SIĠĠIEWI

inhabited as early as the Neolithic era, about 5000 BC.

Siġġiewi has been under the rule of a number of civilizations over the ages, including the Phoenicians, the Romans, and the Arabs. Since many of its residents participated in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, when the Ottomans invaded Malta, Siggiewi was crucial to the island's defence. Siggiewi witnessed major transformations in the 18th century when new structures, including churches, were built and the town's economy switched from agriculture to the manufacture of lace and textiles.

Siġġiewi enjoyed wealth in the 19th and early 20th centuries as its agricultural output rose and the town gained popularity as a summer getaway.

Processions, fireworks, and other celebrations take place in honour of the patron saint at the Church of St. Nicholas in Siggiewi during the St. Nicholas feast. Like other Maltese towns, Siggiewi holds a weeklong feast to honour its patron saint. The feast takes place in the final Sunday of June; a time when the town and the church are alive with music, food, and religious ceremonies. The church's interior has the title artwork by Mattia Preti, better known as "Il Calabrese," who also painted the vault of Valletta's St. John's Co-Cathedral. Pietro Felici created the wooden monument in 1736, and it is carried during the city's feast day parade on the final Sunday in June. Interestingly, Saint Nicholas is one of the most popular saints in Byzantine hagiography. The fact that his veneration has survived through a myriad of eras suggests that after the catacomb era ended, some of Malta's villages may have retained old traditions that were compatible with both western and eastern Christian beliefs. There were hundreds of hamlets around Siggiewi, many of which are of Semitic origin and were recorded in notarial deeds only in the Late Middle Ages. Some of these locations developed into hamlets, while others maintained unrecorded tiny settlements. Eventually, these hamlets lost their significance, and the Great Siege of 1565 resulted in their depopulation.

A new economic dynamic brought about by the advent of the Order of St. John in Malta in 1530 made urban regions, particularly the brand-built city of Valletta, more desirable than remote villages. Although the hamlets in the area suffered as a result of Siggiewi's rise, the city's advantageous location between two valleys made it a market centre that promoted changes in demographics. Grand Master Ferdinand Von Hompesch formally granted a request to rename the city "Città Ferdinand" in his honour on December 30, 1797.

Nowadays, Siġġiewi is a popular tourist site, especially for those with an interest in history, architecture, and culture. The historic and architectural significance of the village's old remains, which include the restored baroque parish church and the previous parish church devoted to St. Nicholas of Bari, cannot be understated. Additionally, those looking to fully immerse themselves in Malta's rich cultural history will find Siggiewi's rural charm, picturesque scenery, and traditional religious events to be an unforgettable and authentic experience. Siggiewi offers a glimpse into Malta's past and its unique blend of cultures, making it a must-visit destination for all the family!