Culture
Straight out of a postcard! Vintage photo shows Rabat’s Saqqajja Hill in the 1890s
What a shot!

Emma Galea

This photo shared onto Pinterest by Louis Cardona perfectly encapsulates the Maltese lifestyle from a 130 years ago.

Taken some time in the 1890’s, this shot shows the picture perfect Saqqajja hill right in the town of Rabat.

One can see the traditional Maltese carriages, the karozzin, as the drivers stop for a quick break.

They have stopped over by the stunning fountain which is thankfully still standing there to this very day.

Even the buildings in the far background behind the trees seem to have remained the same. As can be seen from the sign in the photo, it looks like one of said buildings was a hotel by the name of ‘Pont de Vue Hotel’ which still exists today.

The quality might not be as high as some of the photos taken today but if you zoom in, you can even see a woman with what looks like a black shawl over her head. This is most likely the traditional Maltese women's head dress known as the ghonella which was worn by most women during this period.

14th November 2023


Emma Galea
Written by
Emma Galea
Emma is a Gozitan writer who loves all things related to English literature and history. When not busy studying or writing you will either find her immersed in a fictional book or at the cinema trying to watch as many films as she possibly can!

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