Exploring hidden gems! Here are some of the top historical attractions in the north of Malta
The north of Malta boasts a rich and diverse heritage that beckons visitors to explore its multifaceted past.
Mellieha, with its medieval hilltop village, is an icon to the island's history, while Mellieha Bay, the largest sandy beach in Malta, offers a glimpse into its coastal traditions.
In Bugibba, a vibrant town with a lively atmosphere, remnants of its fishing village origins blend with modern entertainment, making it a unique spot.
Qawra and St. Paul's Bay are steeped in historical significance, with St. Paul's Island, believed to be the site of the saint's shipwreck, and the Red Tower in Mellieha, offering captivating views and insights into Malta's past.
Together, these northern gems weave a tapestry of heritage, connecting the present to the island's enduring history.
Red Tower (St Agatha’s Tower)
This 17th-century tower was built by the Order of the Knights of St John and is an unmissable landmark that can be seen from all over the north-eastern side of Malta. It’s just as impressive from up close, with the choice of location immediately obvious given its panoramic views of Mellieha and the straits between Comino and Gozo.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha
This humble sanctuary built within a cave has a rich history that spans centuries. Despite being absorbed into another parish together with the church built on top of it, it has maintained its significance as a world-revered pilgrimage site. The altarpiece is an exquisite Byzantine-style fresco that is believed to have originated in the 13th century. Over the years, it has welcomed esteemed visitors, including St John Paul II, who paid homage during his Apostolic visit to Malta in 1990.
Sanctuary of St Paul’s Shipwreck
Legend has it that this chapel stands on the very spot where St Paul, after surviving a shipwreck on the rocks across the bay, kindled a bonfire. As the story goes, it was here that he was bitten by a venomous snake yet remained unharmed. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by three mesmerising paintings that vividly portray the biblical account of the shipwreck.
Selmun Palace
This 18th-century architectural gem was originally built as a hunting and recreational lodge for the Knights of St John by the Monte della Redenzione degli Schiavi, a charity founded during the reign of Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt. Locals also refer to it as Selmun Tower because of its tower-like shape, which also served as a deterrent for raiders who mistook it for a military building.
Wignacourt Tower
Construction of this tower started in 1610 under the purview of Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, and in 1715, an artillery battery was added to it. This bastioned watch tower was only the second such tower to ever be built on the Maltese islands and is currently the oldest surviving tower in Malta. Today, it has been transformed into a museum that showcases the diverse fortifications found throughout the islands.
Have you ever visited any of these historical attractions?