Zabbar is a town in the south eastern area of the Maltese Islands, also known as Citta Hompesch named by the last of the Grand Masters of the Order of St John to govern in Malta, the famous Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim. These glorious photos of Zabbar back in the day show just how much it’s changed over the years.

1. Zabbar 90 years ago

Zabbar has changed drastically over 90 years. Nowadays, it definitely isn’t the same, having built-up houses instead of trees on either side of the street.

2. The gorgeous church

The Zabbar parish church and sanctuary is devoutly dedicated to Our Lady of Graces and is the beating heart of the 6^th largest town in Malta.

3. The lush open spaces

Back in the 1870s, Zabbar was an endless area of open spaces and lush green areas. Befittingly, Zabbar probably derives from the word tizbor which means pruning trees. Throughout history, families who specialised in pruning are known to have lived in these areas.

4. Buckingham Theatre

The lavish theatre was quite the large building, showing both films and stage performances. Unfortunately, after a while of closure, the auditorium was knocked down around 2003, while the façade and foyer still remain unused to this day.

5. Tallinja

Back in the day, tallinja bus routes sported different colours according to the routes they operated. The Zabbar one had red and blue colours painted on the traditional Maltese bus.

6. The church parvis

The church parvis was a great location for merchants and was always bustling with those buying and selling goods. It was the heart of the town and comes alive every year during the village feast.

7. Notre Dame Gate

Notre Dame or Bieb is-Sultan as it’s known in Maltese is the main gate of the Cottonera Lines that divides Zabbar from the Cottonera area. Just last year, it was restored to its former glory, and is looking finer than ever.