Kirkop is a small village in the south of Malta. Its name is thought to have originated from the surname Percopo, belonging to a family that lived in or had a connection to Kirkop. Kirkop’s motto is “Parva non Ivers”, which means ‘small but not idle’.
Kirkop is one of the older settlements on the islands. Research has shown traces of Phoenecian bloodline prevalent in Kirkop villagers whose families have lived in this area for centuries, perhaps since 700 BC.
This multi-cache will take you on a walk around the village, where you can appreciate Kirkop's old buildings and niches scattered around the village, which give Kirkop its typical Maltese village feel and look.
Stage 1: Katakombi
These Roman catacombs (300 - 500 AD) were unearthed during trenching works supervised by archaeologists.
A: Look through the windows. How many empty notice boards can you see on the inside?
Stage 2: Doorway to the Chapel of St Jacob
The Chapel of St Jacob, built in medieval times, is long gone, but the doorway remains.
BC: How many pointed posts can you count in the doorway?
Stage 3: Il-Menħir
Il-Menħir is a stone slab standing about 3 metres high. It was erected during ancient times, though its purpose is still a bit of a mystery. It might have been a place where rulers of the time used to meet, or the survivor of an otherwise vanished temple. Il-Menħir has since become the symbol of Kirkop.
DE: Look across the street, opposite il-Menħir. There’s a number underneath the blue road sign repeated several times. What’s the two-digit number on the grey boxes?
Stage 4: Niche of St Joseph
St Joseph is one of the two Saints of Kirkop. Look up to see a niche statue of him. The plaque below, in Maltese, was inaugurated by Dom Mauro Caruana (an Archbishop of Malta). It describes how saying a prayer (“Pater, Ave, Gloria”) in front of the statue wins you days of indulgence.
FGH: How many days of indulgence will you win if you say Pater, Ave, Gloria in front of this statue?
Stage 5: St Leonard's Parish Church
The church was built during the start of the 16th century. It was then enlarged to accommodate the growing population of the village. The church's two bell towers were built in 1800.
JK: What is the year written above the door? Add all the individual numbers and then add 6.
Stage 6: Final
N 35° AC.(B+2)(D-2)(E+2) E 014° (F+1)(G+9).(H+1)(J+4)(K+4)
