San Dimitri’s Chapel is signed from Gharb and reached along a very narrow and rough road, past the fireworks factory which was flying a red flag. Fortunately didn’t meet anyone as there are no passing places and the car gained a few more scratches on the sides from vegetation.
It is a simple rectangular chapel, set in open countryside near the sea with nothing round it. It was built in the 18thC on the site of an older chapel. When we visited it was covered in scaffolding with two workmen repairing the pointing. The door is unlocked but a metal grille across prevents entry into chapel.
It is a very plain, white building with a small stone altar with a picture of St Demetrius on horseback. A local legend tells the story of Turkish raiders who stole the son of a local woman. After the poor mother wept her distress in front of the painting of St. Demetrius, he was seen riding his horse out of the painting, charging the Turks and returning the son to safety.
This was interesting to see as it is a typical example of the small simple country chapels on Gozo, however the road to it is not good and appart from walking, there is nothing else to do once there.
If you are wanting to see an example of an early, simple chapel then head for the Citadel and the Chapel of St Joseph.