Mqabba is a town with a history of churches and chapels, underground burial complexes and a medieval stone path. The dates range from an expansion of St Basil’s Church in 1486 to the construction of the parish church between 1699 and 1774. Catacombs, street shrines and the history of the Matla Wall also offer different historical perspectives on the town.
Churches, Chapels and Building Phases
The Parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady was built between 1699 and 20 May 1774. St Basil’s Church is one of 30 medieval churches on the Maltese Islands and the only one on the islands dedicated to St Basil. It was expanded three times: the first expansion took place in 1486, and the last in 1515. The dates refer to different events: a construction period is recorded for the parish church, while the dates for St Basil refer to later expansions.
The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows was built in 1500 and was originally dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. St Catherine’s Chapel stands opposite the parish church. St Michael’s Chapel was originally built in 1550 and rebuilt in 1669. Another historic building is the Vinċenti Tower: Prior Orfeo de Vincenzo had it built in 1726 during the rule of the Order of Malta in Malta.
Catacombs and Local History
The Ta’ Mintna Catacombs consist of three hypogea, which were initially separate burial complexes and were later connected to serve as a well. The central hypogeum contains an exceptionally well-preserved triclinium: a table carved into the rock for commemorative meals. Two rows of triangular lamp niches face the table. The site thus combines its original burial function with a later use.
The Old Hospital is also part of the town’s history. It was built by the foundation of the Order of Malta during the plague in the 17th century. The date 1 July 1725 is carved into the wall at the entrance. Both details provide different time references for the building.
Street Shrines and Religious Traditions
The street shrine of the Assumption of Our Lady on Triq il-Parroċċa features a statue of the Assumption of Mary with angels. A plaque beneath the shrine bears the date 1878. Especially during and after the First World War, the shrine was regarded as a place of devotion.
The street shrine of the Archangel Michael is also on Triq il-Parroċċa; the street was formerly called Triq id-Duluri. During the difficult times of the 1850s, the shrine served as a place where travellers on their way to Siġġiewi and Haż Żebbuġ could pray for protection. A plaque nearby notes that Bishop Buhagiar granted indulgences in 1888.
Matla Wall and Limestone
The Matla Wall is a medieval raised stone path with no mortar joints. It was about one kilometre long and one metre wide and began in the centre of Mqabba. Today, only a small section remains. During the rainy winter months, the wall served as a preferred dry route across flood-prone fields. The length and width describe the historic path, not just the surviving section.
Geology is also part of Mqabba’s character: most of the Globigerina limestone found in Malta, ġebla tal-franka, is located in Mqabba. Alongside buildings and religious landmarks, you can also find indications of how this rock is distributed across Malta.
Festivals and Getting There
Mqabba’s village feasts feature fireworks every year, which are considered particularly popular with audiences; the specific festival dates vary. The liturgical feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on 15 September with a mass in the square in front of the church. The specific arrangements may vary. If you are planning your trip around a feast, check the relevant dates and programme.
The Malta Public Transport overview checked on 4 September 2026 listed Route 117 alongside Mqabba among the airport routes. Check the latest route information before travelling, as routes may change.
Discover more destinations: Marsalforn, Bugibba, Birkirkara, Qrendi, Żurrieq, San Pawl Il-Baħar, Qala, Sliema
For the main travel overview: Malta.
