Niche of the Virgin Mother di Pieta

They often go un-noticed, our senses dulled by the frequency with which they populate our streets.  Yet frequently, religious niches are not only a thing of beauty but also of history.

This one, that portrays the Virgin Mother di Pieta (of Mercy) carrying a baby Jesus is found in Mons Giuseppi Farrugia Street in Rabat, Gozo and is one of the oldest niches to be found on the island.  Indeed, the statue dates from 1675 and is sculpted out of local limestone.  The lamp in front of it used to be kept alight through the donations of the devotees who used to throw any spare change in the box that is embedded in the wall beneath the statue.

If you want to see this niche, these are the directions to get there.