Lija Parish Church

Region	Western
Building type	Place of Worship
Address	Lija Parish Church, M. Aguis, Lija, Malta
Located Graffiti	Anthropomorphic, Apotropaic Symbols, Buildings, Dates, Numbers, Religious Iconography, Symbols, Text

The Parish Church in Lija is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Our Lord on Mount Tabor. The church was built in the early 18th century and became the canvas for many historic graffiti etched into its outer walls. Here, ship graffiti, religious iconography, symbols, anthropomorphic imagery can be seen amongst others.

Gallery

Apotropaic Symbols - This circular symbol is called a hexafoil. It is usually found on the doorways and entrances of buildings. The hexafoil is known to ward off unwanted energy.

Date - The numbers ‘1760’ are etched in a bold outline.

Ship Graffiti, Symbols - An ambiguous group of lines form the outline of a ship. An eight-pointed cross is etched in the middle.

Anthropomorphic - The figure of a person having facial features and arms is etched atop a grid. The grid contains numbers which are fast-disappearing.

Date - the numbers ‘1906’ and ‘1_89’ can be seen likely indicating dates. The latter is bordered.

Religious Iconography - A triangular base holds a cross. This graffito is commonly found.

Religious Iconography - A crucifix forms part of a repertoire of religious iconography found on the walls of this church.

Ship Graffiti - A semi-circular hull of a ship.

Ship Graffiti - Measuring about 10cm, this ship graffito is one of the smallest examples of ship graffiti. The hull is perforated by a line showing two decks. Multiple masts can be seen although this graffito has eroded away over time.

Ship Graffiti - The Lija parish church has an abundance of ship graffiti etched by different individuals. This is ascertained by the varying styles of etching.

Ship Graffiti - At the extremity of one of the church’s side outer walls a simple etching of a ship can be seen. This example is not as elaborate in style, however an antenna belonging to a lateen sail can be identified.

Ship Graffiti - This large example of ship graffiti has unfortunately been covered by the church’s notice board. A row of gun ports can be identified on the upper deck of the ship. At least three masts are seen not bearing sails.

Ship Graffiti - This example of a ship graffito is cruder in style than other ship graffiti found on this church. The hull is depicted with lines running lengthwise, likely showing the planking. Two masts can be identified.

Ship Graffiti - A three-masted ship can be seen. The ship has a high freeboard and a series of parallel lines can be seen on the hull.

Ship Graffiti - The hull has a low freeboard and carries three masts. The ship has square rigging.

Ship Graffiti - A single-masted ship bearing a flag. The flag is quartered.

Ship Graffiti - This ship is rigged with two lateen sails and features flags. A series of parallel lines below the hull likely represent the oars. This ship dates to the Knight’s period.

Anthropomorphic - A winged anthropomorphic figure can be seen at one of the side entrances to the church. This figure has a spiked crown and facial features.

Ship Graffiti - Two masts flying triangular flags. One of the masts is carrying a lateen sail. The hull of the ship is hardly visible. A third mast might be present however this graffito has been damaged at its extremity.

Anthropomorphic - The outline of a hand.

Symbols - Located at the church’s side entrance is a circular symbol. It is sectioned into small portions by lines.

Ship graffiti - A double-masted ship has been etched together with the rigging. The ship’s hull is split lengthwise and shows two rows of pits. These likely depict the ship’s guns.

Ship Graffiti - A small ship graffito can be seen with a mast and a bowsprit. The hull is pitted lengthwise, likely signifying the ship’s gun deck.

Ship graffiti - An elongated hull of a ship can be seen on the side outer wall of the church. The ship has at least one mast which has been completed with the standing rigging. Most of the graffito cannot be seen clearly and will soon be lost over time.

Anthropomorphic - The portrait of a face looking sideways is etched onto the facade. One can make out the nose and mouth of the person.

Ship Graffiti, Anthropomorphic - The hull of a ship can be identified at the entrance of the church. It has at least two masts. Looking closely, three faces including their facial features can be seen superimposing the ship graffito.

Religious Iconography - An elaborate etching likely showing an altar has been etched into the facade of the church, at the entrance. Here, a pavement holds a rectangular base. It supports a mantle which is crowned by a cross. A flag can also be seen.

Anthropomorphic - An image of a person wearing buttoned clothing. The person’s arms are reaching up. Facial features are also present.

Buildings - A series of symmetrical shapes forming an image of a building with a sloping roof.

Lija Parish Church

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