Beautiful Pareidolia in Malta

The awe inspiring “Jesus Tree”

If you’ve always been fascinated with pareidolia, then this is something you wouldn’t want to miss, if you’re visiting the Maltese Islands.

First things first ...

What is pareidolia?

This is a psychological phenomenon whereby people notice that some natural objects take the form or bear a huge resemblance to other familiar objects (or famous people) which are totally unrelated to the original item.

Popular objects which are good candidates for this phenomenon are rocks, fruit and vegetables and of course clouds! Who hasn’t looked at clouds as a kid and could see all sorts of “imaginary” and unrelated objects in them!

On the beautiful Maltese Islands you will find this intriguing phenomenon too!

Where?

Half way up, on the left hand side of a tree lined road that takes you to Saqqajja in Rabat, Malta.

Coming from Zebbug or Attard to Mdina, you will at some point reach a huge roundabout with a big monument on it.

Proceed past the roundabout and you will see a hill which is lined with trees on both sides.

What should you look for?

A tree that is locally known as the “Jesus Tree”.

You will distinguish it from the other trees because it is located further inward (towards the fields) than the other trees and it will usually have flowers at the foot paying it homage. These flowers are put there every day by locals.

What’s so special about the “Jesus Tree”?

Local legend dictates that many years ago, this pine tree was struck by lightning and as a result its appearance changed!

Whether you believe this or not, is of course entirely up to you.

However, if you take a closer look you will definitely have to agree that it does bear a striking resemblance to a life-size impression of a crucified Jesus Christ.

The bark is contorted in such a way that it really looks like an image of Jesus on a cross.

If you’re taking the bus, you can tell the driver to stop you at the nearest bus stop which is on the same road where the tree is (i.e. the main road from Zebbug to Mdina).

If you’re hiring a car, look out for it about half way up the road/hill. You can pull over and park the car on the side of the road nearby and get out for a few minutes to admire the tree and take photos!

Search this site

Return from Pareidolia in Malta to Things to Do in Malta main section

Return to MaltaBulb: Your Malta Holidays Travel Guide