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Then and now! Nostalgic photo captures Gharghur’s timeless rural beauty
The chapel in the photo is dedicated to Santa Marija Taz-Zellieqa

Francesca Vella

A beautiful photo shared by the Instagram profile @malta.nostalgia has had viewers revelling in the natural and nostalgic beauty of a Gharghur from several decades ago. The photo seems to have been taken on one end of the popular scenic route, adequately referred to as the Top of the World, as it offers a beautiful view of the northeast of Malta, reaching across the fields of Madliena towards the sea.

In the vintage photo, an elderly man rides a donkey-drawn cart along the tranquil country road, accompanied by another man, likely a farmer, and two young boys. The tranquil scene is framed by the unchanged outline of the Gharghur Parish Church, visible in both the old and modern images.

Closer to the group stands the Santa Marija Taz-Zellieqa Chapel, which, according to legend, was built following a miraculous event in the 16th century. It is said that the Holy Mary appeared to a young woman on that very spot, healing her of a serious illness. In gratitude, the woman and her family constructed the chapel in her honour.

Have you ever visited this beautiful area in the Gharghur countryside?

22nd October 2024


Francesca Vella
Written by
Francesca Vella
Francesca has always felt most at home in a cinema or theatre, particularly if musicals are involved. She loves to read, write, and share about her experiences of both the fictional and the real world.

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