Our Lady of Lourdes Church - Għajnsielem, Gozo - Gothic Revival Entrance and Rose Window

The Gothic Revival façade of Our Lady of Lourdes Church above Mġarr Harbour, featuring a pointed entrance, slender pinnacles and ornate rose window.

This photograph presents the Gothic Revival façade of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes at Għajnsielem on the island of Gozo. A tall pointed arch frames the main entrance, while delicate pinnacles, carved stone details and an ornamental circular window emphasize the strongly Gothic character of the building. The church occupies a prominent position on the heights overlooking Mġarr Harbour and is a familiar landmark for visitors approaching Gozo by sea. Designed by Maltese architect Emmanuel Galizia, construction began in 1888 on a site whose rocky surroundings were considered reminiscent of Lourdes in France. Work continued during the following years, and the completed church was blessed on 3 July 1892. Devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes was further strengthened in 1893 when a statue of the Virgin was placed within a natural grotto beneath the church. With its distinctive Gothic Revival architecture and elevated setting above the harbour, the church forms an important part of the historic and religious landscape surrounding Mġarr and Għajnsielem.