History
In the year 1905 the population of Marsaskala was just
53. The population today is in the region of 9,200.
Since the area is so accessible by sea, successive
conquering armies came ashore here and set about taking
the land, and slaves. Marsaskala was once a Roman Port.
Roman remains lie scattered at 'tar-Rumi', where
pre-Roman cart ruts have been noticed. Though the area
is partly ringed by tall white cliffs, the smooth inlets
offered easy access to 16th and 17th century invaders.
The defences of the area was late in coming and Vendome
Battery dates from about 1715. Vendome was a French
Knight. Some of the residents built their own towers,
and fortified farmhouses are quite frequent. Even after
the area was finally fortified residents still remained
few and Sicilian fishermen were more familiar with the
area than the Maltese were.
The name Marsaskala confirms the Sicilian connection as
apparently the word 'marsa' means 'port' and 'sqalli'
means 'Sicilian'
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One probable reason for the lack of settlements in the
area was the fear of pirates, who roamed the sea looking
for treasure, and slaves. The local population felt
safer in the walled cities of Cottonera and Valletta and
also in the inland villages. Another reason may well
have had something to do with the geography. The well
sheltered harbour could not by itself discouraged people
from settling here.
The harbour extended into the Fawwara district until the
19th century, which provided even more shelter. A spring
is known to have existed here and 'Wied il-Ghajn' means
"watercourse by the fountain" , but there is no trace of
it today. The rugged coastline around Marsaskala is
indeed a delight to see, but it has been the site of
several ship wrecks. The most recent one being of the
"Angel Gabriel" which was a Greek Tanker that split in
half on September 23rd 1969.
Marsaskala remained a tiny fishing port until the advent
of the 2nd World War. The people living in Cottonera
started to build summer houses in Marsaskala. Then later
they decided to become all year round residents, which
has slowly transformed the small sleepy fishing port of
Marsaskala into the resort that it is today.
Established a parish since 1949, the population is just
about doubling every ten years or so. There are modern
hotels, restaurants, cafes, a duck pond and a cinema.
The atmosphere is akin to an upbeat seaside resort.
The mood is so relaxed here that the favourite pastime
is walking along the promenade that stretches all the
way around the bay from Zonqor Point around to the Jerma
Palace Hotel, with stops on the way for drinks and
snacks. These walks usually take place in the evenings
as its a lot cooler than during the day when its just
too warm to contemplate walking, and the day is usually
spent in and around the cafes and restaurants. |
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Address
Marsaskala Local Council, 228, Triq is-Salini,
Marsaskala - ZBR10
Tel. (00356) 21637171
Fax. (00356) 21637744
marsaskala.lc@gov.mt |
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