The most beautiful religious buildings North Coast

In this village, overlooking the bay of the same name, you can visit this church, which contains a beautiful painting of Giuseppe Cali, the Shipwreck of Saint Paul. At the back, in the chapel of the sanctuary of Notre-Dame, the oldest sanctuary of the island dedicated to the Virgin, the painting of the Madonna is attributed to the Evangelist Saint Luc who accompanied Saint Paul during his shipwreck in Malta. The place where the chapel is called the square of 26 May 1990, since its soil was foulé by John Paul II, came to pray. It is the oldest sanctuary on the island dedicated to the Virgin.

A small museum welcomes ex-voto and returns to the papal visit.

The first important church was built in 1640, at the location of a small chapel dating back to 1575, dedicated to the Conception of the Holy Virgin. At that time Msida depended on the parish of Birkirkara. The population of Msida becoming important, one decided to build a vast church between Msida and Ta'Xbiex. But finally, it is the current site that is chosen and the church was completed in 1894. Its pretty silhouette dominates the harbour.

It's a surprisingly modern building. Admittedly, some of the architectural effects are inspired by traditional Maltese churches, but in general it's... up to you. As you can imagine, much has been written about its construction, and opinions differ as to its aesthetic qualities. Inside, it's a far cry from the often overcrowded churches of the past. Sobriety is the order of the day, even when it comes to the seating, which resembles garden chairs. A real curiosity.

In the 14th^century , a small chapel was built close to where St. Paul and St. Luke landed, and Alof de Wignacourt transformed it into a larger edifice by adding a few arches. Now known as Saint-Paul-le-Naufragé church, the damaged structure has been skilfully restored to its original early ^17th-century appearance.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Mellieha was originally a natural grotto housing a spring known for its healing properties on childhood illnesses. As in Lourdes, the Virgin would have appeared to visitors in this grotto, which has remained a place of pilgrimage. The present building was built in different stages, from the end of the 16th century to the 18th century, incorporating parts of the natural cave in which the church was born. Some great hospitable masters and Pope John Paul II visited it.