Hompesch' Arch and other Zabbar, Malta Things to Do Tips

The Arch, located at the entrance to the city, was constructed as a triumphal arch by the locals after Grandmaster of the Knights of Jerusalem granted the title of City to Zabbar. In fact, it is known to this very day as 'Citta' Hompesch'. Previously, the City was part of the neighbouring Zejtun, which was later given the title 'Citta' Beland' by Hompesch, since the locals complained that the city that shot out of it was given more importance to its 'mother city'. Beland, the title bestowed upon it, was in fact the Grandmaster's mother's surname. I think you get the gist of the story...

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Address: At the end of Zabbar Road
Directions: Just at the entrance to the City

The Sanctuary Museum (sanctuary taken to refer to the parish curch, or Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces) exhibits historical riches accumulated over the years by the city of Zabbar, mostly through the church's presence.

Among the exhibits are ex-voto paintings (more in another tip), Knight Grandmasters' carriages and artefacts dating from virtually all period of Maltese history (including Roman coins, medieval paintings, WW2 medals and armaments, and 19th century silverware).

The museum, which warrants 2 1/2 to 3 hours of your time (at least!) can be visited for a whopping sum of EUR 0.40! It it run by unpaid volunteers between 09:00 and 12:00.

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Address: Mediatrix Square
Directions: Adjacent to Parish Church

Monsignor Zarb is a central figure in the modern history of Zabbar, having served as Parish priest between 1943 and 1975.

Perhaps his two greatest achievements were the foundation of the Sanctuary Museum (1954) and more importantly the Coronation of the titular painting of the Madonna of Graces (1951).

On the 22 July 1949 the Vatican had issued the decree approving the coronation of the Our Lady of Graces venerated at the Zabbar Sanctuary. The decree was mysteriously kept secret until 26 February 1950, People’s Sunday when Zarb announced it to the congregation. The preparations started immediately and the embellishment of the Sanctuary for the occasion was taken in hand. Parishioners answered generously to the Parish Priest’s appeal by donating their personal jewellery which was melted down to be turned into jewelled golden crowns. The much awaited ceremony took place on the 2 September 1951.

Apart from the pastoral work which he never neglected, Zarb must be credited with the total transformation of the Sanctuary and its environment. He also spread the devotion towards Our Lady of Graces on a national scale.

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Address: Sanctuary Museum Courtyard
Directions: Adjacent to Parish Church

One of the most exciting museum exhibits is a fifteenth century fresco transported from the medieval chapel of St. Domenica. It is the oldest image of Our Lady Of Graces and was discovered while the chapel was being reconstructed in 1954. Our Lady is flanked by St. Catherine and St. Domenica.

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Address: Mediatrix Square
Directions: Inside Sanctuary Museum, Adjacent ot Parish Chrurch

The most important exhibits of the Museum are a large number of votive paintings, the majority connected with the sea and the Knights of Jerusalem, but also from the post-1800s British Empire era.

The paintings were completed as thanksgiving to the Lady of Graces for 'miracles' or 'graces' that had been granted, and typically contain the letters VFGA, Latin 'Votum Fecit et Gratiae Acceptit, or 'I Made the Vow and Received the Grace'.

Most are excellent works of art, and some are by top-notch Reinassance artists, including Mattia Preti, responsible for decoarting parts of the Valletta and Mdina Cathedrals.

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Address: Mediatrix Square
Directions: Adjacent to Parish Church, inside Sanctuary Museum

The Notre Dame Gate sits at edge of Zabbar, bordering between the City and Vittoriosa. Inside the gate lays a bust of Grandmaster Cottoner, who have his name to the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, known collectively as Cottonera).

Legend has it that a treasure is hidden there where the bust is looking... Numerous times has this legend been tried and tested, but never as yet has it been proven true. Maybe you should try your luck!

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Directions: Edge of Zabbar, direction Cottonera...

Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim was the 71st Grand Master of the Order of Saint John, the first German to be elected to the office. He gave the city of Zabbar the title of Citta' Hompesch. He had to surrender Malta to then General Napoléon Bonaparte when the latter, on his way to Egypt, landed on Malta with a substantial force in July 1798. He ahd initially asked for safe harbour, but once inside the port turned his cannons against the Knights' fortifications. Malta had been the home of the Order since 1530, and the rules of the Order prohibited fighting against Christians. Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim left the island with all knights and withpout a fight.

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Address: Mediatrix Square

This is the statue that inspired devotion throughout the centuries. The work of local sculptor Tumas Dingli, the statue is taken on parade through the streets of Zabbar on festa night, the second Sunday in September.

Being the last festa in the season, the Zabbar event is followed by a very large number of locals, who pour into the City for the occasion.

This is an absolutely unmissable event...

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Address: Sanctuary Street
Directions: Inside Parish Church (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces)

The devotion to Our Lady of Divine Grace dates back to many centuries and the Sanctuary has since been a centre of frequent pilgrimages. Zabbar became a parish in 1615. The present Sanctuary was built on plans by Tommaso Dingli between 1641 and 1696. In 1738 a new facade designed by Giovanni Bonavia was given to the Sanctuary.

A visit to the Sanctuary is an absolute must, especially during festa week...

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Address: Sanctuary Street
Directions: At the end of Sanctuary Street

This is the titular painting by the Maltese artist Alessio Erardi completed in 1715. In 1951 it was solemnly crowned by Archbishop Michael Gonzi. During 2001 a 12 star silver diadem was placed by Archbishop Joseph Mercieca.

The painting may be found behind the altar in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces

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Address: Sanctuary Street
Directions: Inside Sanctuary (Parish Church)