Grotto of the Madonna

Northern Malta


Across the main street from the Church of Our Lady of Victory, a gate in the wall and a flight of steps lead down to the Grotto of the Madonna, a shrine dedicated to the Virgin. It is set deep in a cave lit by flickering candles, beside a spring with waters that are reputed to heal sick children. Baby clothes hung on the walls are votive offerings given in thanks for successful cures.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northern Malta attractions

1. Mellieħa Air-Raid Shelters

0.05 MILES

The Mellieħa air-raid shelters were dug by hand to shelter the town's population from WWII bombs. It's one of the largest underground shelters in Malta,…

2. Church of Our Lady of Victory

0.08 MILES

The Church of Our Lady of Victory sits prominently on a rocky spur overlooking Mellieħa Bay. It's attached to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa, which…

3. Mellieħa Bay

0.74 MILES

The warm, shallow waters and soft white sand of Mellieħa Bay are easily accessible (via bus or you can park on the road that backs the beach), safe for…

4. Għadira Nature Reserve

1.02 MILES

Close to Mellieħa Bay is the Għadira Nature Reserve, managed by BirdLife Malta volunteers. This area of shallow, reedy ponds surrounded by scrub is an…

5. Selmun Palace

1.09 MILES

To the east of Mellieħa Ridge, the ornate fortress-like Selmun Palace – formerly a hotel and restaurant – dominates the skyline above St Paul's Bay. It…

6. Popeye Village

1.13 MILES

Steep-sided, pretty little Anchor Bay was named after the many Roman anchors that were found on the seabed by divers, some of which can be seen in the…

7. Selmun (Imgiebah) Bay

1.22 MILES

Secluded Selmun Bay is an adventure to find, and a great place to escape the crowds; bring refreshments and sunshades. Take the road to Selmun Palace from…

8. Għajn Ħadid Tower

1.39 MILES

Built by the Knights of the Order of St John in 1658, this ruined tower sits above a compact beach at Mġieba Bay.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "malta/mellieha/attractions/grotto-of-the-madonna/a/poi-sig/1136283/1316061",
      "destination": "Northern-Malta",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Malta",
      "region": "Northern-Malta",
      "position": "superzone"
    }