San Ġwann

The oldest known human traces in San Ġwann are the prehistoric cart ruts near the Sant Andrija area, which likely date back to the period between 2300 and 1000 BC, predating the Punic era.

[4] The arrival of the Order of St. John in 1530 and the subsequent Great Siege of 1565 marked a period of relative safety from Turkish raids, leading to increased population and construction.

[4] During the late 18th century, specifically between 1798 and 1800, the Għorgħar area played a crucial role as an outpost for Maltese troops blockading French forces within the capital.

The hymn's lyrics were authored by Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap, a native of San Ġwann, while the musical composition was crafted by Mro Raymond Storace, the Choir Master of the local Parish Church.

The hymn was performed by the Our Lady of Lourdes - San Ġwann Parish Choir, under the direction of Mro Raymond Storace, filling the church with a deep sense of reverence and joy.

L-arja friska li sawritek Tant siġar żejnuk lejl u nhar, Sbuħitek ħilet id-dgħajjef Ħlewwitek tħeġġeġ daqs in-nar.

During the brief French occupation of Malta, the building gained historical significance when it was used as the headquarters for the Maltese resistance, known as the Għorghar Rise, led by its owner, Vincenzo Borg.

The farmhouse came into national prominence when it was mentioned by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, in the Maltese Parliament, leading to its scheduling as a protected site by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

Fortified in 1713 by Lanzun to defend against pirate raids, it later served as a hunting lodge for the Grand Master of the Order of St. John and, during World War II, as an observation post.

Today, the building, which was restored in the 1970s, includes a small, active chapel and continues to be the headquarters for the Malta-Paris obedience of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem.

The World War II observation post on Emvin Cremona Street in San Ġwann has sparked controversy due to its integration into a new apartment complex.

Initially constructed by the Royal Engineers, this bomb-proof structure, characterised by its ashlar masonry walls and vernacular roof, was a crucial part of Malta's wartime defense system.

[6] Recent developments have led to public outcry as the observation post has been overshadowed by the new building, which many residents and history enthusiasts feel diminishes the site's historical value.

Designed by Maltese artist Paul Vella Critien, who honed his craft in Italy and Australia, the column stands as a commemoration of the third millennium.

The column, situated in front of the Santa Margerita Chapel, gained national attention due to its abstract design, which some commentators have noted resembles a phallic symbol.

Prior to its transformation into a public garden in 1981, the site was characterized by natural vegetation and served as agricultural land from Roman times until the mid-20th century.

A previously neglected 1,000-square-metre area on the outskirts of San Ġwann has been rejuvenated into a vibrant public garden dedicated to the crucial role of pollination and the Maltese honeybee.

Archaeological discoveries in the valley include Bronze Age pottery, a tomb from 50 AD with cremation urns and skeletal remains, a tower, a cistern, and cart ruts.

Access is restricted to three entrances: from the University area (via car park 1, the Mediterranean Institute, and the ring road opposite the engineering department), an open gateway from Kappara, or the emergency route from Vjal Mikiel Anton Vassalli.

Besides its presence in Malta and Gozo, the congregation has established homes in Italy, Greece, England, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Brazil, Australia, and Jerusalem.

Established to support the parish community, the centre offers a variety of services and activities, including religious, educational, and social programs.

Accessible via a forty-step staircase, the church's name "Mensija," meaning "the forgotten place," is linked to a legend from the 15th century about a hidden image of Our Lady that repeatedly returned to the cave despite attempts to relocate it.

The church, with its modest interior featuring two altars and a Via Crucis, underwent significant changes and restorations over the centuries, including a major update in the 1930s by sculptor Luigi Micallef.

Today, the Mensija Sanctuary remains a vibrant place of devotion, with the Capuchin Fathers conducting services and celebrating the feast of St. Leonard, while the site continues to be adorned with numerous ex-votos.

Since 1994, it has been scheduled as a Grade 1 national monument by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), reflecting its cultural and architectural significance.This chapel constructed in the early 1730s, was initiated by Fr.

The group organises religious activities such as retreats, adorations, and Lectio Divina, as well as social events like football matches, billiards, and PlayStation games.

They also host quizzes, outings, and parties, where the altar servers develop life skills such as communication, teamwork, task management, punctuality, and self-confidence.

Additionally, they interact with children, young people, and adults of various ages, which helps them make new friends, share Christian faith, and create lasting memories together.

In San Ġwann (then known as Imsieraħ), the Legion of Mary was introduced for the first time on June 24, 1958, with the establishment of the first Praesidium named 'Madonna tal-Minsija' (Our Lady of the Oblivion).

[15] Founded in 1986 Maltese Fireworks Producer for the titular feast of Our Lady of Lourdes celebrated in the town of San Ġwann during the 1st weekend of August.

Torri ta' Ċieda
Ir-Razzett ta' Xindi
Castello Lanzun
Eternal Column by Paul Vella Critien
Knisja Parrokkjali Madonna ta' Lourdes
Kappella - San Ġwann tal-Għargħar
Santwarju Madonna tal-Mensija
Kappella - Santa Margerita
Kappella - San Filippu u San Ġakbu