Oh My Malta Magazine August 2022

Page 23

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN MQABBA

VINCENTI TOWER

MINTNA CATACOMBS

The Vincenti Tower is a tower in Mqabba constructed in

The Tal-Mintna Catacombs are composed of burial rooms where

1726 by Fra Orfeo de Vincenzo. In order to utilise it as an

ancient rites were formerly carried out. Theys are made up of

observation post, the British military requisitioned the tower

several separate underground clusters of adjacent burial chambers.

from its owner Sir William John England on June 2, 1941,

These three catacombs are joined to create a single larger complex.

during World War II. However, due to its proximity to the RAF

The burial chambers are lavishly decorated, and many window

Luqa base, it was vulnerable to aerial attacks. On April 12,

tombs include scallop-shell carvings along with elaborate pilasters

1942, it was struck; the bottom story was damaged, albeit the

flanking the entrance to each tomb. Tal-Mintna Catacombs are

building held.

accessible only through appointments.

A STROLL AROUND ĦAL-MILLIERI

VILLAGE FEAST OF ST MARY

Qrendi, Mqabba, and Zurrieq surround the abandoned rural

The St. Mary Fireworks Factory will present its distinctive

region of Ħal-Millieri. The parish church of Qrendi serves as

pyrotechnic show on August 14th. This occurs close to a

the starting point. The trail passes through Mqabba, finishing

supposed "tower of light" that stands at the village's boundary.

in Zurrieq. Through this walk, you will be visiting multiple

The tower, a 45-meter-high steel structure, is loaded with more

attractions from each of these villagges, ranging from Mqabba’s

than 1,400 petards, which are released using a computerised

Parish Church to the Old Hospital, and Qrendi’s St. Catherine

system that syncs the show to music. The performance makes

Chapel. Experience the surrounding landscape, baroque churches,

full use of the tower and the nearby fields to produce an

and their historical atmosphere through this comforting and

hour-long extravaganza of nonstop colour, lights, and fantastic

enriching walk.

formations appearing in the sky. OH MY MALTA

21


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