Introduction to Mtarfa
Mtarfa is one of those places that feel like they should be a major heritage attraction. Sitting quietly opposite Mdina, it is often overshadowed by the Silent City across the valley.
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The British Military Walk
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Yet behind its peaceful streets lies a fascinating military history shaped by the British period in Malta. The British built military barracks and later added a hospital to treat the injured during WWI.
To highlight this important chapter in Mtarfa's history, the British Military Walk was created to guide visitors through the area's military heritage. We explored part of it during out visit.
Despite Mtarfa's relatively small size, we only covered a section of it. Here is a map I made of the section we explored.
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| Map of Imtarfa |
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| Mtarfa Clock Tower |
Starting Point: Clock Tower
If you go by bus or car, the Clock Tower is the first landmarks you will probably encounter. This was, in fact, the starting and finish point of our little circular route.
The tower was built in 1895 and has became one of the locality's best-known landmarks. In recent times, the site has seen a 1 million euro restoration project to get it in pristine shape. Read more about this here.
It was just about Golden hour when we visited, and the tower was bathed in warm, soft sunlight! I snapped a few photos before continuing on with the trail.
The British Military Walk and British Street Names
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| Prince of Wales Avenue in Mtarfa, Malta. |
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| Historic British street names along the Military Walk in Mtarfa. |
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| Statue of St. Nicholas in Mtarfa |
Statue of St.Nicholas
At the end of St. Oswald Street is an open space which used to be the Temple of Proserpina. The temple was replaced by a chapel many decades ago dedicated to St. Nicholas. Today, neither remains.
Instead, is a limestone statue on the site. Discussion had arisen as to whether the statue was of St. Oswald or St.Nicholas, but there is now agreement that it represents the latter.
In fact, it has similar features to that of St.Nicholas in the Siggiewi village square. This one was sculpted in 1736 and still dates after the one in Mtarfa. Both are Grade 1 listed monuments.
The site is now a quiet viewpoint. It has benches, which seem to be kept in a very clean state, and also cat houses in the corner (Mtarfa has a lot of cat residents).
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| Viewpoint overlooking Mdina |
Viepoints
One of Mtarfa's most rewarding features is the spectacular views it offers over the surrounding countryside.
There are many spots around Mtarfa where you can get amazing views of the Maltese countryside.
Whichever spot you chose, do take a moment to slow down, appreciate the scenery, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
From one end, is Chadwick Lakes and Dwejra, from the other end is Mdina, sitting on top of terraced fields. Each offers equally rewarding views.
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Viewpoint 1
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Flowers
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