We’re suckers for historic snaps and all things nostalgia. Emanuel Caruana shared some stunning shots of Birkirkara of a time gone by showing the simplicity of life way back when and the humble yet vibrant locality through the ages.

Walking through the streets

Women can be seen walking through the streets on a rainy day, chatting away as they do so.

Throwback or what?

This particular photo seems to show what looks like either the building of a church or possibly some kind of damage it endured.

Fleur de Lys Arch

A very prominent structure which many of us are familiar with to this day. The original arch (also known as the Wignacourt Arch) was part of the aqueduct system built by the Knights. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in a traffic accident in 1943. A replica now stands in its place on the roundabout at the very same spot.

Chiesa di S. Alfonso

This snap shows the church dedicated to St Alphonse Liguori which was operated by the Discalced Carmelites and built between 1893 and 1895. Nowadays it’s used as a meeting hall known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel Hall.

It’s festa time!

This photo shows one of the streets all decked out with the locality’s festa’s best including banners, flags and statues.

Karrettun vibes!

Gone are the days when we’d see horse-drawn carts in the middle of the roads transporting whatever goods were needed that day.

All aboard!

Yes, back in the day, Malta had its very own tram service and with Birkirkara being such a major town, it passed right through!