The chapel of St Roque, situated in Main Street, Zebbug, has been reopened by Din l-Art Helwa, the national trust of Malta, after restoration work that took two years to complete.

The work was possible thanks to financial support by Round Table One.

The chapel was reopened by Din l-Art Helwa's general secretary, Edward Xuereb, together with the president of the Association of Round Tables, Steve Ganado.

The chapel was built in 1592 as a result of a vow to St Roque by a Zebbug couple, Katerina and Tumas Vassallo, to spare the village from the plague.

After their death they bequeathed a field in the vicinity of Wied is-Sewda so that its produce could be sold to pay for the celebration of Mass on the feast of St Roque every year on August 16.

St Roque was French and lived in the 14th century. It is said he survived the plague he contracted while caring for victims of the disease. Legend has it that his dog licked his wounds clean and helped him survive, which is why he is nearly always depicted with a dog by his side. A statue of the saint stands on the street corner in front of the chapel, and the altarpiece also depicts the saint.

The chapel is open on request and should be of interest to scholars and visitors alike.

For more information call 2122 0358 or 9942 4176.