Santa Marija Chapel

Seven Centuries in the Wind

Santa Marija Chapel has stood on Comino since 1296 — that's 728 years of unbroken presence. When it was built, Poland was ruled by Przemysł II, and the Knights of Malta didn't yet exist on Malta (they arrived in 1530). This small stone structure is older than most cathedrals in Europe.

The Community's Chapel

Comino never had a parish church — the chapel served all religious functions. Children were baptised here, weddings were held, funeral masses celebrated. Once a year, on August 15th for the Feast of the Assumption, visitors from Malta and Gozo would come to Comino for a grand festa — a tradition that continues to this day.

The current chapel is the result of several rebuilds. The oldest parts — the stone altar and wall fragments — date to the 13th century. The facade and roof were rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries after damage from storms and pirates.

The Only Mass

Today mass in the chapel is celebrated once a year — on August 15th. It's the only day when the abandoned island buzzes with life again. Hundreds of Maltese arrive by boat, laying flowers at the altar and drinking local wine under the tamarisks at Santa Marija Beach.