Tourist guide - Maltese Southern Villages

SOUTHERN VILLAGES THE GUIDE

SOUTHERN VILLAGES

“Going to a Southern village will give you a new experience of Malta. Some of these villages still have that typical Maltese village scenery, that have been around for ages. Although these villages are small, they have a lot to offer. If you are looking for a local experience, or a swim in the beautiful Maltese sea, these four villages have it all."

CONTENTS

1 GETTING THERE What to prepare before you visit

2 KIRKOP A brief history How to get there Ricotta recipe Must visit Events

3 SAFI

A brief history How to get there Must visit Events

4

6

MQABBA

TRAVEL TIPS

A brief history How to get there Must visit Events

5 QRENDI A brief history How to get there Must visit Events Chapels Ħaġar Qim Wied iż-Żurrieq

Emergency numbers Websites Addresses Everyday expressions

MAPS

GETTING THERE What to know before visiting the localities, what you need to prepare and how to arrive to the localities.

Languages spoken in Malta

Currency used Being part of the European Union, Malta’s currency is the Euro.

GMT+1 When best to visit

Anytime! It depends on why you are visiting.

If visiting for the magnificent beaches then its June to September.

If you want nice days without the hot weather, then March to May or September to November.

Food/drinks: »»Pastizzi »»Kinnie »»& much more!

Public Transport fare: 1 day Adult - €1.50 1 day Child - €0.50 2 hr Adult - €1.30 2 hr Child - €0.30

Victoria

Xewkija Xlendi Munxar Sannat

Santa Lucija

Gozo Kemmuna Cirkewwa

Mellieha St Paul’s Bay

Siggiewi

Malta International Airport

Mqabba

Malta

Kirkop

Birzebbuga

Burmarrad Pembroke Bidnija Hal Gharghur Swieqi Mgarr Naxxar Mosta San GwannSliema Gzira Iklin Birkirkara Msida Valletta Floriana Attard Mtarfa Hamrun Senglea Xghajra Mdina Cospicua Rabat Qormi Haz-Zabbar Zebbug Paola Fgura Tarxien Marsascala Had-Dingli Zejtun Hal Ghaxaq Marsaxlokk

Malta

Qala

Mgarr

Nadur

Zebbug Marsalforn Gharb Ghasri San Lawrenz Xaghra

n

Safi Hagar Qim Zurrieq Wied iz-Zurrieq

Kirkop

Safi

Mqabba

Qrendi

KIRKOP

Kirkop - A Brief History A walk through a village’s iconic history

Kirkop is a small, picturesque village, adjacent to the Malta International Airport. It used to form part of a much larger, medieval parish church known as Bir Miftuħ (now part of Gudja), but was later on granted independence.

Its name is thought to have developed from a prominent Sicilian family, which lived in the area; in fact the village also used to be known as ‘Casal Prokopju’.

Within the village one finds remains dating back to prehistoric times; the Menħir - a large megalithic upright standing stone which probably served as a monument, nowadays it became the symbol of the village. Punic remains were also found scattered around the village, this makes Kirkop one of the oldest settlements in the country. Paleo Christian Catacombs were also found in 1962 and are believed to date way back to the 4th or 5th century.

Having developed as a rural village, Kirkop has a good reputation in the production of irkotta and the local Ġbejna (Maltese cheeselet) which is made out of sheep’s milk. Today this artisan product is celebrated annually during the ‘Irkotta Fest’ organized by the Local Council. The village is also famous for the local limestone known as ‘Franka’ - Globigerina Limestone, which is popular for Maltese construction.

?

How To Get There...

To get to this picturesque village, one has a few options available. The best and cheapest way, is to experience the public transport. Using public transport will also give you an experience of the locals. Do not hesitate to ask for help while on the bus, Maltese locals are all eager to help!

By Public Transport From Valletta: 71 From Mater Dei/Malta International Airport: 117, 118

By Taxi or Own Car Take the route towards the Malta International Airport. Once you arrive at the roundabout near Mc Donalds, go straight towards the tunnel. Once you pass the tunnel follow the street signs.

RICOTTA Kirkop is known for making ricotta, in fact they even organise a Ricotta Fest!

Ingredients:

MILK

VINEGAR

/2 gallon whole milk /3 cup white vinegar 1 »» /3 cup lemon juice »» 1 tsp salt »» »»

1 1

SALT

MIL K

Method:

»» Warm milk to 93ºC

SALT

»» Add lemon juice and salt

»» Strain

After you prepare ricotta, you can eat it straight away or store it in the fridge for later.

Tip: It goes best with a piece of bread or even in a Maltese traditional baked pasta! Ask around the village where to buy the best ricotta.

places marked on maps with a red dot and number

MUST VISIT

1. St Nicholas Church & Cemetery This cemetery was rebuilt in the 17th century as part of St. Nicholas Church. In this cemetery there are graves of those that died in the plague of 1592.

Opening hours: Every Sunday and public holidays 2. St Leonard Church First built around 1500, enlarged in 1706 and improved in the 19th century. This church has several

17th and 18th century artworks and several wall paintings by Ġużè Briffa.

Opening hours: Daily from 6am 9am; 4pm - 6.30pm 3. The Annunciation Chapel First constructed in 1460 and then rebuilt in 1658. Nowadays it is only used for special sermons.

Opening hours: Open daily in the mornings

4. Ruins of St. James Apostle's chapel Only the entrance arch still stands here 5. Paleochistian Catacombs These catacombs were found in several parts of the village in 1962.

It was calculated that they were buried in the 4th or 5th century.

Many were destroyed and now only two can be visited.

6. Menħir The Menhir is an erect stone slab that stands about 3 metres high.

This is one of the three which are still in good shape in Malta. It was erected during ancient times, although it is still a mystery as to why it was erected. Experts agree that it was used as a place where the rulers of the time used to meet.

It has since become the symbol of Hal Kirkop.

P.S. Very near to the Menhir, in Triq ir-Ramlija one can find many quarries. Mr Michael Attard of ‘La Pietra Stone’, Triq ir-Ramlija, would be more than willing to show how stone is carved and handmade stone souvenirs can be bought. Opens from 8am to 1pm daily.

Events

May - Ricotta Fest July - Village Feast - St. Joseph August - Village Feast - St. Leonard

SAFI

Safi - A Brief History A walk through a village’s iconic history

The village of Safi, also known as Ħal Safi, is situated in the southern part of Malta. The origin of the village’s name is not known but there are several theories about this. One of which is that it might have come from the fresh, pure (safi in Maltese means pure) air that surrounds it or another theory states that in the past, the residents of Safi were not contaminated by a nationwide epidemic, so they remained pure.

Safi has been known to date back about seven hundred years; farmers used to meet at crossroads leading to neighbouring villages, to chat on their way back home. It is known that a niche was later built and the village started taking shape when people started settling in the vicinity.

In the past, like most of the neighbouring villages, it formed part of the Gudja Parish (known as Bir Miftuħ), but was later on declared an independent parish church dedicated to the conversion of Saint Paul.

Nowadays, the largest church, dedicated to Saint Paul, serves as the Parish church.

As said earlier, the first settlers of Safi, where farmers which depended mainly on agriculture and the breeding of goats and sheep for a living.

Nowadays, this has become extinct and farming is mostly a hobby and a parttime pursuit.

?

How To Get There...

Safi is found right at the edge of Kirkop. To go to Safi one can get any bus heading towards Ĺťurrieq from Kirkop as well as Valletta. The distance from Kirkop to Safi is a small one, if you enjoy walking the best advice is to walk it and just follow the street signs.

By Public Transport From Valletta: 71 From Mater Dei/ Malta International Airport: 117, 118

By Taxi or Own Car When arriving at Kirkop one can find street signs that will direct you towards Safi.

places marked on maps with a red dot and number

MUST VISIT

1. Roman Wall This Roman wall once probably formed part of a rural Roman farm or villa.

Opening hours: Every day, public area 2. Sir Alexander Ball Garden This used to be one of Sir Alexander Ball’s favourite gardens, during the period when the British came to Malta after the French left the island.

Opening hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm by appointment from the local council 3. Villino Vella The construction of Villino Vella was finished in 1926. It boasts a pleasant blend of Doric and Ionic styles, and it is surrounded by a large well-kept garden. It was damaged by bombs during the war. Nowadays, it serves as a convent to Dominican Nuns.

Opening hours: From outside only; private residence 4. Parish Church This Doric style church comprises 8 altars, a dome and a steeple. The church was consecrated on the 10th of October 1784 by Bishop V. Labini.

Opening hours: Monday Saturday 7.30am - 8.30am and 6pm - 7pm Sunday 6am - 11am or by appointment 5. The Palace This Palace, next to the Parish Church, was built during the times of the Knights of St. John. Today, it is used as a political club.

Opening hours: Sunday 9am 12pm 6. Gollcher Palace Gollcher Palace is so named because several years ago it belonged to the Gollcher family.

This palace was built during the times of the Knights of St. John.

Today, part of the building is being used as a Police Station.

Opening hours: From outside

only; private residence 7. St. Mary's Church This church was built between 1761 and 1764, replacing the original one which already existed prior to the Great Siege of 1565.

Opening hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 12pm and 3pm - 6pm 8. Dejma Cross This stone cross was erected in the 17th Century, probably to mark the village boundary. There was a time when the Dejma soldiers (local militia) used to gather there and from the same spot important proclamations were read out to the people of Ħal Safi.

Opening hours: Public area 9. Xarolla Catacombs Dating back to approximately the 3rd - 4th Century AD, these catacombs are still not fully excavated, but there are strong indications that they served as catacombs to an early group of Christians who lived in the early centuries of Christian Malta.

Opening hours: Public area

Events

August - Village Feast - St. Paul

MQABBA

Mqabba - A Brief History A walk through a village’s iconic history

Mqabba is a small village found in the South West of Malta. Its most unique feature are the Globigerina Limestone quarries surrounding the village. This is the only natural resource found in Malta; this natural resource is very significant for the Maltese country, as it is the main characteristic in Maltese construction.

The name “Mqabba” must have been derived from the Semitic verb ‘qabb’ which means cutting or quarrying stone, or from the word ‘qubba’ referring to a dome. This may be due to the 10th or 11th century domed tower known as Wilġa Tower, the remains of which, are at the very edge of the Malta International Airport. Later on, the Latin language transformed the Semitic word into Casal micabiba - the word Casal means village and Micabiba refers to Mqabba.

The village of Mqabba dates back to prehistoric times, this has been known by the remnants found in two of the quarries in the surrounding areas. Having Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra a few kilometres away, would make it a possibility that Neolithic people lived here. Although these findings were important, the crucial discovery in this village was that of the Paleo Christian Catacomb found at the edge of the village. These Catacombs were discovered in 1860 by Dr. A. A. Caruana and Captain Strickland.

?

How To Get There...

To arrive at Mqabba one can take bus number 118 from Safi, but this will first stop at Qrendi. Bus numbers 117 and 118, leaving from Mater Dei Hospital, go through the four localities in this guide.

By Public Transport From Valletta: 72 From Mater Dei/ Malta International Airport: 117, 118

By Taxi or Own Car If you are leaving from Safi, you need to follow street signs towards Qrendi and then towards Mqabba.

If coming from the Malta International Airport, one can follow street signs towards Mqabba after passing the tunnel.

places marked on maps with a red dot and number

MUST VISIT

1. Mintna Catacombs Found in 1860, the Paleo Christian catacombs are the most significant archaeological findings in Mqabba.

The agape ritual table dominates the whole structure of this complex of underground tombs.

Opening hours: By appointment from Heritage Malta (find number in Useful Tips).

2. St. Basil's Chapel Perhaps the most important chapel

in Mqabba, St Basil dates back to 1486 and was enlarged on three occasions, the last part of which was finished in 1515. Victims of the 1776 plague were buried both inside the chapel and in its front yard.

Opening hours: Wednesday 9.30am - 11am 3. Parish Church Built in 1699 and restored after severe World War II damage in 1947, the church is dedicated to the

Assumption of Our Lady, with its feast held annually on August 15th.

Opening hours: During mass time (Sunday mornings and Saturday evenings) 4. Vincenti Tower During the time of the Order of St John, Prior Orfeo de Vincenzo ordered the erection of this tower in 1726.

Opening hours: Private residence 5. Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel Originally dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady when it was built in 1550, this chapel is very well kept. It was rebuilt in 1680 and in 1812 changed the dedication to Our Lady of Sorrows.

Opening hours: Every day from 8am - 6pm 6. Old Hospital The hospital was erected by the Knights of St John in the 18th Century to cure the victims of the pestilence and other diseases.

Opening hours: By appointment from local council (Find information in Useful Tips).

Events

June - Village Feast - Our Lady of the Lily August - Village Feast - Saint Mary

QRENDI

Qrendi - A Brief History A walk through a village’s iconic history

The small and quaint village of Qrendi, located in the South West of the Maltese islands, boasts of breathtaking scenery, a treasure trove of history, a rich religious cultural heritage, legends and a peaceful rural environment.

The village of Qrendi is considered a typical Maltese village but it still has its own particular features. Even though it is a small village, it is bursting with attractions. Although most villages in Malta have changed a lot, Qrendi remains a rural village, having nature at its heart. The residents of Qrendi although modernised, still can identify with their past and most are still farmers, some taking this role as a full time job while others keeping it as a hobby. Qrendi is surrounded by natural and rural environment; this countryside is specialised for potato harvesting, where crops are sown in the shelter of carob trees growing in abundance in these fields.

Qrendi’s history goes way back, having in its vicinity Neolithic Temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra. These temples, particularly Mnajdra, date back to circa 3500 B.C. making these temples even older than Stonehenge, found in the United Kingdom.

Another of Qrendi’s treasures is its magnificent coastline, adorned with an array of caves and grottos. The experience of the refreshing blue sea of Wied iż-Żurrieq and Blue Grotto is one which anyone visiting Malta should not miss.

?

How To Get There...

To get to Qrendi, from Mqabba one can even walk, as the distance is very short.

To walk towards Qrendi just follow the signs found on the maps. Walking this distance will give you an experience in itself, as many locals still do walk it from one village to another

By Public Transport From Valletta: 72 From Mater Dei/ Malta International Airport: 117, 118

By Taxi or Own Car

Follow street signs from Mqabba or from the Malta International Airport.

places marked on maps with a red dot and number

MUST VISIT

1. Octagonal Tower One of Qrendi’s most prominent monuments, the tower used to house the captain of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.

In the shape of an octagon, four of its walls stand at 12 feet and 3 inches thick.

Opening hours: Private residence 2. Parish Church Built in 1655, and then replaced by a larger church to be built on the site.

The larger church was completed in 1712. Local artists have contributed to the decoration of the church.

Opening hours: Monday Saturday 6.30am, 7.45am Sunday 6.30am, 7.15am, 8.30am, 10.00am, 6.30pm 3. Il-Maqluba Il-Maqluba is a quarry-like feature formed by a depression in the land.

It is filled with Maltese trees and shrubs, including the Għargħar (the

Maltese national tree), laurel trees and bamboo cane and ivy. The view of the sinkhole is breathtaking.

Opening hours: Green open area 4. Tal-Kmand Gardens Sir Alexander John ball, 1st Baronet and Governor of Malta know for his love of nature brought about the building of a number of gardens for use by the village's temporary Lieutenant or Mayor's in a good number of Maltese localities. These gardens, often referred to as “Il-Ġnien tal-Kmand”, were built at Qrendi,

Mqabba, Għaxaq, Gudja, Żejtun, Għargħur, Safi (Known as il-Ġnien ta' Ball), Siġġiewi, Żebbuġ, and Lija.

Opening hours: By appointment from local council (see info in Useful Tips 5. Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples Check their page further on for more information.

6. Wied iż-Żurrieq Check its page further on for more information.

Events

May - Potato Feast July - Village Feast - Our Lady of Lourdes August - Village Feast - Saint Mary September - Small Fair - Saint Matthew

Saint Matthew’s chapel

Our Grace chapel

Saint Anne’s chapel

Saint Catherine’s chapel

Our Saviour chapel

Our Lady of Mercy chapel

THE CHAPELS 1

2

St. Catherine's

3

Our Saviour's

St. Anne's

4

St. Matthew's

rQ

im

a en

ir ab il-K Triq

ga

n

Misrah tal-Maqluba

Triq

Sa

M

ew att

Triq il-Kurat Miz

Triq San N ikol a

zi

iq Tr

Ha

nt

’A

nn

a

q Tri

ri -Tor

is Triq j qa

Rok ku

N .M agr o

r

nie na

Buh agi a

Triq il-H

-Suq

na

Triq iz-

ssa

Zu rrieq

M

Tr iq

nberg

Gute

Triq Filip pu

t’A wi ss u

15

cca Triq il-P aro

il-K bira

Tr iq

it

bie ll

e

izi

a nn i

a gon

Tri q

Triq l-Imqabba

Nor m

Triq l-A r

Triq il-Biz antin i

San ta K ateri

Triq

ilKa sti lja ni

Tr iq Triq it-T em pes ta

an

in

So

u

tku Vja

Triq il-Ba li G ua r

ar

De

lija

Triq G. Ca ss

2 Fu Pir ine j

da ar il-W

Hal M

Triq is - Siggiewi

Tal -H nie

na

qi

Tri

1 qabb a

b ir ou s

we wie l-G

from M

a

3

Sa

4

i

l

Hagar Qim

These neolithic temples date back to around 3000 B.C. Excavations on these temples started in 1839. It is known to be one of the oldest ruins in Europe, older then Stonehenge.

Mnajdra

Found a few metres away from Ħaġar Qim. If you happen to be visiting Malta on the night between the 20th and 21st of March, you should go experience sunrise at Mnajdra (as seen in the photos on the next page); the temples work systematic with this particular sunrise, and the scene is spectacular.

?

How To Get There...

Throughout the year Hop On Hop Off buses take tourists towards Ħaġar Qim temples. But public transport can get you there as well if you want to opt for the cheaper option.

By Public Transport All year: bus number 201 from Rabat In Summer: bus number 71 from Valletta Hop On Hop Off: €17 from Valletta

By Taxi or Own Car

To get to the Ħaġar Qim temples just follow the street signs from Qrendi.

L-Imnajdra

Bars

Green Area

Public Transport

Restaurants

Chapels

Toilets

Wi-Fi

Tal-�amrija Coastal Tower

Ħaġar Qim Ancient temple ruins dating 3200BC

Triq Hagar

Qim

From Qren di

?

How To Get There...

Wied iż-Żurrieq is one of the must visits when in Malta. With sea that blue you sure should not miss out! Be it in summer or winter the place is an attraction all year round.

By Public Transport All year: bus number 201 from Rabat In Summer: bus number 71 from Valletta Hop On Hop Off: €17 from Valletta

By Taxi or Own Car To get to Wied iż-Żurrieq just follow the street signs from Qrendi or Ħaġar Qim.

Bars

Green Area

Public Transport

Restaurants

Chapels

Toilets

Wi-Fi

Is-Sajj ieda

Wied Hoxt Triq Congreve

Tr i q ad

il-M on n a tar-

R uzarju

Tr iq Wie

eq urri d iz - Z

mQ Fro

di ren

The boat ride from Wied iż-Żurrieq to the Blue Grotto caves is an experience not to be missed, of the beautiful blue sea around Malta.

Boat rides operate only in good weather, the experience is nicer in the months of summer.

Fare: Adults: €8 Children: €4

TRAVELLING TIPS

USEFUL TIPS Here you can find all the useful tips you where looking for, telephone numbers and even local websites.

Telephone numbers: Police 112 Ambulance 196

Malta Tourism Authority - www.mta.com.mt

www.visitmalta.com Heritage Malta - www.heritagemalta.org Local Councils: Kirkop Address: 31, Triq San Benedittu, Ħal Kirkop Telephone: +356 21 680 099

Safi Address: 40, Council House, Triq l-Iskola, Ħal Safi Telephone: +356 21 689 168 Mqabba Address: 29,Triq il-Parroċċa, Mqabba Telephone: +356 21 680 606 Qrendi Address: 7, Triq il-Knisja, Qrendi Telephone: +356 21 680 404

A few everyday expressions English Maltese good morning good evening yes no please thank you excuse me Where is...? right left straight ahead How much? street

bonġu bonswa iva le jekk jogħġbok grazzi skużi Fejn hu...? lemin xellug dritt il-quddiem Kemm? triq

pronunciation bon-joo bon-swa ee-va le yek yoj-bok grat-see skoo-zee fayn oo le meen shel-loog drit il ood-deem kemm tree-q (silent)

MALTA