Żabbar | Exploring Malta

Żabbar is a city located in the South Eastern Region of Malta. With a population of around 15,600 inhabitants, it is one of the larger towns in this part of the island. The city’s name is believed to derive from the Maltese word for “pruning,” a reference to the many families of pruners who lived in the area. Żabbar was historically a part of the neighboring town of Żejtun. It is most famous for its magnificent sanctuary church, which is dedicated to Our Lady of Graces and is a major center for religious devotion in Malta.

The city’s identity is deeply intertwined with this devotion to Our Lady of Graces, who is the patron saint of the city. The annual festa, or village feast, held in her honor is one of the largest and most popular on the island. The city was granted the title of “Città Hompesch” by Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch in 1797. Today, Żabbar is a bustling residential and commercial city, but it retains a strong sense of its historical and religious character. Its impressive church and its rich cultural traditions make it a significant destination.

The History of Żabbar

The history of Żabbar as a distinct community began in the late 16th century, although the area had been inhabited for centuries before that. For a long time, it was a small hamlet that was a part of the larger parish of Żejtun. Its development as a separate town began after it was established as its own parish in 1615. The town’s fortunes have been closely linked to the growing devotion to Our Lady of Graces. The most significant event in its history was the granting of city status in 1797, a testament to its growing importance.

From Hamlet to Parish

In the late Middle Ages, the area of modern-day Żabbar was a collection of small hamlets and farmlands. These were under the administration of the much larger and older town of Żejtun. A small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Graces existed in the area from at least the 16th century. The devotion to this image grew, and the local community began to expand. In 1615, Żabbar was separated from Żejtun and became its own parish. This was a crucial step in its development as an independent town with its own identity.

The Sanctuary and City Status

The construction of a new, larger church dedicated to Our Lady of Graces began in the mid-17th century. The church became a major sanctuary and a center for pilgrimage, especially for Maltese sailors who would offer thanks for their safe return from the sea. The town’s population and importance grew significantly as a result of this religious devotion. In recognition of its status, Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch, the last Grand Master of the Knights of St. John in Malta, granted Żabbar the title of “Città Hompesch” in 1797.

The French Blockade and Modern Era

The town played a role during the French Blockade of 1798-1800. The Maltese insurgents used the sanctuary church as a base during their fight against the French forces who were occupying Valletta. The town suffered damage during this period. In the 20th century, Żabbar continued to grow as a residential town. It suffered from bombing raids during World War II due to its proximity to the Grand Harbour and the dockyards. In the modern era, the town has expanded with new residential areas, but its historic core and its strong religious traditions remain.

Sights in Żabbar

The sights in Żabbar are centered around its magnificent parish church and the rich history of the town. The main attraction is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces, which is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a major pilgrimage site and the home of a unique museum. A walk through the historic core of the city reveals a charming collection of traditional Maltese townhouses, narrow streets, and historic chapels. The city’s main gateways, the Hompesch Gate and the Notre Dame Gate, are other key historical landmarks. A large public park, Il-Park ta’ San Klement, provides a major green space for recreation on the edge of the city.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces

The Żabbar Sanctuary is the most important building in the city and a major landmark in Malta. The current church is a magnificent Baroque structure that was built in the 17th century. The church is dedicated to Our Lady of Graces, the patron saint of the city. Its interior is richly decorated with marble, gold, and impressive paintings. The church is also famous for its museum, which is located in the sacristy. The museum houses a vast collection of “ex-voto” offerings, which are gifts given by sailors and others in thanks for being saved from peril at sea.

Hompesch Gate

The Hompesch Gate is a monumental arch located on the border between Żabbar and the neighboring city of Fgura. The gate was built in 1801 to commemorate the fact that Grand Master Hompesch had granted city status to both Żabbar and Żejtun a few years earlier. It is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture. The gate is a prominent landmark on one of the main roads leading into the city. It stands as a proud reminder of the moment when Żabbar was officially recognized as a city.

Il-Park ta’ San Klement

Il-Park ta’ San Klement is a large public park located on the border between Żabbar, Fgura, and Cospicua. This expansive green space was created on a former illegal dumping site and has been transformed into a cherished community hub. The park features scenic walking and jogging trails, numerous picnic areas with tables, and large open spaces with many olive trees. It is situated right next to the historic Cottonera Lines fortifications, and it offers great views of these old walls. The park seamlessly blends history with nature, and it provides a tranquil atmosphere for visitors.

The Sanctuary Museum

Located within the parish church, the Żabbar Sanctuary Museum is a unique and fascinating collection. It is most famous for its extensive collection of “ex-voto” paintings and objects. These were donated by sailors and other individuals over the centuries as a sign of gratitude to Our Lady of Graces for their deliverance from shipwrecks, pirate attacks, and other dangers. The collection includes hundreds of paintings depicting these dramatic events, as well as model ships, maritime instruments, and even two sedan chairs used by the Grand Masters.

Notre Dame Gate

The Notre Dame Gate, also known as the Cottonera Gate, is a large, ornate gate that was built in the 17th century as part of the Cottonera Lines fortifications. Although it is located on the border of the neighboring city of Vittoriosa, it is very close to Żabbar and is often associated with the city. The gate is a magnificent example of Baroque military architecture, with five arches and elaborate sculptural decorations. It was intended to be the main landward entrance to the fortified Three Cities.

St. Andrew’s Church

St. Andrew’s Church is another of the historic churches in Żabbar. The current church was built in the early 20th century in a Gothic Revival style. It is located in the center of the old town. The church is a beautiful piece of architecture and an important landmark for the local community. It serves as a secondary church to the main sanctuary and is an active place of worship.

Traveling with Kids

Żabbar is a traditional Maltese town, and it can be an interesting stop for families. The main attraction for children is often the large public park, Il-Park ta’ San Klement. This park offers modern playgrounds and vast green spaces, so it is perfect for a family day out. The town’s annual village feast, or “festa,” is another major highlight. The feast’s processions, colorful decorations, and spectacular fireworks can be a magical experience for children. The Żabbar Sanctuary Museum can also be a fascinating visit, for its collection of model ships and dramatic paintings often captures the imagination of older kids.

The town’s location in the south of Malta makes it a convenient base for exploring other family-friendly attractions, and the region has many options. The historic Three Cities, with their impressive fortifications and harbors, are just a short drive away, and they offer a great history lesson. The popular seaside town of Marsaskala is also very close by. This town features a long promenade perfect for walks and numerous playgrounds right by the sea. This combination of local culture and easy access to other attractions makes Żabbar a well-rounded destination for a family visit.

Activities for Kids in Żabbar

For families seeking memorable outings, Żabbar and its surroundings offer excellent recreational experiences. A visit to the magnificent Il-Park ta’ San Klement offers a full day of fun and play, while a trip to the nearby Sant’Antnin Family Park provides another large space for outdoor activities.

A Day at Il-Park ta’ San Klement

A visit to Il-Park ta’ San Klement is the top activity for families in Żabbar. This large park, located on the edge of the city, was created on a former illegal dumping site and has been transformed into a cherished community hub. The park features scenic walking and jogging trails, numerous picnic areas, and two separate modern playgrounds for different age groups. In 2023, the park was also equipped with Malta’s first public obstacle course, which is aimed at teenagers and adults. The park’s expansive green space and varied facilities make it a perfect spot for a full day of outdoor family fun.

A Day at Sant’Antnin Family Park

The Sant’Antnin Family Park, located between Żabbar and the seaside town of Marsaskala, is another of the largest public parks in the south of Malta. The park is a fantastic destination for a family day out. It features several different large and modern playgrounds for different age groups. It also has an outdoor gym, a rock climbing wall, and an area for pets. The park has extensive grassy areas for picnics and games, making it a perfect spot for a full day of outdoor family fun, just a short drive from Żabbar.

Sports in Żabbar

The sports scene in Żabbar is centered around its historic football club, Żabbar St. Patrick F.C., which is a major institution in the local community. The city has a strong passion for football, and the local club has a dedicated following. In addition to football, the city also has clubs for other popular Maltese sports, including a local “boċċi” club, which is a traditional form of lawn bowls. The city’s location in the south of Malta also means that residents have easy access to the water sports facilities in the nearby coastal towns.

Żabbar St. Patrick F.C. (Football)

Football is the most popular sport in the city, and the main local club is Żabbar St. Patrick F.C. The club was founded in 1912 and has a long and proud history. The team has spent several seasons competing in the Maltese Premier League, the top tier of Maltese football, in the past. They currently compete in the national league system and have a strong local rivalry with the team from the neighboring town of Fgura. They play their home matches at the local football ground, which is a hub for the local sporting community.

Żabbar Boċċi Club

Boċċi is a traditional Maltese sport that is similar to the Italian game of bocce or the French game of pétanque. The Żabbar Boċċi Club is the local club for this traditional sport. The club has its own dedicated playing area, known as a “boċċidrom.” The game is very popular, especially among the older generation, and the local club is an important social institution in the town. It is a key part of the local cultural and sporting heritage.

Żabbar Southsiders Futsal

Futsal, an indoor version of football, is a growing sport in Malta, and the city is represented by Żabbar Southsiders Futsal. The team competes in the national futsal league system. The sport is known for its fast-paced and technical style of play. The club provides an important outlet for the sport in the southern part of Malta. They play their home matches in one of the local indoor sports halls.

The Malta Marathon

While there are no major running races that start or finish in Żabbar, the city is on the route of several national road running events. The most famous of these is the Malta Marathon. The route of the full marathon passes through the outskirts of Żabbar on its way from the old capital of Mdina to the finish line in Sliema. Many local residents are keen runners and participate in this and other races.

Getting Around in Żabbar

Navigating Żabbar and the surrounding area is best done with a combination of walking and using the public bus system. The historic core of the city is relatively compact and can be explored on foot. For travel to other parts of Malta, the public bus network provides extensive and efficient connections. A car can also be convenient for exploring the more remote parts of the island, although parking in the narrow streets of the old town center can be challenging.

Using the Public Bus

The public bus system in Malta, operated by Malta Public Transport, provides excellent connections to Żabbar. Several bus routes pass through the city, connecting it with the capital city, Valletta, and with the nearby Three Cities and the seaside town of Marsaskala. The main bus stops are located in the center of the city, near the sanctuary. The bus is an affordable and reliable way to get around the island and to reach all the major tourist attractions.

Exploring by Foot

Walking is the best way to experience the historic heart of Żabbar. The area around the magnificent Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces and the surrounding streets is a pleasant area for a stroll. Walking allows you to appreciate the details of the traditional Maltese architecture, with its colorful wooden balconies. The narrow, winding streets of the old town core are best navigated on foot. This is the most immersive way to experience the atmosphere of this historic city.

Navigating by Car

A car provides the most flexibility for exploring the entire island of Malta. Żabbar is located at the junction of several major roads, which provide good access to other parts of the island. Having a car makes it easy to take day trips to the sandy beaches on the west coast or to the ancient temples in the south. However, driving and parking within the oldest parts of Żabbar can be difficult due to the narrow streets. It is often best to park on the outskirts of the historic core and explore on foot.

How to Get to Żabbar

Żabbar is located in the South Eastern Region of Malta and is very easy to reach. The city is situated just a few kilometers from the capital city, Valletta, and the historic Three Cities. The main gateway to the country is Malta International Airport (MLA), which is located very close by. The city is well-served by the public bus network, making it accessible from all other parts of the island. Its central location in the populous southern harbor region makes it a very well-connected destination.

Arriving by Air

The only airport in the country is Malta International Airport (MLA), and it is located just a 10-15 minute drive from Żabbar. The airport is served by numerous airlines with connections to destinations all over Europe and beyond. From the airport, the easiest way to reach Żabbar is by taxi or a ride-sharing service, which is a very short and direct journey. It is also possible to take a public bus from the airport, although this may require a change of bus in a nearby town.

Driving to the City

Driving to Żabbar is straightforward. From the northern or central parts of Malta, you would follow the main roads towards the capital city, Valletta, and the Three Cities. Żabbar is located just inland from the Three Cities and is well-signposted from the main arterial roads. If you are renting a car, Żabbar’s central location in the southern part of the island makes it a convenient base from which to explore the entire country.

Connecting by Bus

The public bus service is an excellent and affordable way to reach Żabbar. Several direct bus routes connect the city with the main bus terminal in the capital, Valletta. The journey from Valletta is short, typically taking about 20-30 minutes. There are also direct bus routes that connect Żabbar with the nearby Three Cities, the airport, and the seaside town of Marsaskala. The bus is the most common mode of public transport used by both locals and tourists to travel to the city.

Driving Distances

The driving distance from 20 regional cities, according to Google Maps:

• Fgura, Malta – 1 kilometer (0 h 05 min)
• The Three Cities (Cospicua, Vittoriosa, Senglea) – 3 kilometers (0 h 10 min)
• Marsaskala, Malta – 4 kilometers (0 h 10 min)
• Valletta, Malta – 7 kilometers (0 h 15 min)
• Malta International Airport (MLA) – 7 kilometers (0 h 15 min)
• Marsaxlokk, Malta – 8 kilometers (0 h 15 min)
• Birżebbuġa, Malta – 9 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
• Qormi, Malta – 9 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
• Sliema, Malta – 10 kilometers (0 h 25 min)
• Birkirkara, Malta – 10 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
• Żurrieq, Malta – 11 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
• Siġġiewi, Malta – 13 kilometers (0 h 25 min)
• Mosta, Malta – 14 kilometers (0 h 25 min)
• Rabat, Malta – 16 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
• Mdina, Malta – 17 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
• Dingli, Malta – 18 kilometers (0 h 35 min)
• St. Paul’s Bay, Malta – 18 kilometers (0 h 35 min)
• Mġarr, Malta – 20 kilometers (0 h 35 min)
• Mellieħa, Malta – 23 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
• Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal, Malta – 27 kilometers (0 h 45 min)

Looking to Explore more of Malta and Europe?