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The picturesque city of Marsaxlokk is located in the souheastern part of Malta, its name seems to derive from the dry sirocco wind that blows from the Sahara.
Marsaxlokk is one of the most appreciated holiday destinations of the island still strongly bound to its cultural traditions, its stunning bay, including the small Pretty Bay (Bajja Sabiha) and St. George's Bay, stands out for its colourful fishing "luzzus" boats (Il-Luzzu) with the ever-watchful eye of Osiris that are said to provide protection against misfortune and danger and for its traditional Sunday fish market, really a must for tourists and locals. Its harbour is the second largest natural harbour in Malta, although the continuous going and coming of luzzus and vessels of any kind, this bay gives a sensation of peace and quitness together with the unique scent of an authentic fishing village however rich in a variety of picturesque restaurants and ancient houses lined up on the stunning promenade with breathtaking views of the bay.
Not far away from the city center, in the direction of Birżebbuġa is located Fort St. Lucian (Il-Fortizza ta' San Luċjan, 1610), as the first defensive fort against the Turkish invasions in the Marsaxlokk Bay; its construction is believed to have been prompted by a woman's dream telling about St. John's order of building a massive fort in view of the imminent Turkish invasion, her dream was told and shared but the Grandmaster De Wignacourt did not give any importance to those words, nothing was done. Only after the actual assault, the construction has begun, commissioned by the Grandmaster Alof de Wignacourt and probably designed by Vittorio Cassar or Girgor Xerri, it lasted only one year; the square-shaped Fort St. Lucian has one little tower on each side, this configuration made it stronger against the Turks in 1614. The whole structure was enforced in 1795 under Grandmaster Emmanuel de Rohan and enriched by a more modern design in 1876; during the IIWW it was used as munitions depot, today it hosts a small chapel dedicated to St. Lucian and is home to the Malta Aquaculture Research Centre (NAC).
Not so far away from the Fort are located the lovely city of Birżebbuġa and Malta Freeport (Port Ħieles Ta' Malta), just on a promontory dividing the bay; the width of the bay has allowed the construction of an important structure for the Maltese economy, as one of the most important and biggest ports in the Mediterranean it enjoys a key player in the transhipment trade, in the past home to the British Royal Navy, it offers today high quality services. Although people usually assume that the containers traffic contrasts with the natural beauty of the bay, this boasts crystal waters, relaxing spots and a beautiful beach that make it one of the most appreciated tourist destinations of the whole island rich in attractions and entertainment opportunities as well as sports and recreational possibilities and cultural events.
Comments
What a shame, looks like my joke about next year may come true, hope not as you have been waiting a few years for it. I will cross my fingers for you to get it done this year. lol
Hi Bob, They were getting on with it but it looks like they've taken a 2 week summer shutdown, they've made it quite clear that they don't care about the residents or businesses in Qajjenza in many ways during the 10 months they've been at it.
Good afternoon Jesse, taking quite a time to get to you with the promenade, maybe next year. lol
Jesse. It will be interesting to see how long it will take, I walked past here last March, got off the bus too soon for Birzebbuga water polo club.
I think they will do it in sections so as to leave bits where swimming, access to boats etc is possible.
Jesse ,Thank you for the information, I would have thought that they would have gone right along the front.
Hi Derek, the promenade at last got underway today, they have started from Ferretti to almost the bar, (just to the right of the camera view). They have demolished the existing low wall and are excavating about 10 feet inwards, so i guess time will tell on how the finished product will look. I do have a copy of the plans but not that good.
Jesse. Can you tell me exactly where the prom is going ?
Yes I know I watched them put it in. The way they did it would not have been allowed in England, health & safety mad here you know, lol. Well lets hope they get started soon as I'm looking forward to seeing your new prom.
No Bob, they are still making a big mess on the other side now laying more electric cables that were "apparently" missed the first time round! They were supposed to start the promenade in these last 2 weeks but as yet haven't. We are told that they have a permit to work through the summer so it's still a case of watch this space. Unbelievable that it's been 8 months and very little to show for it.The raised spans on the Kappara flyover were put in place in 8 days!
Still no promenade then Jesse, wonder if it will be done and when. Have a good day.
Jesse here is a new web cam
http://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/united-kingdom/kent/dover/dover-beach-kent.html
Let's hope they finish the section outside your restaurant before the holiday season starts then. Good luck for this year.
Hello Bob.C. yes open as usual, a bit tricky getting in but life goes on. Hopefully this is all leading to us being completed with a promenade by end of April, or May.