New & now
Hidden architecture! Zurrieq water reservoir’s interior feels straight out of a movie set
The reservoir has a mammoth capacity of one million gallons or 4,500,000 litres

Francesca Vella

The page 8000 Years of Water, dedicated to recounting untold stories of water production in Malta, has shared a stunning photo of the water reservoir found in Nigret, Zurrieq. The beautiful arches shown in the image are referred to as an open-spandrel arch system constructed to support the reinforced concrete roof.

Built in 1934, the Nigret reservoir was constructed to serve the water needs of the surrounding areas and boasts an impressive capacity of one million gallons (4,500,000 liters). Over time, the site took on a dual purpose, becoming a beloved recreational spot for locals. Today, it features a bocci (bowls) club and a playing field offering breathtaking views of Malta and the sea. The area is fondly referred to as 'Fuq il-Gibjun', meaning 'on the reservoir'.

This remarkable structure not only serves as a testament to Malta’s engineering history but also as a communal hub above ground and functionality below!

Have you ever been to ‘Fuq il-Gibjun’?

5th December 2024


Francesca Vella
Written by
Francesca Vella
Francesca has always felt most at home in a cinema or theatre, particularly if musicals are involved. She loves to read, write, and share about her experiences of both the fictional and the real world.

You may also like...
New & now
New & now
While it can be a frustrating experience for drivers, Saharan dust essentially acts as a long-range fertiliser for plankton

Tim Diacono
New & now
New & now
Those interested in applying have until 28th February 2026 to submit their entry.

GuideMeMalta.com
New & now
New & now
A tale that adds a touch of sweetness to this chapel’s origin.

Lyndsey Grima
New & now
New & now
Water was believed to be an extremely powerful entity for the dead.

Emma Galea
New & now
New & now
This major infrastructural intervention came with an investment of €180,000.

Lyndsey Grima