In the year 60, the Apostle Paul and his companion Luke came ashore on Malta after their ship ran aground during a storm, fulfilling the prophecy delivered to Paul during the tempest: "Do not be afraid, Paul. You are destined to stand before Caesar. And behold, for your sake, God has granted safety to all who are sailing with you" (Acts 27:24). According to ancient tradition preserved by the Maltese faithful, Luke discovered a natural cave in the northern hills of the island and painted an image of the Virgin Mary on its rock wall—creating what would become Malta's oldest Marian sanctuary and one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the Mediterranean.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa rises from a grotto church carved into the hillside beneath the parish church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The Byzantine-style fresco depicting the Madonna and Child, traditionally attributed to St. Luke the Evangelist, has drawn pilgrims for nearly two millennia. Whether Luke truly painted the image during his brief sojourn on Malta remains a matter of faith rather than historical certainty, yet the tradition runs deep in Maltese devotion. The very name "Mellieħa" derives from the Semitic root m-l-ħ, meaning "salt," referring to the salt pans that once dotted this northern coastline—a reminder that this was a place of humble labor long before it became a destination of prayer.
Today, Mellieħa stands as Malta's largest village, its whitewashed buildings cascading down hillsides overlooking the island's finest sandy beaches and the sapphire waters separating Malta from Gozo. Pilgrims who venture here discover not only the ancient grotto sanctuary but also a landscape of striking natural beauty, where limestone cliffs give way to golden sand and the Mediterranean stretches endlessly toward the horizon.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The earliest written reference to the sanctuary appears in ecclesiastical records from 1299, though local tradition places its origins in apostolic times. The cave sanctuary was certainly well-established by the medieval period, when it became a focal point of Maltese Marian devotion. The fresco itself, painted directly onto the limestone rock face, depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child in a style consistent with Byzantine iconography of the 12th or 13th century, though faithful tradition maintains it was created by St. Luke during his first-century visit with Paul.
During the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, when Ottoman forces laid siege to the island for four months, the Maltese people prayed fervently to Our Lady of Mellieħa for deliverance. The Knights of St. John and the Maltese defenders ultimately repelled the invasion—a victory widely attributed to the Virgin's intercession. In thanksgiving, Grand Master Jean de la Valette commissioned the construction of the parish church above the grotto, completed in 1572. The sanctuary thus became inextricably linked with Malta's identity as a Christian bulwark in the Mediterranean.
The 17th and 18th centuries brought renewed devotion to Mellieħa. During a severe drought in 1717-1718, thousands of Maltese walked in pilgrimage from across the island to the sanctuary, praying for rain. The drought broke shortly after, and the pilgrimage became an annual tradition. When cholera struck Malta in 1888, another massive pilgrimage converged on Mellieħa, and the faithful credited Our Lady's protection when the epidemic subsided more quickly than expected.
The grotto church was solemnly consecrated on May 22, 1747, by Bishop Alpheran de Bussan. Throughout the centuries, the sanctuary has been visited by grandmasters, bishops, and royalty. King Alfonso V of Aragon made pilgrimage here in 1432. The tradition of leaving ex-voto offerings began early, and the sanctuary walls are lined with silver hearts, crutches, and written testimonies of healing and favor received through Our Lady's intercession.
In 1949, another national pilgrimage was organized, drawing tens of thousands to Mellieħa in a year of particular difficulty for Malta. The most significant modern visit came on May 26, 1990, when Pope John Paul II made pilgrimage to the sanctuary during his apostolic visit to Malta. He blessed the shrine and the gathered faithful, declaring: "It is very fitting that we should come together in prayer at Mellieha, the oldest Marian Sanctuary on the island of Malta." His words affirmed the sanctuary's unique place in the island's spiritual patrimony.
In May 2015, the Maltese Episcopal Conference formally recognized the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa as the National Shrine of Our Lady in Malta, elevating its status and confirming its centrality to Maltese Catholic identity. Today, the sanctuary welcomes pilgrims year-round, offering daily Masses and serving as a place of quiet devotion amid the bustle of modern Malta.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Mellieħa
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa
Santwarju tal-Madonna ta' Mellieħa
The grotto sanctuary is accessed by a flight of stone steps descending beneath the parish church. The interior is hushed and cool, lit by candles and votive lamps that cast flickering light across the ancient fresco. The image of the Virgin and Child, though darkened by age and candle smoke, retains its haunting beauty. The Madonna's serene face gazes out at pilgrims with an expression of gentle compassion, while the Christ Child rests in her arms with one hand raised in blessing.
The walls of the cave are lined with ex-voto offerings—silver hearts, plaques, handwritten prayers, and photographs left by grateful pilgrims whose prayers were answered. The acoustics of the stone chamber lend themselves to prayer, and the soft murmur of Ave Marias creates a timeless atmosphere of devotion. Pilgrims traditionally recite three Hail Marys before the fresco, a custom maintained since medieval times.
Above the grotto stands the Parish Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, rebuilt in the 19th century in a neoclassical style. The church's elegant facade overlooks Mellieħa's main square, and its interior houses several fine altarpieces and a statue of Our Lady carried in procession during the annual feast.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady (Maria Bambina) — September 8
The feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is celebrated with great solemnity at Mellieħa, beginning with a nine-day novena from August 30. The village streets are adorned with lights and banners, and two band clubs—the Imperial Band Club and La Vittoria Philharmonic Society—provide music throughout the festivities. Band marches fill the streets from September 2 through September 7, building anticipation for the feast day itself.
On the evening of September 7, spectacular ground fireworks illuminate the village, drawing crowds from across Malta. On September 8, the life-size statue of the Virgin is carried in solemn procession through the streets of Mellieħa, accompanied by brass bands, clergy, and thousands of faithful. The procession winds its way through the village before returning to the parish church for the final blessing. For pilgrims, the feast offers an immersive experience of Maltese Catholic culture, where devotion, music, and communal celebration blend seamlessly.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Modern hotel on the Mellieħa ridge with panoramic views, indoor and outdoor pools, spa facilities, and multiple restaurants. Within walking distance of the sanctuary. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Solana Hotel & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Boutique hotel overlooking Mellieħa Bay, featuring rooftop pool, wellness center, and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. Ten minutes' walk from the sanctuary. Reserve this hotel
Ramla Bay Resort ⭐⭐⭐ — Family-friendly resort on Malta's northern tip with private beach access, multiple pools, and lush gardens. Ideal for pilgrims combining spiritual retreat with beach relaxation. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
DB Seabank Resort + Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — All-inclusive resort overlooking Mellieħa Bay, offering extensive facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and spa. Popular with families and groups. Reserve this hotel
Mellieha Holiday Centre (apartment) — Self-catering apartments and villas on a hillside estate with pools, gardens, and supermarket on-site. Budget-friendly option for longer stays and families. Reserve
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Malta International Airport (MLA) is the only commercial airport serving the Maltese Islands, located approximately 30 km south of Mellieħa. Major European airlines and budget carriers operate year-round flights. From the airport, bus route X1 runs directly to Mellieħa (approximately 48 minutes, €3 single fare). Taxis charge approximately €40 for the 30-45 minute journey.
By Bus: Malta's public bus network is extensive and affordable. From Valletta, bus routes 41, 42, 49, X1, and 221 serve Mellieħa. Journey time from Valletta is approximately 60-75 minutes depending on route. Bus stops are located throughout the village, with the closest to the sanctuary being "Mellieħa Parish Church" on Triq il-Kbira.
By Car: From Valletta or the airport, follow signs northward via the main coastal road or the inland route through Mosta and Mġarr. The journey takes 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. Free parking is available near the sanctuary on Triq l-Erwieħ and in the village center. Rental cars are widely available at the airport and throughout Malta.
By Ferry to Gozo: The Ċirkewwa ferry terminal, serving the Gozo Channel crossing, is located just 8 km north of Mellieħa (approximately 10 minutes by car or bus route 41). Ferries depart every 30-45 minutes for the 25-minute crossing to Mġarr Harbour, Gozo. This makes Mellieħa an ideal base for pilgrims wishing to visit both Malta's oldest shrine and Gozo's National Shrine of Ta' Pinu.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
Carmel Cassar, A Concise History of Malta — Comprehensive history of the Maltese Islands from prehistory to the present, providing essential context for understanding Malta's Christian heritage and the role of shrines like Mellieħa in the island's spiritual life.
Lawrence Miller, Malta: A History — Narrative history covering Malta's strategic position in the Mediterranean, the Great Siege of 1565, and the development of Catholic devotion on the islands.
Online Resources:
Church Trails of Malta: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa — Detailed guide to the sanctuary's history, architecture, and visiting information.
Archdiocese of Malta: National Shrine of Our Lady of Mellieħa — Official archdiocesan page on the sanctuary's status as National Shrine, with theological reflection on its significance.
🔗 Useful Links
Mellieha.com – The Sanctuary — Local information portal with detailed sanctuary history, opening hours, and visitor information.
Visit Malta — Official tourism website of Malta with comprehensive travel planning resources, accommodation listings, and transportation information.
Malta Public Transport — Bus routes, schedules, and journey planner for Malta's public transportation network.
🥾 Pilgrim Routes
Camino Mariae Melitensis — This 60-kilometer Marian pilgrimage route traverses Malta from Castrum Maris (Fort St. Angelo) in the south to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa in the north. The route passes through historic towns, ancient chapels, and Marian shrines, offering pilgrims a contemplative journey through Malta's rich Catholic heritage. The walk typically takes 3-4 days, with accommodation available in guesthouses and convents along the way. The route embodies Malta's deep Marian devotion and allows pilgrims to experience the island's spiritual landscape on foot.
Way of Saint Paul — Commemorating St. Paul's shipwreck and ministry on Malta (Acts 28), this pilgrimage route begins at St. Paul's Bay where tradition holds his ship ran aground, continues to St. Paul's Grotto in Rabat where he is believed to have lived for three months, and includes reference to the Mellieħa sanctuary where St. Luke is said to have painted the first Marian icon. The route connects key sites from Malta's apostolic origins and can be walked in sections or as a comprehensive multi-day pilgrimage.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Għarb (Ta' Pinu Basilica) (16 km + ferry) — Malta's National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu on the island of Gozo, where the Virgin Mary appeared to a peasant woman in 1883. The magnificent basilica, visible for miles across Gozo, houses thousands of ex-voto offerings and draws 400,000 pilgrims annually. Accessible via the Ċirkewwa-Mġarr ferry, making it an excellent day trip from Mellieħa.
Rabat (St. Paul's Grotto) (22 km south) — The cave where St. Paul is believed to have lived during his three-month stay on Malta after the shipwreck. The grotto is now a venerated shrine beneath the collegiate church of St. Paul, with catacombs and a museum exploring Malta's early Christian history.
Mosta (Rotunda) (20 km south) — The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, commonly known as the Mosta Dome, is one of the world's largest unsupported domes. During World War II, a German bomb pierced the dome during Mass but miraculously failed to explode—an event the faithful attribute to Our Lady's protection. The unexploded bomb is displayed in the sacristy.
Valletta (St. John's Co-Cathedral) (25 km south) — The conventual church of the Knights of St. John, housing Caravaggio's masterpiece The Beheading of St. John the Baptist and the ornate oratory of the knights. The cathedral is one of Malta's finest Baroque monuments and a treasure of Catholic art and architecture.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"It is very fitting that we should come together in prayer at Mellieha, the oldest Marian Sanctuary on the island of Malta." — Pope St. John Paul II, Address at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa, May 26, 1990
