| Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq | |
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| — City — | |
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Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Malta |
| Island | Malta Island |
| District | |
| Suburb of | Naxxar |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | |
| Population | |
| • Total | 1,250 |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | |
| Dialing code | 356 |
| Patron saint | |
| Day of festa | September 8 |
| Website | Official website |
Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is a small Maltese village situated between the limits of Madliena, Magħtab, Għargħur and Pembroke. The area is situated at the mouth of the island's longest valley called 'Wied il-Kbir'. The name Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq in Maltese can be translated to the meaning 'sea of pebbles' in English. It has a population of approximately 1250 people.
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Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is named after a long stretch of rocky coast characterised by a large number of pebbles and sharp rocks. The area was used as a camping site by British forces during the British colonial period of the islands.
Two century-old chapels are found in the area, one of which has been abandoned. A modern central parish church and Franciscan retreat house are also located in the village. Opposite Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is a marine entertainment centre which also has a dolphin show. Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq also contains a small number of bars and restaurants and a boy scout camping site.
The village was for much of the late twentieth century home to the White Rocks tourist complex. However, by the early 21st century this had fallen into disrepair and was no longer used. A proposal to convert the complex into a sports complex was announced by the Maltese government in 2010, but little progress had been made by June 2011.[1]
When Local Councils were established it was decided by central government that the village should form part of the Local Council of Naxxar. However the parish district of the town falls under the neighbouring Għargħur. In the last 15 years the land development increased by threefold and Maltese people continue to purchase and develop property in the area.
There has been a concern by local residents regarding the land exploitation and the environmental pollution caused,the illegal caravan campers and bathers occupying the beach area during the summer months. There is also concern about the pollution caused by the landfill situated in the nearby region of Maghtab which is still not sanitised, as well as by the newer Zwejra landfills situated above the neighbouring region of Maghtab.
The only sound mirror built outside of the UK is found near Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq at Magħtab. These buildings were sound early warning radar systems built before World War II.[2]
Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is located on the Triq il-Kosta (Coast Road), Triq Tal-Madliena (Madliena Road) andTriq Sant' Andrija (St Andrew's Road).
The village is served by three bus routes linking it to Valletta, Sliema and Buġibba.[3]