A newly-restored chapel with an outstanding view of still unspoilt country, the St Mary Magdalene chapel on Dingli cliffs, was re-opened to the public last Sunday. The ceremony followed Mass in the open space in front of the chapel, celebrated by Dingli parish priest Fr Norman Zammit.

The location of the chapel is very popular with visitors to the area and in the afternoon provides a magnificent panorama of the setting sun.

Resources and Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit, who opened the chapel for the public, said it had been included in the ministry’s restoration programme for a number of chapels.

The work carried out included repairs to the roof, a new stone cross, removal of cement on the chapel’s walls and a new plaque with the words Non Gode l’Immunita Ecclesias, to replace the one that was stolen some years ago. The inscription refers to the removal in the 19th century of the sanctuary granted to criminals who could not be arrested if they sought refuge in consecrated buildings.

Other work included new paving for the chapel’s parvis, with imported hard stone donated by a benefactor, and there is also new stone altar, commissioned by Dingli parish.

The present chapel was built in 1646 but it is known that a chapel on the site at least 200 years before then. It was used to serve the spiritual needs of the farmers in the area.