Marsascala, Malta

The resort town of Marsaskala is located on the shores of the bay of the same name in the east of Malta. Its name consists of two words – “marsa” and “sqalli” – and translates as “Sicilian port” (the distance between Malta and Sicily is only 93 km). See JIBIN123 for Malta customs regulations and visa requirements.

The population of Marsaskala is about 9,500 people, which is not so small by Maltese standards. This figure increases significantly in the summer, when owners of summer apartments (a local analogue of summer cottages) come here to spend their holidays by the sea.

How to get there

Bus number 19, car.

City  history

Marsaskala is one of the relatively “young” settlements on the island, like most other towns and villages located on the coasts. Until the 18th century, people were afraid to settle in such places, primarily because of the fear of pirate raids. They tried to protect such coasts from the enemy as much as possible by building various fortifications (Marsaskala is no exception). Until the Second World War, it remained a God-forgotten village (for example, at the beginning of the 20th century, only fifty people lived here!). But after the neighboring Cottonera (Three Cities) was destroyed by bombing, Marsaskala gradually began to be inhabited by its inhabitants. At first, it was a “cottage settlement” of Cottonera and its suburbs, and then it became a full-fledged city, as many preferred to live by the sea all year round.

Hotels

Marsaskala is a resort town that has hotels (Etvan Hotel, Cerviola Hotel), boarding houses, as well as apartments and apartments for rent.

Cuisine and restaurants

Most cafes, restaurants, pizzerias, bars are located along the promenade, but several good establishments are located near the duck pond, as well as in the depths of the city.

Bank branches

  • HSBC (bank and ATM) are located on Anthony street. Opening hours: Mon – Thu from 08:30 to 13:30, Fri from 08:30 to 16:30, Sat from 08:30 to 12:30
  • Bank of Valletta (BOV) (bank and ATM) located at 23, Dun Tarcisio Agius Sqr. Opening hours: Mon – Thu from 08:30 to 14:00, Fri from 08:30 to 15:30, Sat from 08:30 to 12:30

Pharmacies

  • Anne Pharmacy (il-Qaliet street)

Beaches

St. Thomas Bay.

The main attractions of Marsaskala

Fortifications

  • Fort Thomas (St. Thomas Tower, 17th century). It is one of the symbols of Marsaskala, currently being restored.
  • Watchtower de Redin (De Redin Coastal Tower, 17th century).
  • Fortified residence of the Mamo family (Mamo Tower, 17th century). It has been completely renovated and is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday from 9:30 to 12:00.
  • The fortified residence of Tal-Buttar Tower.
  • The Briconet Redoubt (18th century) is one of the best preserved redoubts in the Maltese Islands. At one time it housed the police station of Marsaskala, but now it is abandoned.
  • Battery Zon’or (Zonqor Battery, 19th century). Now there is a farm within its walls.

Churches and chapels

  • The parish church of Marsaskala is dedicated to St. Anna (built in 1949). Festa of St. Anna (a feast in honor of the patron saint of the city) is held in Marsaskala every summer in the last week of July.
  • There are also many ancient chapels in Marsaskala: the Virgin “Assuage my sorrows” (18th century), the Rosary (19th century), St. Anthony (17th century), Mother of God of Light (17th century), St. Cayetana (17th century), St. Nicholas (18th century) and some others.
  • Three crucifixes is a curious monument, with which many legends are associated. Located next to the chapel of St. Nicholas.

Marsascala, Malta

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