Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces (Zabbar)

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces stands on Misrah is-Santwarju in Zabbar, in the south-east of Malta, and is one of the island's most important Marian pilgrimage sites. The large Baroque church has a curved facade facing the sanctuary square, and a spacious interior with decorated altars, paintings and a venerated image of Our Lady of Graces. Alongside the church, a museum displays votive offerings left by worshippers, including ex-voto paintings and objects. Many of the paintings show scenes of shipwreck, storms at sea and wartime danger, in which sailors, fishermen and civilians credit the Virgin with their survival. These small, often naive paintings form a record of Maltese maritime and wartime life that is hard to find elsewhere. A visit normally takes thirty to sixty minutes. The church is open daily around services, so visitors should avoid walking through during Mass and should dress modestly. The museum keeps irregular hours, and entry is by a donation or small fee, so visitors should confirm on site. Zabbar is reached by bus from the Valletta terminus, with a walk to the sanctuary square, and it is a short trip from the Three Cities, which makes it a useful extra stop for those exploring the south-east. Mornings are calmer, whereas feast days draw large crowds and processions, which can be a highlight for visitors interested in local religious life. Photography of the exterior is easy from the square, while rules inside depend on services and signs.