Discovering Saint Paul the Hermit Chapel with Local Explorer
Local explorer Pierre Farrugia explores Wied Il-Għasel in Mosta, with the main destination being the Saint Paul the Hermit Chapel. While many visitors typically access the chapel via the stairs near the Mosta bridge, the chosen route involves descending a path commonly used for rock climbing or via ferrata.
Descending this route is neither overly difficult nor too easy, but it offers a direct path to the bottom of the valley. The breathtaking views along the way certainly make the journey worthwhile.
Once on the valley floor, one should trek a short distance to the left. Across the valley floor, stairs leading up to the chapel can be found.
The chapel itself is built inside a cave and is associated to a legend. According to legend, a saintly figure named Korradu once resided in this cave. He confronted some shepherds for their immoral behaviour, and in response, they attacked him with insults and stones. Despite their aggression, Korradu managed to flee, with the shepherds pursuing him to the seashore. There, he performed a miraculous feat by spreading his mantle onto the water and stepping on it, allowing him to be carried to Gozo. Legend has it that he lived near the church of the Virgin Mary in Qala and was buried there. Another version of the tale involves San Corrado di Noto, who was similarly driven away by Mosta shepherds and miraculously crossed to Sicily on his cloak. In repentance for their actions, the shepherds built a church dedicated to St. Paul the Hermit in the cave. Yet another version suggests that they attempted to lure him with a woman and falsely accused him of immoral conduct, leading to a similar conclusion.
Regardless of the variations in the legend, the chapel remains a significant site, drawing visitors to its sacred grounds amidst the scenic beauty of Wied Il-Għasel.
Regardless of the variations in the legend, the chapel remains a significant site, drawing visitors to its sacred grounds amidst the scenic beauty of Wied Il-Għasel.
