One of the typical characteristics of Maltese and Gozitan streetscapes
are the niches that decorate houses. These niches are usually made of
local globigerina limestone. However other materials such as wood
and wrought iron were also used. Usually, the niches would contain a
statue and in some cases paintings or other devotional images. Street
niches are usually either located at houses\u2019 corners or on the main
facades. The former were especially encouraged during the Knights\u2019
period. An example is the city of Valletta, where the erection of corner
street niches was part of the planning regulations issued by the Order
of St. John.
Along the streets of \u017bebbu\u0121 one finds several devotional niches. These
include the niche dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus(on the corner
between \u0120oma Street and Dun Fran\u0121isk Vella Street), the very ornate
one dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes (Point Street) and finally the
niche dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua (Triq il-Madonna ta\u010b-\u010ai\u010bri).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, one of the oldest street niches in \u017bebbu\u0121 is located in Triq il-
Madonna ta\u010b-\u010ai\u010bri, named after the same niche. This niche is not just<\/p>\n\n\n\n
an architectural feature like many others. Its erection stems from an
alleged \u201cmiracle\u201d that happened in the 18th century. It is said that in
1795, a man locally nicknamed I\u010b-\u010ai\u010bri made a vow to the Virgin<\/p>\n\n\n\n
regarding finding a good supply of fresh water in a well he was digging
in his house. In case of a positive outcome he promised he would erect
a niche on the fa\u00e7ade of his house. He actually found water and the
niche still stands in its original place to tell the story of its creator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crowned by a triangular pediment, the niche is a typical example of
Maltese Baroque vernacular street decoration. The street where the
niche is located, now named Triq il-Madonna ta\u010b-\u010ai\u010bri was previously
known as Gram Street and Triq \u010ai\u010bri. The niche dominates the central
part of the fa\u00e7ade and the house, that is privately owned, is a typical
village dwelling. Coincidently, the house overlooks at a distance, the<\/p>\n\n\n\n
alabaster quarry at Ta\u010b-\u010aaqra. The source of water discovered by I\u010b-
\u010ai\u010bri might have easily been the source which has \u2013 over millions of<\/p>\n\n\n\n
years – created the alabaster. The latter is produced through the
seeping of freshwater and calcium carbonate into the rock.
Photo credits: Mario Cassar<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Copyright: So\u010bjeta’ Banda Santa Marija and \u017bebbu\u0121 Local Council<\/p>\n\n\n