MARSASCALA is an ancient fishing village (often referred to
as M'Scala) with its picturesque bay that lies to the south-east of Malta. The Maltese call the area WIED IL-GHAJN (wid il ajn) and
many Maltese families have summer homes there. In the holiday season it is
buzzing with activity, much loved by locals and visitors alike. It sprawls at
the feet of two hillsides descending from Zabbar and Zejtun. Its long U-shaped
coastline and beach, its rocky promontories and its multicoloured fishing vessels
give it lots of character. this is enhanced by a big variety of modern leisure
facilities, restaurants and bars. Marsascala Bay used to extend deep into the
valley to a cave with a natural spring of fresh water where old mariners took
their water before sailing. This zone used to be a haven for Roman ships during
their long period of occupation.
It is partnered by the next (wider) bay
called St Thomas Bay, dominated by the huge St Thomas Fortress built by the
Knights of St John. In the time of the Knights, Ottoman and Barbary pirates
used to land at M'Scala to take water and/or to seek refuge from the rough
seas...usually also causing havoc by stealing, and harassing / kidnapping the
locals . Often, the elderly and women and children would be rushed up to Zejtun
or Zabbar by their men folk when sightings were made. It is recorded that in
July, 1614 a 60-strong fleet of Turkish vessels, loaded with marauders tried to
make a shock landing at M'Scala..but the hardy Maltese gave them battle and
drove them away in a humiliating defeat.. Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt
decided that improved fortifications were necessary in this sensitive area. In
that same year the works were started and finished on the Forti San Tumas
, the huge fortress that takes its name (like the second bay of M'Scala) from
St Thomas Church nearby. Probably designed by the Maltese engineer, Fra Vittorio
Cassar, and later enlarged under Grandmaster De Rohan, (late 18th century), this
fortress is indeed a landmark. It served its purpose well over the centuries as
a bulwark of defence for the population. It is currently undergoing government
restoration, as are many important structures all over Malta. Various small
redoubts and towers and old chapels surround M'scala in the outlying
countryside.
Location: 5
KM from the Malta International airport.
Directions from Airport:
Access to Marsascala by Car Marsascala is best reached
by Car from Marsa/Fgura/Zabbar.
Go to Marsa
(signs 'Airport'). At the multiple traffic lights intersection, follow traffic
signs THE THREE CITIES. Go straight uphill along dual carriageway past a long
school complex and the a big church (on your left) facing a mosque . At the big
roundabout continue going straight (no turning) till you reach a second
roundabout. Negotiate it at right angles to your right, keeping to main road
signposted FGURA. Drive straight along (no turnings), past an old stone archway
called Hompesch Gate into ZABBAR. Past a large petrol station on your left,
continue straight on for a few hundred yards. Drive slowly now looking ahead for
the sign M'SCALA. turn RIGHT at the sign and proceed all the way on the main
road to MARSACALA. As you reach the Bay a welcome sight will greet
you.
Malta Telephone code:
++356, usually dial 00356 followed by the local telephone number
Accommodation in Marsasxlokk Malta
- Studio apartment (no views but with access to large beautiful swimming
pool - part of same owners private villa! Residential area
Photos
3
bedrooms * Sleeps 10 persons
