Category: St. Pauls Bay, Malta

Categories: Malta

Saint Paul's Bay is an area in the North East of Malta, comprising the towns of Qawra (Owra), Bugibba, Xemxija (Shem-sheeya), Burmarrad and parts of Salina and Wardija.

Situated about 10 miles north of the Capital Valletta, it is a poular and thriving holiday destination.

The name derives from the Shipwreck of St. Paul, while on his way from Ceaserea to Rome, on St Paul's island just off the coast. His survival is the foundation of Christianity on these islands. St. Paul's shipwreck is celebrated on 10th February each year.

Along with the rest of Malta, the area of St Pauls Bay has a history going back to around 4000BC.

There is a Megalithic Temple in Bugibba, and another one above Xemxija. There are Cart ruts in the hills, and Punic tombs and other Bronze age remains have been found.

There was a Roman presence in this area, comprising the remains of Roman roads, Apiaries. a Bath house, and Roman anchors found in the surrounding coast.

In the 1600's the Order of St John was in this area, and built many fortifications. One of these is the Wignacourt Tower, built in 1610, and is the oldest surviving Watchtower in Malta.

In 1798 St Pauls Bay was one of the landing places for the French invasion.

During WWll. the area became a resting area, as well as being a Seaplane base. When the Italians capitulated in 1943, 76 ships of the Italian Navy, escaped Italy, and anchored in safety in St Pauls Bay.

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