Saint Agatha's Chapel, Mdina

Saint Agatha’s Chapel is a small but historically significant Roman Catholic church tucked away within the fortified city of Mdina. Its origins date back to 1417, when the first chapel on the site was founded by the nobleman Francesco Gatto and his wife, Paola de’ Castelli. In 1575, it was visited by apostolic visitor and inquisitor Pietro Dusina, and it remained in the possession of the Gatto Murina family until 1661, when it was transferred to the Church.

The medieval chapel was badly damaged during the devastating 1693 Sicily earthquake, which also caused the collapse of much of Mdina’s medieval cathedral. It was subsequently rebuilt to a design by renowned Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà, who was also responsible for reconstructing the cathedral. The new chapel was blessed on 26 June 1696 by Archdeacon Antonio Cauchi, in the presence of Bishop Davide Cocco Palmieri and Grand Master Adrien de Wignacourt.

Despite its modest size, the chapel rewards a closer look. Its elegant Baroque façade, built from Mdina’s characteristic warm limestone, is complemented by a simple, intimate interior. The main artistic highlight is the titular painting by Giuseppe D’Arena, depicting Saint Agatha alongside Saint Adrian.

According to Christian tradition, Saint Agatha was a 3rd-century Sicilian martyr who has long been venerated in Malta and is traditionally associated with protecting the island from invasion.

Quiet and easily overlooked, the chapel offers an intimate glimpse into Mdina’s centuries-old religious heritage.