Vintage memories! Kalkara Creek photograph from over 50 years ago bringing nostalgic vibes
Kalkara was named after the Latin word for lime ‘calce’, due to the lime kiln in the area thought to date back to Roman times
A decades-old photo of Kalkara captures one of the village’s two bays, Kalkara Creek, nestled between the Birgu peninsula, home to Fort St. Angelo, and the Bighi peninsula. From this vantage point, viewers are treated to a sweeping view of the Grand Harbour.
This photo highlights Kalkara’s rich maritime heritage, renowned for boat building in Malta. The village is particularly known for crafting traditional Maltese boats, such as the ‘dghajsa’ and ‘barklori’—often referred to as ‘dghajsa tal-pass’ or water taxis.
The old photograph shows these boats neatly docked in the port, protected from the heavy storms common at this time of year. Boats are integral to Kalkara’s culture, with locals actively participating in traditional regattas, held biannually on March 31st to celebrate Freedom Day and September 8th for Victory Day, as was done last weekend.
The photo also captures Villa Bighi on the right side of the creek. Together with Fort St. Angelo, it presents a striking presence when viewed from the Grand Harbour. Originally constructed in 1675 as a summer residence for Fra Giovanni Bichi, the villa was expanded by the British in the early 19th century and repurposed as the Royal Naval Hospital Bighi. Today, the original villa houses the Esplora Interactive Science Centre, while the rest of the complex serves as an event venue offering stunning views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour.
Can you imagine taking a stroll along Kalkara waterfront 50 years ago?