The rock-cut church of Bormla : origins and developments

Abstract

This paper seeks to establish the origins and start writing the history of a rock-cut church in Bormla, (Malta) which was, for over three centuries, sealed away from public eyes. The study reveals that the church, originally dedicated to the Nativity of Jesus through the Virgin Mother, started as a Christian cave-place of worship during the late Byzantine era (8th-9th century). It was extended during the 13th century and kept functioning till the second half of the 17th century. After 325 years of invisibility, and the focus of many assumptions and reports, this church emerges as a unique and historic site linked to Christianity in Malta and the origins of the Marian cult in the ancient maritime town of Bormla.