Culture
The chapel that saved Malta from an earthquake! Discover the Our Lady of Miracles Chapel in Lija
The mysterious chapel was built in the 17th century.

Emma Galea

Did you know that there is a chapel right here in Malta that is believed to have once saved the island from disastrous damage and tragedy during an earthquake?

The Our Lady of Miracles Chapel in Lija was built back during the times of the Knights of St John between 1664-1666.

Previously a 16th century chapel stood in the place of the chapel we know today.  Back then the area was known as Ħal-Bordi and it used to be a tiny village on the outskirts of Lija.

Mattia Preti was commissioned to paint the titular painting of the chapel and many regarded it to be one of his best works.

The chapel is perhaps best known for the legend that, on 21st February 1743, it protected Malta from a disastrous earthquake.

Just the day before the earthquake hit, the chapel’s painting of Our Lady & Baby Jesus was said to be seen shedding tears, but when the earthquake hit Malta the next day, no buildings fell and nobody died.

Have you ever visited?

 

15th November 2025


Emma Galea
Written by
Emma Galea
Emma is a Gozitan writer who loves all things related to English literature and history. When not busy studying or writing you will either find her immersed in a fictional book or at the cinema trying to watch as many films as she possibly can!

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