Abbatija tad-Dejr

Abbatija tad-Dejr is primarily an early Christian site consisting of at least four hypogea next to each other. One possible meaning of the toponym ‘Dejr’ is that of a ‘sheepfold’. However, it can also mean a convent or a monastery, which may be indicative of the site’s history. Outside, the site has a rectangular forecourt, originally a quarry, into which the four hypogea were excavated. Later, possibly in the 13th century, this forecourt seems to have been enlarged and partially roofed over by a colonnade. The largest of the four entrances leads to the main complex, which includes a rectangular hallway. Originally a triclinium hall, this area was later transformed for use in conjunction with the adjacent 13th century chapel. The remains of frescoes and numerous crosses bear testimony to this.

The 13th century saw drastic changes within this site due to its change in use as a Christian oratory. This included dominating a central apse that once contained a fresco showing the Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary, John and Archangel Gabriel on the sides. This fresco and the two coat-of-arms that adorned the main supporting pillar were removed for safekeeping a few decades ago and can now be viewed at MUZA, Valletta.

Despite the 13th century changes, this hypogeum’s main burial area has partially survived. It is mostly made up of Baldacchino tombs dug in a grid fashion, some of which are lavishly decorated with spirals, fish-scale motifs and palm breaches. The other three hypogea are smaller but they also feature examples of Roman funerary architecture such as triclinia and different types of tombs.