What can you discover in our collection?
The Nicċeċ collection documents every known religious street niche in Victoria (Rabat), Gozo — photographed on location by Rob Polli. Each entry includes the shrine's exact address, its sacred subject, the materials used, and its historical context. This is the most complete visual record of Victoria's sacred streetscape available online.

What is the story behind Immaculate Conception?
Carved limestone niche with a statue of the Immaculate Conception; Baroque style with ornate detailing
The statue represents the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, a common devotional theme in Catholic iconography, emphasizing Mary’s purity and role as the Mother of God.

What is the story behind St Joseph?
Stone figures of St Joseph and Christ in naturalistic late-19th-century style with soft, fluid drapery.
St Joseph holds the Christ Child’s hand and a stem of lilies—symbols of virtue and guardianship.

What is the story behind St Joseph?
Carved local limestone with a shallow arched recess containing a plaster or polychrome painted statue of St Joseph holding the Christ Child.
St Joseph is portrayed as the gentle guardian, holding the infant Jesus in his left arm and a lily stalk — emblem of purity and faithful labour — in his right. The image expresses paternal care, humility, and steadfast devotion, virtues deeply woven into Gozitan family life.

What is the story behind Immaculate Conception?
Stone figure protected by aluminium casing; simple rural execution.
Madonna standing on a crescent moon and cherub-dotted base, hands clasped to chest, dressed in white tunic and celestial mantle.

What is the story behind St Joseph?
Simple stone niche with narrow console, triangular pediment and trefoil cross; white-painted statuary.
St Joseph holding the Christ Child, both with halos; Christ clutches a small cross—symbols of paternal care and sacrifice.

What is the story behind Madonna of Loreto?
Square limestone tower-form niche with four identical façades; decorated with pilasters, entablature, cornice and urns.
Illustrates the miracle of Loreto—Madonna and Child above a small house carried by angels amid clouds.
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