Mellieha Attractions

This cave-shrine is dedicated to the Madonna. The entrance is on the road opposite the steps that lead down from the square. Descend about 70 steps to reach an underground spring at the heart of the cave. The waters are said to have miraculous powers to heal the diseases of children and the rock walls are covered with votive gifts.

Mellieha Bay is the largest sandy beach in the Maltese islands, 1.5 kilometers down the ridge and out of town. The gently shelving approach to the water makes it ideal for children and there are no undercurrents.

The bay is also known as Il-Gharida, meaning the swamp.

In Mellieha, the parish church of Our Lady of Victory is a cumbersome turn-of-the century edifice with a beacon-like position in a benchless corridor of a square. Inside is a stirring painting by Guiseppe Cali of the Shipwreck of St Paul.

It is open on weekends.

Selmun Palace is an eye-catching castle perched at the top of Mellieha ridge, and clearly visible along most of the northern coastline. The palace was constructed in the mid-18th century with Baroque features, including an elaborate balcony. The escutcheon above the entrance is that of the Redenzione organization.

Nearby is the chapel of Our Lady of Ransom.

Both are usually open on weekends.

This chapel is situated near the parish church off the main street in 26th May 1990 Square. This domed little building, the oldest Marian shrine in Malta, was once the original parish church. Legend says it was built on the site of a cave-church visited by St Paul and St Luke and that St Luke painted the faded icon of the Madonna above the altar.

Inside is a tiny museum with hundreds of votive offerings. Memorabilia from Pope John Paul II's visit is behind a screen.

The fort was built by the Knights of St John in 1716 to defend the bay against invasion. It was also used by the English during the Second World War. It is managed by the Art Club 2000, a voluntary organization, and features the history of the Battery including original artifacts.