Malta - Day 04 - Kalkara - 08 March 2024

Kalkara is the last of the 3 cities, well I don't think it is. Though it is one of the cities that forms a Peninsula out into the sea, it does not seem to be counted as part of the 3 cities. Very progressive with a smart city at its door step, a huge modern development in contrast with its derelict, less restored buildings (when compared to the other cities)

The smart city is where movies are developed. Popeye and part of Game of Thrones plus many others were shot here. The proximity of such diverse areas makes it a director dream.

Outside the explorers science lab

So much fun at the explorer centre. Michael trying to figure out Earth's mysteries.

A science centre where kids can learn by doing experiments. Brilliant effort!!!

The gardens are very stark and there are few green areas.

We walked where we thought we could go around the tip as we had done for the other 3 cities but found ourselves temporarily uncertain of our location, heading deep into central Birgu, the adjacent city.

In the distance one can see that the buildings have not been restored since the Second World War bombings.

The village of Kalkara, situated in the South Eastern Region of Malta, has a population of around 3,014. The name is derived from the Latin word for lime due to the presence of a lime kiln since Roman times, hence its motto A Calce Nomen and the emblem represented by a green scutcheon divided in two parts: half being blue representing the sea, and the other being gold with a burning flame.

Kalkara’s history is buried in its glorious past: the presence of archeological cart-ruts near it-Turretta, Egyptian stelae brought by the Phoenicians found in Bighi, and the construction of the Palaeochristian hypogea in the zone of Xagħra ta’ Santa Duminka. Moreover, the first church of Our Saviour built before 1487 implies the presence of a community in the area, sustained through fishing and agriculture.

Development of Kalkara surged during the periods of the Knights and British, especially with the construction of fortifications and Bighi Naval Hospital. It became an independent parish in 1897. Kalkara bore the brunt of World War II, with a number of casualties and destroyed edifices. Reconstruction after the war proved the strength of a community to start afresh: transforming Kalkara into a gem of the Maltese islands.