Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is a small, traditional fishing village in the Southern Region of Malta. It has a harbour, and is a tourist attraction known for its views, fishing and history.

The name Marsaxlokk comes from words meaning South East Harbour, reflecting its position on Malta’s coast. In antiquity, Phoenician traders sailing from Tyre and Sidon (modern Lebanon) entered this safe harbour before traveling to Tas‑Silġ, where archaeologists uncovered remains of a temple dedicated to the goddess Astarte.

Little is recorded about the village during the Middle Ages, but in the height of the Turkish Empire it was often deserted, as raids on nearby Żejtun left residents vulnerable to capture and enslavement. As Ottoman power declined, Marsaxlokk gradually grew into a settled community. By 1890, its population was just 210, and the village was mainly used as a summer resort. Over time, more people stayed year‑round, with census records showing 778 residents in 1961 and 3,200 by 2006. Today, Marsaxlokk has developed into a popular tourist destination, known for its simple lifestyle, fishing traditions, and picturesque harbour.

Marsaxlokk’s historical sites reflect its strategic importance as a coastal village, with fortifications, towers, and archaeological remains spanning centuries.

The village was long vulnerable to pirate and Turkish attacks, prompting the Knights of St John to construct strong defenses. The most prominent is St. Lucian’s Tower (Fort Rohan), built in 1610–1611 under Grand Master Wignacourt, later used in World War II and converted into a biological laboratory in the 1970s. Other fortifications include Marnisi Tower (1719), Bettina Tower (1751), and batteries at Tumbrell and Delimara, alongside British‑era forts such as Delimara Fortress (1880), Tas‑Silġ Fortress (1883), and St. Paul Battery (1843).

Beyond military structures, Marsaxlokk preserves diverse heritage: the Kavallerizza riding school and stables, the Delimara Lighthouse (1853), and Roman baths discovered in 1932. Archaeological excavations at Tas‑Silġ revealed layers of history from prehistoric remains to Punic, Roman, Byzantine, and Arab structures, including temples dedicated to Astarte and Tanit. Additional finds include Neolithic remains at Munxar and a Punic tomb at Marnisi.

Today, Marsaxlokk blends this rich past with its role as a tourist destination, where visitors enjoy the harbour, restaurants, and local traditions while surrounded by centuries of history.

Marsaxlokk’s churches and chapels reflect its deep religious heritage, with the Parish Church of Our Lady of Pompeii as the centerpiece. Built in 1890 and declared a parish in 1897, it features a cross‑shaped design, dome, and twin steeples, enriched over time with artworks, statues, and donations from noble families.

Beyond the parish church, Marsaxlokk preserves several smaller chapels: St. Nicholas Chapel (1650), St. Dominic Chapel (1653), St. Paul’s Church (18th century), St. Peter’s Church (1862), and the Sacred Heart Chapel (1876). The Convent of Our Lady of Tas‑Silġ, rebuilt in 1833 and later entrusted to the Carmelite Order, remains a significant site overlooking the village. More recent additions include the Jesus of Nazareth Institute (1949), which began as a nursery school and now serves as a home for elderly women.

Together, these sacred sites highlight Marsaxlokk’s blend of historic devotion, artistic patronage, and community faith, making them central to the town’s cultural identity.

Holy Week in Marsaxlokk is marked by a deeply devoted and religious focus. The town’s celebrations are simple yet heartfelt, centered on two main events: the procession of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Palm Sunday procession. These traditions bring the community together in prayer and reflection, highlighting the strong faith that continues to shape Marsaxlokk’s cultural and spiritual life.