THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN KALKARA

Fort Rinella

The victorian battery in Kalkara was armed with an Armstrong 100-ton cannon, one of the only two still in existence today; the other battery is located at Gibraltar's Napier of Magdala Battery. Although it was never designated as a fort while it was in use, it is often called Fort Rinella. The Rinella Battery was taken up by the Malta Heritage Trust in 1991, and after restoration work, the open-air museum reopened to the public in 1996. Peter Caruana, the Chief Minister of Gibraltar and a Maltese-American, fired the restored gun for the first time in a century on November 21, 2005.

Villa Bighi

A sizable mansion with a view of the Grand Harbour was built nearby in 1650 by Fra Giovanni Bighi at the same time as the chapel of Our Saviour. During the 1813 epidemic, this home served as a makeshift hospital. However, after Villa Bighi was demolished, Vice-Admiral Sir P. Malcolm lay the cornerstone for a naval hospital there on March 23, 1830, thanks to an order from King George IV. It saw substantial use throughout the British era. Today, it serves as an international school for restoration. After extensive repair and modernisation, Villa Bighi is now home to Esplora, an interactive centre for science and innovation.

St Joseph Parish Church

As Kalkara's population increased, a church was required. St. Joseph's Church was completed in 1890, and Kalkara was made a parish in 1879. A new church was built in a more advantageous site after the Second World War bombed the former building. On September 7, 1952, Mons. Gonzi blessed the new church after it had been completed. Other pieces of art began to be utilised to adorn the new Parish Church starting in 1952. Mr. Loreto Mintoff presented the church with a stunning high altar made of marble from Pietrasanta in Italy in 1953. Later, other works of art such as the marble Via Sacra and the church's marble floor among others acquired the appropriate blessings.

Smart City

The first initiative of its kind, SmartCity is located in the heart of the south. This township, which is part of a global network of smart cities, is home to some 4,500 businesses. Locals and tourists alike go to SmartCity to unwind and have a relaxing dinner, overlooking the alluring seascape Kalkara has to offer. There are numerous dining options with a wide range of cuisine specialisations and affordable costs. A leisurely stroll through Kalkara is a beautiful way to end the evening.