An old photo of the parish church of Żebbuġ, Gozo. The earliest reference to a chapel here dates back to 1540, when a widow bequeathed a sheep to the church of Santa Marija ta’ Żebbuġ. Over time it was enlarged and rebuilt, until the current parish church was begun in 1692 under Rev. Francesco Vella and consecrated in 1736. Remarkably, sections of the 18th-century building — including parts of the façade, northern and southern walls, and side chapels — still survive despite later enlargements and modifications. This enduring structure reflects the determination of a small village community, which against all odds built a temple of impressive scale and beauty. Inside, the parish is today renowned for its lavish use of Gozo onyx, a unique stone discovered in the area and worked extensively in the 20th century. This richly embellishes the altar, pulpit, font, and confessionals, transforming the church into one of the island’s most distinctive interiors. Treasured artworks include The Coronation of the Virgin by Francesco de Dominics, crowned in 1980 by Bishop Nicholas Cauchi, alongside monumental canvases by Giuseppe Calì and Emvin Cremona. The church is also home to the titular statue of the Assumption, acquired from Marseilles in 1863, that is carried through the streets during the village festa - which is celebrated today - in a spectacle of faith, tradition, and local pride.

National Archives Reference Number: 0711