Birzebbugia

Maltese for “well of olives” and often shortened to B’Bugia in its written form, this picturesque seaside town is situated at the southern end of Malta, close to Marsaxlokk. It has a population of around 10,000 and growing, partly due to an influx of new workers employed at the nearby Malta Freeport and container terminal. B’Bugia’s coat of arms shows a blue chevron (representing the Mediterranean Sea) and an olive branch (signifying olives’ local economic importance) on a white field. It is twinned with Italy’s Porto San Giorgio and France’s Azas.

While presently known for its beaches, historical landmarks, and charming village core, Birżebbuġa’s history dates back to the Bronze Age, its natural harbour used as a trading hub by the Phoenicians. The Knights Hospitaller developed it further in the 16th century by constructing towers and fortifications to defend it from sea attacks. It also played a significant defensive role in WWII against German and Italian air raids.

Culture and landscape of B’bugia

The town’s patron saint is St Peter, whose feast is celebrated every year on June 29th, along with St Paul. Colourful flags, lights, and flowers adorn the town as parishioners participate in processions and masses, while others throw confetti from their balconies onto the marching band below. Similar festivities take place during other annual festivals, such as Carnival.

Birżebbuġa’s artistic heritage is reflected in its architecture, its most iconic landmark of which is its neo-gothic parish church, featuring stained-glass windows, intricate carvings, and frescoes. Contemporary artistic expression is evident in the town’s street art, including murals and sculptures.

Unsurprisingly, football is the town’s most prevalent sport, its local team known as the Birżebbuġa St Peter’s FC; however, it also has its own water polo team – Birżebbuġa Freeport – and its own ‘Boċċi‘ club. Birżebbuġa’s most popular beaches, sandy Pretty Bay and rocky St George’s Bay, are popular spots for water sports, such as windsurfing, sailing, and snorkelling.

Hikers can also rejoice, as Birżebbuġa offers several scenic trails and unspoiled countryside., featuring various flora and fauna, as well as breath-taking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, birdwatchers can observe migratory birds, such as the Marsh Harrier, Cuckoo, and Spotted Flycatcher.

Traditionally a fishing village, Birżebbuġa’s waterfront is lined with seafood restaurants, the specialty being lampuki (mahi-mahi), a prolific fish in Maltese waters served in various ways, including fried, grilled, or baked within a pie.

History: A Deeper Look

Aside from its intriguing cart ruts leading into the sea, Birżebbuġa is renowned for sites of archaeological significance, such as Għar Dalam (a 144-metre deep cave), Ta’ Kaċċatura (an archaeological complex with a Roman Villa) and Borġ in-Nadur (a Bronze Age settlement with a temple). Għar Dalam is particularly important as it was there that the earliest evidence of human presence on the Maltese islands was discovered, with artefacts dating back to the Neolithic period.

More modern historical sites of interest include the Ferretti Battery, the Pinto Battery, and the B’Bugia entrenchments, all of which date back to the occupation of the Knights Hospitaller. After a very brief French occupation with Napoleon at the helm, the British took over, leaving their mark on B’Bugia by way of Fort Benghisa, RAF Kalafrana, and RAF Hal Far.

One of the most recent historical monuments found in B’Bugia is the one commemorating the 1989 Malta Summit.