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'
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-Għajn' 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 Żonqor
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 - MSK 3314
Tel. (00356) 21637171
Fax. (00356)
21637744
marsaskala.lc@gov.mt |
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