The town of Zurrieq is often overlooked in favour of Blue Grotto, a tourist (and local) attraction found at its border with nearby town Qrendi. However, Zurrieq’s streets are chock full of interesting historical facts waiting to be brought to light.
The Southern seaside town has over 30 religious niches adorning several street corners. One of these originates between the 16th and 18th century and is dedicated to St Michael. The niche is affixed to a groundfloor corner of a two-storey building which joins Triq San Mikiel to Triq l-Iben Prodigu.
The niche, branded an artifact of a high cultural, social, artistic and architectural value, has recently been renovated and its rebirth is nothing like we’ve seen so far.
Statues in niches generally have a raw finish, but they are also occasionally given a coating of white paint. Now, the recently renovated niche of St Michael not only boasts a strengthened structure, but the statue encased within it and the inscription directly below it have been rejuvenated through the implementation of full colour.
This is a relatively new trend for street niches but we have to admit it adds a truly beautiful touch!
Do you think colour should be incorporated in more niches across Malta and Gozo?