Overview
The chapel stands in the Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq area along Malta’s northeast coast. While small in scale, it is notable for its late-19th-century construction context: a Times of Malta note describing conservation research states it was built by the British in about 1890 and situated near coastal buildings by the sea.
Location & coordinates
- Coordinates:
35.939694, 14.456817 - Area: Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq (limits of Naxxar), Malta
- Setting: coastal fringe; approach on foot where safe and follow local access restrictions
Key dates
- c.1890 — described as built by the British (19th-century chapel dedicated to St Peter at Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- 29 December 2008 — a report describes the chapel as in a neglected state, needing urgent restoration, and used as a storage room at the time. }
- 7 October 2020 — Wikimedia Commons category records the chapel’s mapped location (useful for coordinate cross-checking).
History & context
Unlike many Maltese chapels that trace origins to medieval or early modern foundations, San Pietru is-Sajjied at Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is described as a British-period chapel built around 1890. Its coastal placement also fits the wider identity of Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq as a shoreline area that saw activity during the British period.
A later report highlights the chapel’s complicated stewardship and changing use: it describes uncertainty about which authority was responsible and states the building was being used as storage at the time, while also noting that it was situated in the limits of Naxxar.
Construction notes
Available published notes focus more on date and location than on architectural detail. As a late-19th-century chapel, the structure is likely to reflect practical British-era building and coastal materials considerations rather than the earlier baroque chapel typology seen inland.
SEO/E-E-A-T tip: if you can photograph the façade and interior (when legitimately accessible), add objective details: façade elements, roof type, any dated plaque, bell-cot, altar form, and finish (paint/plaster/stone).
Restoration & condition
In 2008, a report stated the chapel was neglected, needed urgent restoration, and was being used as a storage room. This makes it especially important to treat the site as vulnerable heritage.
Current use (services & access)
Service schedules are not consistently published for this chapel. A local Mass-directory style listing records the chapel and its location (Triq il-Kosta, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq), but visitors should verify any current opening or services via local notices or parish contacts, as historic reports indicate periods of non-liturgical use.
Visiting tips
- Go on foot if possible: coastal areas can be congested; use safe crossing points.
- Respect access: do not force doors or enter if closed; avoid private yards and leased premises.
- Leave no trace: do not place candles or items unless the site is clearly maintained for devotion.
- Photography: early morning light often best for limestone textures near the sea.
Link this page to your chapels cluster
FAQ
- When was it built?
- A Times of Malta note describing conservation research says the chapel was built by the British in about 1890.
- Is it inside Naxxar?
- A report on the chapel’s stewardship states it is situated in the limits of Naxxar, in the Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq area.
- Is it open to visit?
- Access varies. Past reporting described non-worship use and storage; check local notices or listings before planning a visit.