Senglea
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Three Cities of Malta | |
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| Cospicua - Vittoriosa - Senglea |
| Senglea | |
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 Coat of arms |
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Motto: Città Invicta (Belt Qatt Mirbuħa) |
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| Official name: | Senglea |
| Inhabitants' name: | Senglean (m), Sengleana (f), Sengleani (pl) |
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| Latitude: | 35°53 '16" N |
| Longitude: | 14°31 '1" E |
| Area: | 0.2km² |
| Population total: | 3,074 |
| Population density: | 19,234/km² |
| Borders: | Cospicua |
| Patron saint: | Maria Bambina; Christ the Redeemer |
| Day of festa: | September 8; Third Sunday of June |
| Mayor: | Joseph Casha (MLP) |
| Website: | islalocalcouncil.com/ |
Senglea is a fortified city in the east of Malta, mainly in the Grand Harbour area. It is one of the Three Cities, with the other two being Cospicua and Vittoriosa. The city of Senglea is also called Citta Invicta, because it managed to resist the Ottoman invasion at the Great Siege of 1565. The proper name is Senglea since the grandmaster who built it Claude De La Sengle, gave this city a part of his name.
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[edit] History
The island was in fact joined by a landbridge to Cospicua during the time of the Knights of St. John and as a result, it became peninsular in shape. During the time of the Knights of St. John, Senglea was also used as a hunting area, and was in fact known as L'Isola di San Giuliano, but later it was developed and made inhabitable by the Grand Master, Claude de la Sengle who built fortifications following a Turkish invasion in 1551. The locality eventually became known as Senglea but retained its old name Isla.
[edit] Culture
Senglea is particularly famous for the miraculous statue of Jesus Christ The Redeemer (Ir-Redentur ta` l-Isla), located in the oratory of the basilica which is dedicated to the birth of the Virgin Mary (Marija Bambina).
Senglea also has a statue dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, which is often referred to as Il Madonna Tan-Nofs, literally meaning "Our Lady Of The Centre". It was originally erected in the city center during the time of the plague, as gratitude, for being the only town not contaminated.
We must not forget the local band club, currently named "Socjeta Filarmonika La Vincitrice". The society recently changed the band name to its former name , with the last being "Queen's Own Band Club". The local band can be seen especially during the feast of Senglea. The band also has an important role in the Good Friday procession and Easter celebrations. Lastly the band also plays xmas carols during the procession organised by the M.U.S.E.U.M on Xmas Eve. The band is currently directed by Mro Brian Cassar, who is mainly a product of the same society.
[edit] Population
With an area of just over half a square mile, it is Malta's smallest locality. It is also its most densely populated. It currently hosts around 3,500 people (1995 census). At the turn of the century, Senglea had more than 8200 people, making it the most densely populated town in Europe. At the time, Senglea, as well as Cospicua, were the centre of Malta's elite and intelligentsia. The Second World War rapidly altered its social structure as many left to take refuge in outlying towns and countryside, never to return. In recent years, rehabilitation of the Cottonera Waterfront as a yacht marina has spurred a lot of interest from foreign expatriates and businessmen. This resulted in the renovation of various quaint and charming houses and a considerable appreciation of real estate in this city.
[edit] Band Clubs
Socjeta Filarmonika 'LA VINCITRICE' AD 1871.
[edit] Isla Main Roads
- Misraħ il-Papa Benedittu XV (Pope Benedict XV Square)
- Misraħ l-4 ta' Settembru (4th September Square)
- Triq il-31 ta' Marzu (31st March Street)
- Triq il-Monsinjur Panzavecchia (Mgr. Panzavecchia Street)
- Triq il-Vitorja (Victory Street)
- Triq it-Tarzna (Shipbuilding Street)
- Triq Mattei (Mattei Street)
- Triq San Pawl (St. Paul Street)
- Xatt Juan B.Azzopardi (Juan B.Azzopardi Strand)
[edit] Gallery
 A view of Senglea from the Grand Harbour |
 Senglea Point |
 Gardjola Garden |
 The Gardjola, Senglea |
[edit] External links
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