299 New Additions to the National Inventory to Close the Year

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is proud to announce the inclusion of 299 devotional niches across Malta and Gozo into the National Inventory!

Devotional niches, or niċeċ, are a familiar sight in the daily lives of the Maltese people. Typically, these shrines house religious statues and are either integrated into the facades of older buildings or stand alone as independent structures. Contemporary design solutions have also seen them incorporated into new buildings.

Historically, these niches are attributed to both skilled local sculptors and anonymous townsfolk, reflecting a mix of artistic craftsmanship and communal faith. Most niches are dedicated to figures of deep religious importance, such as Our Lady, Jesus Christ, and patron saints like St. Roch and St. Paul. Regardless of their origin, these shrines were created as acts of devotion, serving as both spiritual and spatial landmarks.

Their value to national heritage goes beyond their artistic and aesthetic appeal. These niches are integral to the cultural identity of the Maltese Islands, marking the landscape as symbols of a collective heritage. They are intrinsically tied to Malta’s Catholic traditions and contribute to the islands’ distinctive cultural character.

This recent inclusion in the National Inventory builds on past efforts to document and safeguard these cultural treasures, completing this decade-long project. The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage remains committed to recognising and protecting the niches that dot the Maltese and Gozitan landscapes, preserving them as enduring markers of our shared history.

As outlined in Article 59(1) and Article 70 of the Cultural Heritage Act 2002 (as amended), it is imperative to note that any development or intervention on these properties requires prior approval from the Superintendent. Furthermore, causing damage to any of the properties included in the Inventory, even if privately owned, is strictly prohibited and constitutes an offense punishable by law.

The Superintendence encourages the public to visit the GIS Interface on our website, which not only serves as a portal of information for all sites located in the National Inventory, but can also easily highlight the latest additions when selecting “Latest Entries” on the lefthand navigator.

The National Inventory is a cultural heritage register curated and compiled by the Superintendence as one of its functions established by the Cultural Heritage Act (CAP 445).

The full list of properties recently added to the Inventory can be found on Government Gazzette No. 21,356, dated 6, December, 2024 (G.N. 1732).