History and timeline

Earlier chapel on the site

A written account notes that the present chapel is the second built on the same spot. In earlier times there was another small chapel with a cemetery alongside it, which later appears to have been abandoned and left to fall into ruin.

Rebuilding authorised in 1607

The rebuilding initiative is linked to Dun Ġammari Camenzuli, who sought permission from the Vicar General Dun Filippu Borg to rebuild the chapel. The Archdiocesan Curia decree was issued on 5 December 1607, confirming the formal authorisation for the chapel’s reconstruction.

20th-century incident: stolen altar painting (1988) and recovery

The same account records that the earlier altar painting was stolen in December 1988. Later, when the artwork was found in an antique shop, it was placed in the sacristy of the Mosta Rotunda, and a copy was installed on the chapel’s altar.

Restoration and upgrades (1989)

Restoration work is recorded as having been carried out in 1989 under the care of the chapel’s procurator, Dun Salv Magro. Works included a new door arrangement allowing the interior to be viewed when closed, and the installation of a statue of the Madonna on the façade’s bell-gable area (Madonna tal-Kampnar) in the same year.

Construction and architectural details

The rebuilt chapel (authorised in 1607) is described as simple yet charming, with a single altar set within a recessed arch.

Sanctuary and altar

• One altar positioned inside a recessed wall arch.
• Two stone pilasters flank the altar area; the arch is decorated with small stone stars described as gilded.
• The altar is carved in Maltese limestone, noted as modest in design but with appealing sculpture.

Roofing, flooring, and interior fittings

• The roof is described as resting on stone arches.
• The floor is recorded as finished in coloured tiles.
• Side walls include a set of Stations of the Cross (Via Sagra).
• Statues noted near the altar include St Anthony and St Joseph.

Façade and access improvements (recorded 1989)

The 1989 works are described as introducing a door and grille arrangement so visitors can view the chapel interior when it is closed, plus a small window/ironwork element bearing the Madonna’s name.

Use, devotion, and today’s role

Annual feast and liturgical use

The chapel’s feast is recorded as taking place on the Sunday before 15 August (the Assumption period), with a Mass and sermon.

Everyday status

Taż-Żejfa Chapel is commonly treated as a small devotional landmark rather than a parish church with frequent services. Listings often show no regular Mass times for the site.

Why it matters in Mosta’s chapel landscape

As a roadside chapel tied to Assumption devotion, Taż-Żejfa reflects the broader Maltese pattern of small chapels established to sustain local piety and feast-day tradition.