Marsaxlokk pronounced Mar-sa-shlock

Marsaxlokk, the most photographed Maltese village, is one of the oldest ports in Malta. It’s name is derived from the words Mersa Sciroc, meaning “port to the south-east” named by the Saracens during their occupation of the Maltese islands from 870AD-1090AD.

Being a natural harbour Marsaxlokk has been used by the various inhabitants of the Maltese islands. There is evidence of this at an archaeological site to the east of Marsaxlokk at Tas Silg, pronounced Tas silch. This area takes it’s name from a nearby Christian church dedicated to Our lady of the Snow, “silg” in maltese means snow, ice, hail or frost.

At this site remains have been found of a Megalithic temple (3,300 – 3,000BC), a Punic temple dedicated to the goddess Astarte (700-200BC), Roman remains of a sanctuary dedicated to Hera (200BC-300AD), a Byzantine church (400-600AD) and evidence of an arab settlement. To this present day excavations are continuing, see www.um.edu.mt/studyabroad/archeology.

Marsaxlokk is Malta’s largest fishing village accommodating 250 registered fishing vessels, these colourful boats come in a diverse range of shapes and sizes ranging from the large modern “skuna”, the medium sized traditional maltese boat “luzzu” to the small “fregatina” (rowing boat). Despite the different sizes and ages of the boats, all the boats are painted in the traditional colours of yellow, blue and green, many of them have the “eyes of Osiris” on the prow of the boat.  

A statue of the patron saint of fisherman St Andrew stands proudly in Marsaxlokk square looking towards the sea.

Another beautiful statue of Our Lady in a luzzu stands above Marsaxlokk church looking out towards the sea.

Marsaxlokk church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary The Madonna of Pompeii, there are various village feasts (festa) with religious processions and spectacular firework displays in honour of Our Lady, 8^th May, 1^st Sunday in August and 1^st Sunday in October. Inside the church one can view the statue of the Madonna and Child, which came from Lecce in Italy in 1900.

On the western promontory the tower of San Lucian stands guarding Marsaxlokk Bay as it has done so since 1610. This tower is one of seven commissioned by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, designed by the Maltese architect Vitor Cassar. It was first used to successfully protect Marsaxlokk against an attack by the marauding Turks led by Ali Baxa on July 6^th 1614.

During World War 2 the tower again proved itself, being used as a munitions depot for the British Forces and housing anti aircraft guns.

Now the tower houses a more peaceful occupant The National Aquaculture Research Centre, tours can be arranged by request.

Location:  South Malta

Photos

Getting To Marsaxlokk: Bus 27 regular service from Valletta, 127 regular services from Valletta via Birzebugia, 427 Sliema seafront – Marsaxlokk, 627 Bugibba bus terminus

Telephone code: ++356  

Beaches: A small sandy, shallow beach to the east. 20 minute walk St Peter’s Pool at Delimara, excellent for diving or snorkelling. Kalanka Bay at the tip of Delimara again for exploring the seabed. Pretty Bay is a larger sandy, shallow beach at nearby Birzebugia.

Shopping: Daily tourist market, weekly Sunday market where one can find almost anything, and probably for a  bargain.
 

Eating Out: Excellent fish restaurants, mediterranean cuisine and superb Chinese restaurant.

Public transport: Bus 27 regular service from Valletta, 127 regular services from Valletta via Birzebugia, 427 Sliema seafront – Marsaxlokk, 627 Bugibba bus terminus – Marsaxlokk. Regular and frequent buses to Valletta Bus Route Map