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Marsascala Malta |
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 promotories 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 menfolk 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. On one of
the promontories of M'Scala lies the well-known
Corinthia Jerma Palace Hotel,
part of an international hotel chain, where very good facilities exist for
bathing, health and fitness activities and water sports.
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Getting
There:
Bus 19 & 22 from Valletta
Directions
from Airport:
Go to Marsa, and look
out for signs FGURA,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 Tel code:
++356
Neighboring Towns:
Zabbar,Cospiqua,Fgura,Paola,
Marsasxlokk,
Birzebbugia
Beaches: St Thomas Bay
Shopping: From Village
Center or nearby Fgura
Entertainments: Cinema,watersports
Eating out: Maltese Cuisine,Fish Cuisine
Speciality Restaurants, Pizzerias,Take Aways, fast food.
Public transport: -
Regular and frequent buses to Valletta
Bus Route Map
Internet Cafes:
Pharmacies :Pharmacy
List Malta and Gozo
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Jerma Palace
Hotel Marsascala Malta
