Missio Malta in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) is launching The Chapels of Malta – A Historical Journey, an unprecedented platform, opening a window onto the fascinating world of chapels and small churches in Malta and Gozo.
Estimated to be around 300 in total, wayside chapels and small churches in Malta, Gozo and Comino, have a wealth of stories to tell, as they encapsulate an entire chapter in Malta’s rural historical heritage. The Chapels of Malta – A Historical Journey will provide visitors with a detailed virtual tour of these gems, which will be accessible on all devices.
Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef said: “The MTA is delighted to continue its collaboration with Missio Malta on this significant project. The Chapels of Malta – A Historical Journey showcases the cultural and religious treasures embedded in our islands’ history, offering locals and visitors alike an enriched understanding of Malta’s rural heritage. This innovative platform enhances our commitment to promoting faith-based tourism, offering immersive experiences that highlight the spiritual and architectural gems scattered across Malta, Gozo, and Comino. By making these chapels accessible in such a modern and engaging way, we are not only preserving our heritage but also contributing to the sustainability of our tourism sector, ensuring that our rich history remains a cornerstone of our national identity.
“Missio is driven to leverage opportunities, for sustainability, in order to continue with its core operation supporting communities in over 1,200 villages in Africa, Asia and South America. Through The Chapels of Malta – A Historical Journey, Missio will be offering a sterling product to locals and tourists alike, who are interested in our religious and historical heritage, in return for a small fee that will support Missio’s work. Furthermore, members of the public will be able to add a donation, should they wish to do so,” said Robert Farrugia, Head of Communications and Fund Raising at Missio Malta.
The Chapels of Malta – A Historical Journey will for the first time provide a complete catalogue of all chapels and small churches in Malta. The dedicated platform will provide an immersive 3D walk through virtual tour inside the chapel, as well as a 360° panoramic view of the exterior surrounding area. An aerial video of the geography immediate to the chapel will complete the experience of the visitor.
The platform shall also provide visitors with detailed accurate historical information about each chapel, going into information about the saint to whom it is dedicated, its architectural importance, and any stories or legends that might exist surrounding the edifice.
All the above, together with a handy audio tour will be accessible on site of the chapel itself, through a QR Code.
The overall objective of this project is promoting interest in Malta’s rural heritage as well as seeking to grow faith-based tourism. The application will be created in Maltese as well as another five major languages, to ensure accessibility to as many people as possible.