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History:
Situated on a peninsula protruding into the Grand Harbour facing the magnificent walled city of Valletta Senglea (or l-Isla), is the smallest of the Three Cities in Cottonera. It is truly one of the jewels of the Maltese Islands, being one of the oldest cities dating back to the 16th century, enclosed by spectacular bastions, overlooking stunning views and still guarding the Grand Harbour as it did centuries ago.
The name of ‘l-Isla’ is derived from the Italian word ‘isola’ (island), as the peninsula was originally an island, later joined by a land-bridge. The first small church dedicated to St Julian, the patron of hunters, dates to 1310 when the island was used for hunting. l-Isla was re-christened Senglea when Grand Master Claude la Sengle completed Senglea’s bastions, just in time for the 1565 Great Siege, when they protected Senglea from fierce Ottoman attacks thanks to the heroic resistance of the Knights and Senglea’s residents, earning Senglea the title of ‘Civitas Invicta’ – unconquered city.
With an area of just over half a square mile, Senglea is the smallest, most densely populated locality in Europe. The harbour’s shipbuilding docks made it the most prosperous of the Three Cities in the 18th century and many leading figures lived there including Juan Bautista Azopardo (1772–1848), founder of the Argentinian Navy. During the British occupation, the Royal Navy extended the Knights’ shipyard to the other side of the city; the town prospered and could boast of some of Malta’s most respected families, academics and politicians among its residents, as its fine houses attest.
However the presence of the naval dockyard ultimately contributed to its destruction, as during World War II, the naval dockyard was one of the main targets of bomber attacks over Malta, and Senglea, suffered terribly, with the explosion of HMS Illustrious destroying most of its buildings. WWII changed Senglea forever as much of its population left to take refuge in outlying towns and countryside, many never to return. In recent years, rehabilitation of the yacht marina has attracted many, back to the town, some 30% of its residents being foreigners attracted by the authenticity of the town.
Senglea Tour:
Like every walled city in Malta, the best way to see Senglea is to stroll through the town, entering through imposing Senglea gate, part of the Knights’ fortifications, to see the Basilica of the Marija Bambina and its beautiful Oratory. Known for the miraculous statue of Jesus Christ the Redeemer (Ir-Redentur ta` l-Isla) this church attracts pilgrims from all Malta.
Walking down the main street to the tip of Senglea, you can admire many street-corner niches and fine old houses which survived the war. The statue of the ‘Madonna tan-Nofs’ (Madonna half way down the road) was erected in Victory Street in gratitude for escaping the plague of 1813.
St Philip’s Church at the end of the peninsula was first built in 1596 and rebuilt in 1690 by the St Philip Oratorians, subsequently passed to the Jesuits and now to the Salesians who continue their community service, as St Philips was the first community kitchen to be set up in Malta. Interestingly the Grand Harbour Regatta was begun by St Philip’s Church.
Beyond the church you’ll find Gardjola Gardens with its breath-taking panorama of the Grand Harbour. Step into its watch-tower to imagine what it must have been like, facing the power of the Ottoman forces during the Great Siege.
From the garden you can take the old tunnel-gate or Sally Port to the bastion terrace that leads from Il-Ponta (The point) to the marina. End the evening with an al fresco meal at one of the waterfront kiosks or restaurants while enjoying the view of Birgu’s Fort St Angelo in the company of Senglea’s residents.
The last stop is il-Maċina, the Knights’ seashore fortification that incorporated a crane-like mechanism to raise masts and lower them to be fitted into their galleys.
This city is more than heritage – left largely untouched, Senglea offers authentic life as well as a glimpse into Malta’s maritime fortunes. Life flows through its narrow streets amongst its aged buildings. Many activities take place within the city, including the popular Regattas, traditional boat races on the waters of the Grand Harbour on the 31st March and 8th September, with Isla being one of the major contenders. 8th September marks Isla’s biggest celebrations – the city festa when the town is lavishly decorated and lit by hundreds of light bulbs and spectacular fireworks. The more recent Martime Senglea Festival (September) is truly a celebration of the local culture, history and Senglea’s relationship with the sea.
Senglea Facts:
Population: 2,712 (december 2017)
Local council: Uffiċċju Amministrattiv, 2/4, Triq San Ġużepp, Isla ISL1229, Phone :(+356) 2166 2424, or (+356) 2701 3004
Public Transport : Senglea can be reached by bus (link below) or by ferry from Valletta harbour, by the Upper Barrakka lift.
Holy Masses at Senglea Parish Church: Sundays and Feast Days: 07:00, 08:00, 09:15, 11:00; 18:00, Saturday Evenings: 18:00, Weekdays: 06:30, 07:45, 18:00.First Fridays: 08:30, 17:00
Senglea Attractions:
Fort St. Michael
Basilica of the Birth of Our Lady (Monday – Friday 08.45 – 16.00, HOLY MASS 08.45 & Saturday 10.00 – 16.00, HOLY MASS 19.00 & Sunday 10.00 -13.00)
Church of St. Philip (Porto Salvo)
Gardjola Gardens
Senglea Point (swimming)
The nymphaeum remains of Villa Sirena
Senglea Promenade
Maċina (Sheer Bastion)
Senglea Bastions
St. Julian’s Chapel
Main events
31st March Regatta Races
Good Friday and Easter Sunday Processions
8th September Senglea Day
8th Our Lady of Victory Feast
8th September Regatta Races
Maritime Senglea Festival
HERITAGE PROPERTY IN SENGLEA
Why not consider owning a slice of Malta’s unique heritage? CultureMalta has teamed up with Dhalia Real Estate to save Malta’s built heritage through sensitive re-use. Imagine being able to enjoy this vista below, and go to Dhalia’s website: https://www.dhalia.com/ for more heritage properties in this and other locations.
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