Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel

Region	Western
Building type	Place of Worship
Address	Il-knisja tal-Madonna tad-Duluri, Triq IL-Kbira, Żebbuġ, Malta
Located Graffiti	Apotropaic Symbols, Ship Graffiti

A chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows stands near the parish church of Ħaż-Żebbuġ. It was constructed in 1725 by Dr. Baldassare Debono. Architecturally, it features an octagonal exterior and a circular interior. The chapel also includes a small dome and a bell cot on one side. Although the interior is simple, the facade displays the Papal coat of arms as Pope Benedict XIII granted the chapel the status of a basilica. An annual mass is held during the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The historic graffiti located on the outer walls of this chapel are in poor condition due to advanced deterioration of the stones’ surface.

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This graffito is characterised by a voluminous hull as seen from starboard and a high stern, similar to that of a Carrack. Although etched lines on the topside suggest rigging, the type of sail is difficult to identify.

A badly damaged ship graffito. As the stone deteriorates, this graffito will be lost over time. Even though little detail remains, one can note that the ship is seen from its portside. The ship is carrying lateen rigging.

A series of lines towards the base of the stone block indicate the presence of the hull of a ship graffito as seen from its portside. Vertical lines suggest the ship’s rigging. However, additional etchings detract from the ship graffito’s prominence.

This ship's graffito is in poor condition. Its typology is therefore hard to confirm. Certain incisions remain prominent and may represent rigging or flags.

Not much remains of this ship graffito as the stone’s damage is extensive. Regardless, an elongated and low hull is evident, as seen from starboard. There are also indications of rigging and a flag bearing the emblem of the Order of St. John on the left side. On the right side, the bow beak and bowsprit are visible.

Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel

Gallery

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