Ghasri is the smallest village in Gozo after San Lawrenz and is mostly known for the Giordan Lighthouse and the gorgeous valley, Wied il-Ghasri. However, back in the 18th century, it was the chapel of Our Lady of Patronage that used to draw people to Ghasri from all over the islands.
This chapel was built in 1738, then rebuilt on a larger scale in 1754 and consecrated in 1789, thus becoming the first and only consecrated countryside chapel in Gozo, retaining this title for 161 years!
Our Lady of Patronage was elevated to minor basilica and affiliated with Santa Maria Maggiore by Pope Clement XIII in 1768, making the chapel the first basilica in Gozo.
As its name suggests, the chapel is dedicated to the Patronage of the Virgin Mary, with an altarpiece featuring the Virgin Mary surrounded by angels. The feast is celebrated on the second Sunday of October, making it a good time to visit the chapel and enjoy it in all its decorated glory.
Have you ever visited this roadside chapel in Ghasri?