peculiar as it is covered in hundreds of snail and sea shells, making it extremely magnificent.

Some of the snail shells on the house date all the way back to 1898, that is when Indri Dimech decided he’ll collect shells and use them to make designs on the façade of the house.

During an interview with the People of Malta, his great-granddaughter revealed that he used to go to Palestine and bring over the shells with him.

The designs vary from one other. Some have a religious significance while others depict lions, unicorns, palm trees and Hal-Ghaxaq’s coat of arms.

If you wish to view the house, it can be found at Triq Santa Marija, Hal Ghaxaq.