The Department of Information has recently highlighted the intriguing Maqluba site, a naturally-formed sinkhole located in the southern village of Qrendi. The sinkhole is home to a variety of trees, most notably Malta’s national tree, the Sandarac Gum Tree, or 'Is-siġra tal-Għargħar' in Maltese. These trees, which can grow up to an impressive 15 metres in height, create a beautiful forest-like environment that attracts both nature lovers and curious visitors alike.
But Maqluba is not just a natural marvel – it is also shrouded in intriguing folklore. According to one popular legend, the sinkhole marks the site where a village was destroyed by divine retribution. The people of the village were said to have led sinful lives and ignored God’s warnings. As punishment, the divine forces caused the land to collapse, sinking the entire village into the depths of the earth – with the exception of a devout old woman who never missed her prayers. In some variations of this tale, angels descended from the heavens and cast the village into the sea, forming the nearby island of Filfla.
Another version of the story speaks of a giant who, angered by the wickedness of the villagers, scooped up their homes in one mighty hand and cast them into the sea, where they became Filfla.
Adding to the mystical allure of Maqluba, a 15th or 16th century chapel is situated at the edge of the sinkhole. It is believed to have been built on the site of the pious woman’s house, linking the area to the legend of divine punishment.
For those with a more practical view of the world, the Maqluba sinkhole was most likely formed by a natural geological process known as a 'doline'. This occurs when the surface rock of a basin collapses due to the erosion of underground layers. The Maqluba sinkhole is 40 metres deep and 300 metres in circumference, and it serves as a reservoir that collects large amounts of rainwater from an impressive from a five-kilometre radius. This natural water storage system supports the thriving vegetation found in the area, contributing to the area’s lush ecosystem.
Have you heard any more legends tied to this curious place?