Heritage Malta has just revealed that one of Birgu’s most treasured religious artefacts is not only significantly older than previously believed, but has also earned a new title following groundbreaking scientific studies.

The revered icon of Our Lady, long housed in the Chapel of Our Lady of Damascus in Birgu, has traditionally been dated to the year 1587. However, thanks to recent research carried out by Heritage Malta’s Diagnostic Science Laboratories, that date has been completely re-written. In fact, new findings now place the origin of the icon much further back – between the late 13th and early 15th centuries.

This makes the icon, known for generations as ‘Damaxxena’ (or Damascene), one of the most significant Byzantine religious artworks on the island – not a replica, but an original masterpiece. And its new name will now officially be known as ‘Sidtna Marija tat-Tgħanniqa Ħelwa’ – Our Lady of the Sweet Hug.

Painted in the traditional Byzantine style, the icon depicts the Virgin Mary in the regal robes of an empress. Two of the three customary stars symbolising her perpetual virginity are visible on her veil. What truly sets this icon apart is the moving portrayal of Baby Jesus: shown hugging his mother tenderly, with his gaze fixed lovingly on her and his chin resting gently on her face. Archangels Michael and Gabriel are also featured in the upper part of the composition.

Through in-depth paint and material analysis, researchers found that the wooden panel is made of cedar and the canvas is linen – both strongly suggesting an origin from the Eastern Mediterranean. Most impressively, carbon dating confirmed the age of the materials as dating back to between the 13th and 15th centuries AD.

The icon’s historical and theological value has now grown exponentially, especially in light of the possibility that it was one of the treasures brought over by the Knights of St John when they arrived in Malta in 1530.

Following these discoveries, and in agreement with His Excellency the Archbishop of Malta and the Papas of the Greek Catholic Community, the icon’s updated title honours both its age and emotional depth, placing the loving interaction between mother and child at the heart of its identity.

The research was initiated by Prevarti Ltd and the Collegiate Church of Saint Lawrence in Birgu, with the findings recently presented to the public during an event at the church, attended by Archbishop Charles Scicluna himself.

Have you ever visited this chapel?