The chapel known as San Gwann tal-Għargħar is to undergo restoration of its facade, roof and parvis.

The Planning Authority, which has just issued the permit, said the work will include the removal of cement renders and accumulated biological dirt, minor repairs and measures to address the deterioration of stone slabs.

The works will be carried out in accordance with an approved restoration method statement and monitored by the Planning Authority’s conservation officers. The restoration method statement has been endorsed by the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage.

The chapel - on one of San Gwann's busiest roads - was originally built by a private family in 1546. It was later abandoned and fell in disuse, and eventually in 1659 Bishop Balaguer declared it should no longer be considered as being a chapel. It was reopened in 1672.

This late medieval chapel is rectangular and has a rather cubic external form and unpretentious bleak exterior, typically of Maltese vernacular architecture. The chapel has a small parvis, two stone water spouts on each side, a small doorway facing west with a square clerestory window as the only source of natural light to the interior.

Internally, the chapel has four internal arches supporting a double pitched roof of stone slabs covered in deffun as well as a bell cot above the window which is a later addition. Adjoining the chapel is a small sacristy which has a peculiar star-shaped air vent at the front.

Of particular interest is the small marble plaque near the door of the chapel with the abbreviated inscription Non Gode l’Immunita’ Ecclesia warning criminals that they do not have immunity from being apprehended by the authorities if they took refuge within the holy place. Such warnings were introduced in 1761.

The chapel is presently used by the Christian Doctrine Society.   

The Chapel is a Grade 1 protected building and was scheduled by the Authority in 1994.