Żabbar Sanctuary Museum
Parish museum beside the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces in Żabbar, with ex-votos, silver, church treasures and objects from the time of the Knights.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Żabbar Sanctuary Museum is the parish museum of Żabbar, next to the Baroque sanctuary church of Our Lady of Graces. It was founded by Monsignor Joseph Zarb, who became parish priest of Żabbar in 1943 and recognised the value of the historic objects held by the sanctuary. He listed its belongings, and a purpose-built museum opened on 5 September 1954 beside the church. The museum was renovated in 2003 and now has several floors of displays.
The collection ranges from prehistory to the modern period. Most objects have a religious theme, but there are also secular items. The ground floor is devoted to the history of the church, with a fresco from the chapel of Santa Duminka dating from around 1500, an old baptismal font bearing the arms of Grand Master Wignacourt, cabinets on the confraternities of Żabbar with their capes and medals, silver sanctuary lamps, and the reconstruction of the Turbu, a former November devotion for the dead.
Further floors show the workings of the first church clock, sedan chairs, one of which belonged to Grand Master Hompesch, a large display of ex-voto paintings and silver tokens offered in thanks for vows granted, and sea-related items. The museum is run by a committee and volunteers under the Archpriest of Żabbar, and entrance fees and donations pay for its upkeep.
Highlights
- Ex-voto paintings and silver tokens offered to Our Lady of Graces
- Silver sanctuary lamps, altar and antependium
- Sedan chair of Grand Master Hompesch
- Fresco from the chapel of Santa Duminka, about 1500
- Reconstruction of the Turbu, a former November devotion
- Founded
- 1954
- Operated by
- Żabbar Parish
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|
Entrance fees and donations go towards the upkeep of the museum and its collection.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | A museum guide can explain the collection during the visit. |
