St Mary Magdalene Chapel, Dingli

The date of construction of the chapel is not known, but the oldest reference to the building was made in 1446. It is located on the Dingli Cliffs, far from the town itself, and it was used by farmers who lived in nearby farms. The chapel was in a state of disrepair by 1575, and it later collapsed. It was rebuilt in the 17th century, being reopened by Bishop Miguel Juan Balaguer Camarasa on 15 April 1646. The reconstruction is commemorated by a Latin inscription above its doorway. The chapel was deconsecrated by Bishop Gaetano Pace Forno in the 19th century, but it was later reconsecrated. It was hit by lightning on 4 February 1936, damaging the circular window on the façade, but it was later repaired. The chapel was hit again by lightning during a thunderstorm on 10 December 2014, damaging the window and the top part of the façade. Some debris hit the altar, damaging the altarpiece. The damage was subsequently repaired by the Restoration Directorate, and the chapel reopened in April 2015. The chapel is listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands. ==Architecture==

St. Mary Magdalene Chapel has a simple design, typical of Maltese wayside chapels. It has a rectangular structure, with its façade containing a single doorway and a circular window. A Latin inscription is located just above the door, while a slab originally containing a coat of arms is located above the window. A small parvis () is located outside the church, and a railing is located nearby to protect visitors to the chapel from falling down the cliffs. The church has an altar built of Maltese limestone. The altarpiece is The Risen Christ by Paul Camilleri Cauchi, depicting Jesus forgiving a penitent Mary Magdalene after his resurrection. ==See also==