Culture
These amazing vintage photos show what St Paul’s Bay looked like in the past
On the occasion of the feast of St Paul's Shipwreck.

Joanna Demarco

stpaulsbay3

 Chris Mercieca - Nostalgia Malta / Facebook

The area surrounding where the shipwreck of St Paul was documented in the Acts of the Apostles has been named after that milestone event, from which Christianity in Malta was born.

stpaulsbay6

Malta History / Facebook

In more recent history, St Paul’s Bay played quite a significant role during Malta’s military years. It was a landing place during the French invasion in Malta in June of 1798, for example, and following the Maltese uprising against the French, it was the bay of St Paul’s Bay which became the primary harbour, whilst both Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour were under French Control.

stpaulsbay4

St Paul's Bay in 1904 - William Richard Walker - Nostalgia Malta / Facebook

Villas were built in the area in the 19th century and were then used by the British military as a rest camp in the second World War. Today, St Paul’s Bay is the most populated northern town in Malta, and is a popular locality for entertainment, especially during the summer months.

stpaulsbay1

Joe Scerri - Nostalgia Malta / Facebook

Colours and vintage symbols make these photos all the more picturesque. However, the same location today, although recognisable, features a few more rows of cars, boats and apartment blocks!

stpaulsbay2

Bengst Ason Holm - MaltaTransportPhotos / Facebook

10th February 2019


Joanna Demarco
Written by
Joanna Demarco

You may also like...
Culture

Jillian Mallia
Culture
Culture
There are only six cinemas around Malta and Gozo nowadays.

Benjamin Abela
Culture
Culture
The show was produced by the Malta Television Service.

Emma Galea
Culture
Culture
Many of the church’s prized possessions were also lost.

Emma Galea