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Corinthia Jerma Palace Marsascala: Surrounding Area : Towns and Villages nearby Marsascala, Birzebbugia, Marsaxlokk, Luqa & Valletta
Marsascala Malta: Description: MARSASCALA is an ancient fishing village (often referred to as M'Scala) with
its picturesque bay that lies to the south-east of Malta. The Maltese call the
area WIED IL-GHAJN (wid il ajn) and many Maltese families have summer homes
there. In the holiday season it is buzzing with activity, much loved by locals
and visitors alike. It sprawls at the feet of two hillsides descending from
Zabbar and Zejtun. Its long U-shaped coastline and beach, its rocky promotories
and its multicoloured fishing vessels give it lots of character. this is
enhanced by a big variety of modern leisure facilities, restaurants and bars.
Marsascala Bay used to extend deep into the valley to a cave with a natural
spring of fresh water where old mariners took their water before sailing. This
zone used to be a haven for Roman ships during their long period of occupation.
It is partnered by the next (wider) bay called St Thomas Bay, dominated by the
huge St Thomas Fortress built by the Knights of St John. In the time of the
Knights, Ottoman and Barbary pirates used to land at M'Scala to take water
and/or to seek refuge from the rough seas...usually also causing havoc by
stealing, and harassing /kidnapping the locals . Often, the elderly and women
and children would be rushed up to Zejtun or Zabbar by their menfolk when
sightings were made. It is recorded that in July, 1614 a 60-strong fleet of
Turkish vessels, loaded with marauders tried to make a shock landing at
M'Scala..but the hardy Maltese gave them battle and drove them away in a
humiliating defeat.. Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt decided that improved
fortifications were necessary in this sensitive area. In that same year the
works were started and finished on the Forti San Tumas , the huge fortress that
takes its name (like the second bay of M'Scala) from St Thomas Church nearby.
Probably designed by the Maltese engineer, Fra Vittorio Cassar, and later
enlarged under Grandmaster De Rohan, (late 18th century), this fortress is
indeed a landmark. It served its purpose well over the centuries as a bulwark of
defence for the population. It is currently undergoing government restoration,
as are many important structures all over Malta. Various small redoubts and
towers and old chapels surround M'scala in the outlying countryside. On one of
the promontories of M'Scala lies the well-known Corinthia Jerma Palace Hotel,
part of an international hotel chain, where very good facilities exist for
bathing, health and fitness activities and water sports.
Driving Directions:
Getting There: Bus 19 & 22 from Valletta
Distances:
Attractions nearby or in the
vicinity up to 30 mins drive or less:- Scuba Diving
Sunbathing at the Beaches
Out and about
:Restaurants Cofee Shops
Shopping
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