Hiding in plain sight in the centre of Malta is a lesser-known spot of nature with a name that might surprise you: Wied is-Sewda, or ‘The Black Valley’, in Qormi. One of the locality’s two main valleys (the other being Wied il-Kbir, meaning ‘The Large Valley’), Wied is-Sewda holds centuries of stories beneath its surface — and even a few more recent surprises!

Qormi, located just at sea level, sits at the meeting point of these two valleys. In fact, its very geography shaped its agricultural roots. The land was once marshy, yet rich and fertile, making it ideal for farming. It’s no wonder that Qormi’s motto is ‘Altior ab imo’, meaning ‘Rising from the low’.

In this very valley, Maltese entomologist Arnold Sciberras made a fascinating discovery: a unique mite living on local geckos, unlike any other. As a heartwarming tribute of his love, he named it after his wife, giving us the now-officially documented Esther gecko mite!

Historically, Wied is-Sewda didn’t just nourish crops. It was also an important route between Qormi and Valletta, connecting the town directly to Malta’s capital, making it a lifeline for both agriculture and trade.

Today, this peaceful valley offers a quiet escape in the heart of Malta. So next time you're exploring the island or craving a walk in nature, consider taking a detour to Wied is-Sewda.

Have you ever been there?