It is never too late to rediscover the hidden gem that is Bormla

The Planning Authority (PA) is organising a monthly guided walking tour around the city of Bormla, and everybody is welcome.

Thge PA’s experts will take visitors through the city’s history, architectural heritage, successful regeneration projects and even curiosities from the past. Yes, Bormla is one of those unique localities where every alley and quarter has a story to tell.

During the Second World War, Bormla suffered the brunt of the Axis bombing; however, following the closure of the naval facilities and a shift by the shipbuilding and repairs industry to commercial services, Bormla re-invented itself. Today, the city is becoming much more sought after by tourists and people wishing to invest in real estate. Bormla boasts landmarks that have stood the test of time.

Take the dockyard area... this previously neglected spot has recently enjoyed a much-needed - and long-awaited TLC and more.

The dock, now filled with seawater, is complemented with open green spaces, while the former dilapidated offices and workers’ quarters now serve as a university campus.

A town that’s older than it looks

Many people associate Bormla solely with the Great Siege of 1565 and the Second World War; however, this locality boasts a much older history.

During the construction of Dock No. 1, builders came across megalithic remains. There were also remains from the fourth to the third millennia BC when the area served as a port for the Punics and, eventually, the Romans.

Highlights from our Itinerary

One of the stops will be at the 17th Century windmill of Santa Margerita, which was not used for wheat grounding but gunpowder production

Those were difficult times when Malta had to prepare itself against possible invaders.

Sadly, a tragedy occurred in the later years of the 18th century when a massive explosion rocked a nearby gunpowder magazine (know as polverista). Most families in the area lost someone on that infamous day when 200 people perished, and many were injured.

The Rialto theatre is another of the stops on the tour. For the locals, it is the heart of town. It re-opened as a cinema in 1956 after Axis bombers flattened the original theatre in the early 1940s.

The present-day building was designed in the Art Deco style by Richard England’s father, Edwin England Sant Fournier, and could house over 1,000 people.

So, where else will these PA tours take you?

St Margaret Church, Triq Santa Margerita

48 Triq Santa Margerita

Upper Verdala

170 Triq L- Oratorju

Immaculate Conception Church

The War Memorial

Dock No. 1

Are you interested in joining? Reserve a place by booking online at www.pa.org.mt. For more information, call 2290 2021. The participation fee is €5 per person.

The walking tour dates:

• 30th October 2022
• 27th November 2022
• 18th December 2022
• 29th January 2023
• 26th February 2023
• 26th March 2023
• 30th April 2023
• 28th May 2023