Abbatija tad-Dejr

Description

Abbatija tad-Dejr is primarily a Paleochristian site consisting of at least four side-by-side hypogeums. The toponym ‘Dejr’ is one of the meanings among which ‘sheepfold’. However, it can also mean a convent or monastery, which can be indicative of the history of the site. Outside, the site presents a rectangular square, originally a quarry, in which the four hypogeums were dug. Later, perhaps in the 13th century, this square seems to have been enlarged and partially covered with a colonnade. The largest of the four entrances leads to the main complex, which includes a rectangular corridor. Originally a triclinium room, this area was later transformed to be used in conjunction with the adjacent 13th-century chapel. Remains of frescoes and numerous crosses testify to this. The thirteenth century saw drastic changes in this site due to its change of use as a Christian oratory. This included an apse dominated by a central one that once contained a fresco showing the Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary, John and the Archangel Gabriel on the side. This fresco and the two coats of arms that adorned the main support pillar were removed for preservation a few decades ago and can now be seen in MUZA, Valletta. Despite the changes in the 13th century, the main burial area of this hypogeum has partially survived. They are mainly canopied tombs dug in a grid pattern, some of which are richly decorated with spirals, fish scale motifs and palm trees. The other three hypogeums are smaller but also present examples of Roman funerary architecture such as triclines and different types of tombs. This included an apse dominated by a central one that once contained a fresco showing the Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary, John and the Archangel Gabriel on the side. This fresco and the two coats of arms that adorned the main support pillar were removed for preservation a few decades ago and can now be seen in MUZA, Valletta. Despite the changes in the 13th century, the main burial area of this hypogeum has partially survived. They are mainly canopied tombs dug in a grid pattern, some of which are richly decorated with spirals, fish scale motifs and palm trees. The other three hypogeums are smaller but also present examples of Roman funerary architecture such as triclines and different types of tombs. This included an apse dominated by a central one that once contained a fresco showing the Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary, John and the Archangel Gabriel on the side. This fresco and the two coats of arms that adorned the main support pillar were removed for preservation a few decades ago and can now be seen in MUZA, Valletta. Despite the changes in the 13th century, the main burial area of this hypogeum has partially survived. They are mainly canopied tombs dug in a grid pattern, some of which are richly decorated with spirals, fish scale motifs and palm trees. The other three hypogeums are smaller but also present examples of Roman funerary architecture such as triclines and different types of tombs. This fresco and the two coats of arms that adorned the main support pillar were removed for preservation a few decades ago and can now be seen in MUZA, Valletta. Despite the changes in the 13th century, the main burial area of this hypogeum has partially survived. They are mainly canopied tombs dug in a grid pattern, some of which are richly decorated with spirals, fish scale motifs and palm trees. The other three hypogeums are smaller but also present examples of Roman funerary architecture such as triclines and different types of tombs. This fresco and the two coats of arms that adorned the main support pillar were removed for preservation a few decades ago and can now be seen in MUZA, Valletta. Despite the changes in the 13th century, the main burial area of this hypogeum has partially survived. They are mainly canopied tombs dug in a grid pattern, some of which are richly decorated with spirals, fish scale motifs and palm trees. The other three hypogeums are smaller but also present examples of Roman funerary architecture such as triclines and different types of tombs. some of which are richly decorated with scrolls, fish scales and palms. The other three hypogeums are smaller but also present examples of Roman funerary architecture such as triclines and different types of tombs. some of which are richly decorated with scrolls, fish scales and palms. The other three hypogeums are smaller but also present examples of Roman funerary architecture such as triclines and different types of tombs.

Reduction

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