What to see

This fortified wall dates back to the Bronze Age, around 1,500 before Christ and it is the oldest fortification structure in the Maltese Islands. Built in the shape of a ‘D’ with a height of 5 metres, this wall was intended to close off the gorge of a hill on top where a Bronze Age village thrived. In fact, some huts were discovered on this site which were habitated by Bronze Age people who built the wall in order to defend their community.

In ancient times, Wied Dalam used to form part of a river which ended in Birżebbuġa Harbour. Its name derives from Għar Dalam cave which is found in the area. In this valley sits a Roman country-house known as ‘Ta’ Kaċċatura’ which dates to the second century before Christ, although it could even date to the Punic period. Like other Roman villas, this country-house was used for the production of olive oil. It also includes a large cistern whose ceiling rests on large stone columns. Inaccessable

This semi-circular coastal battery is one of many built by the Order of St John between 1715 and 1716 to defend the coast against enemy landings. It includes two blockhouses and a redan on its rear,  and was named after the knight Francesco Maria Ferretti who donated the sum of 917 scudi for its construction. In order to defend St George’s Bay, in 1770 it was equipped with four guns which were increased to six in 1785, even though it could take up a maximum of eight guns.

These remains could possibly date to the Classical era or the previous Bronze Age. The pits hewn in rock indicate a storage for grain, an important resource in the diet of Man since time immemorial, whilst the cart ruts could have formed part of a primitive transportation system. As some of the pits are found underwater, they indicate that around 2,000 years ago, Malta was significantly larger than it is today.

For many years this bay was regarded as the main bay of the area; in fact in various old Maltese maps, the area of Birżebbuġa was marked as San Giorgio. Today this bay is mainly sought after by local fisherman to moor their boats in its sheltered waters. Of particular note is the old small building found in the inner section of the bay which comprises a room and a small yard which was used for hunting purposes.

This megalithic temple dates back to ‘Tarxien’ phase of the Neolithic Period, around 3,150‑2,500 before Christ. It is formed up of four apses, in similarity with contemporary temples like Imnajdra. In contrast however, this temple includes a long boundary wall which encloses a large forecourt. During the Bronze Age (2,500 B.C.‑700 B.C.) the temple was used as a cemetery. It was discovered in the late nineteenth century and excavated for the first time in 1922. Prehistoric-Temple

This is the oldest oil depot in Malta which was opened by the Shell company in 1914. In 1921 a large pontoon was built in order to allow ships to moor alongside for the disembarkment of oil products. In front of this plant rest the Cold War Memorial which was inaugurated following a summit on the 2nd and 3rd December 1989 between the United States President George H.W. Bush and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev and which effectively brought an end to the Cold War.

Together with Ferretti Battery, the Ghzira Battery is the only fortification of this type which still exists in Birżebbuġa. Built in a semi circular shape in 1716 to defend Pretty Bay against enemy landings, it is also known as Pinto Battery in recognition to the knight who donated 1,000 scudi for its construction. Originally it incorporated a ditch and a redan whilst it also includes a blockhouse at its rear. In 1770 it was armed with six guns although it could hold a complement of eight.

Pretty Bay is one of the few sandy beaches in the South of Malta

This church, built in 1865, was designed by Luigi O. Doublet who together with Rev. Antonio Albanese and some other noble summer residents collected the necessary funds for its construction. It served as the first non‑official church of Birżebbuġa until the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows was built. It comprises one altar, enhanced with a series of sculptures. As time went by several modifications were done especially on its facade and today it is used for daily adoration purposes.

Used for the production of salt, these pans were hewn in the late nineteenth century. Sea water filled the pans and after a period of time the water evaporated allowing the salt to remain in the bottom of the pans for collection.

The Knights of St John constructed several entrenchments, or low lying rampart walls, around the Maltese coast in order to resist enemy invasions. This example at Wied il‑Buni, with a height of 20 feet, was one of the longest as it used to stretch up to Ferretti Battery in Qajjenza. It was built in 1760 under the design of the Balì Francois Jacob de Tignè and incorporated low lying obtuse‑angled bastions. Unfortunately, however, only a small section remains today.

The first chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Conception in Bengħisa was built in 1822 by Rev. Ġakbu Gauci for the local farmers. It was re-built and extended in 1861 by Rev. Ġuzepp Gauci. It comprises an altar and a nineteenth century titular statue. For a long time Mons. Pietru Pawl Saydon used to celebrate mass in this chapel. Its titular feast is celebrated annually on the 8th of December. Marriages may be celebrated in the church. Priest in charge Dun Ġużepp Berry