Abbatija tad-Dejr Catacombs

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