Churches of Malta - Saints Peter and Paul Church - Nadur
Nadur is spread over the top of a plateau enjoying breathtaking views of Gozo, Comino and the Gozo Channel. The name of the locality is derived from the Maltese word nadar, which means to observe at length and so to keep guard. Nadur's monumental church is dedicated to the apostles Saints Peter and Paul. Its foundation stone was laid in December 1760 but the facade and aisles were built at the beginning of the twentieth century on a design by the renowned Maltese architect Francesco Saverio Sciortino.
The parish of Nadur was established by Bishop Davide Cocco-Palmeri on 28 April 1688. For some years the seat of the parish was the church of the Immaculate Conception in Qala. The present church was consecrated on 12 May 1867 and became Archipresbyteral on 19 December 1893. It became the third Collegiate of Gozo on 19 Sepember 1894 and was bestowed the title of Basilica on 26 June 1967. The paintings on the dome and on the ceiling are by the Maltese Lazzaro Pisani and depict episodes from the lives of Saints Peter and Paul.
The feast of Saints Peter and Paul, "L-Imnarja" is celebrated on the 29th of June, which is also a National holiday. The feast's name seems to suggest that there is a possible connection with the beginning of summer. It is derived from the word luminaria (illumination), and has a deep relation with our traditions and folklore.
