Mġarr
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Mġarr (or L-Imġarr), formerly known as Mgiarro, is a small town northwest of the mainland of Malta. Mgarr is a typical rural village situated in an isolated region, southwest of Mosta. It is surrounded with rich farmland and vineyards. Many of its 2,995[1] inhabitants are farmers or are engaged in some sort of agricultural activity.
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[edit] History and development
Mġarr's history is that of a farming community, which some of the Mdina patrican families had owned, such as the Vassallo family. Mgiarro was granted by the King of Sicily to the Inguanez family, and over time they sold it to the Falsone family. Over time, land was split up and given to all descendants.
Mġarr today has grown quite large, though still considered a country town with fresh clean air away from the major industrial towns of Malta.
Mġarr's rustic environs embrace several rustic spots like Binġemma, Wardija, Fomm ir-Riħ and Ġnejna Bay.
Mġarr has two important prehistoric sites: Ta' Ħagrat, which is still in a good state of preservation, stands in a field near the village centre; Ta' Skorba, excavated in 1963, lies just outside the village.
Mġarr is a favourite stopping place for people strolling in its countryside and for those travelling in cars to the nearby beaches.
[edit] Church
It was only in the beginning of the 20th century that Mġarr got its own parish and fully completed church. The church is one of the largest dome church in the world, after Mosta. The unique shape, that of an oval dome, is attributed to the extensive funds collected from the sale of locally produced eggs: more than 300,000 were sold in aid of the project.
The parish church of St. Mary (the Assumption) is a miniature copy of the Mosta Rotunda. Its building commenced in 1912 and its construction depended on free labour and on the generous contributions earned by the parishioners from the sale of farm products. Despite all efforts to expedite the work, the building was not completed before 1946.
The church stands on high ground and its elevated terrace offers a charming view of the fertile fields and of the neighbouring hillsides. Several old homesteads still exist in the narrow streets around the church. Modern buildings and a housing estate are new additions to the village.
[edit] Signor di Mugiarro
The extant of the title was the lands of Mgarr today, which was inherited by the Inguanez and Falsone families until it was incorporated by the descendants of the Inguanez and split between their descendants. The title consisted with lands around Mgarr with was split up with descendants. The Vassallo family held the title from the 15th century until it was nominated to the elder daughter and her descendants. Though never presented to the British Royal Commission in the study of Maltese nobility as the title was based on Italian origins. Today the title holder of Signor di Mgiarro is Principe Giuseppe Said as the senior heir to the ancient lordship of Mgarr (sives Migarro).
- Title: Signores di Mugiarro
- Created: 1442
- To: Antonio Inguanez, Barone di Ghariexem e Tabia, Signore di Saccaya e San Giorgio.
- By: Kingdom of Sicily
- Remainder: His descendants in perpetuity
- Present holder: Principe Giuseppe Said, 18th Signore di Mugiarro
[edit] References
- Said Vassallo, C.M., Unpublished research papers.
- Said Vassallo, C.M.,Charles Said-Vassallo's Research site and Maltese Nobility web site.
- Montalto, J., "The Nobles of Malta-1530-1800", Midsea Books Ltd, Malta, 1980.
- Gauci, C.A.," The Genealogy and Heraldry of the Noble Families of Malta", Gulf Publishing Ltd, Malta, 1981.
- Freely, John., Jem Sultan : The Adventures Of A Captive Turkish Prince In Renaissance Europe. ISBN: 0007150679
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ Source: Census of Population and Housing 2005: Preliminary Report. National Statistics Office, Malta, 2006
[edit] External links
- http://www.mgarr.gov.mt/ - Mġarr local council
| edit | Local Councils of Malta |  |
|---|---|---|
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| Gozo Island | ||
| Fontana | Għajnsielem | Għarb | Għasri | Kerċem | Munxar | Nadur | Qala | Rabat (Victoria) | San Lawrenz | Sannat | Xagħra | Xewkija | Żebbuġ | ||
