Dingli / Tartarni and the Medieval Parish of Santa Domenica

Abstract

The recent controversy over the opening of certain new thoroughfares in Dingli has focussed the attention of many, who are genuinely interested in our heritage, on the ruins of an old arched structure, a church, a little-known and overlooked site, between Triq is-Sienja and Triq il-M.U.S.E.U.M., which has to date eluded the attention of researchers. I was first made aware of the structure some twelve years ago when it was pointed out to me by Prof. Nicholas Vella of the Classics and Archaeology Department of the University of Malta, who noticed it when he was walking towards Dingli along Triq il-Buskett. I have since learnt that it had only then become uncovered when the roof collapsed after a heavy downpour. Till then it was hidden from view, tucked away inside a derelict farmhouse whose owners never appreciated that it was the ruins of a church. The owners inform me that it had been inherited, through the Tanti branch of the family, for several generations; to be noted, is that in 1687, 28.5% of all Tantis in Malta were to be found in Dingli.