Marsa, Malta
| Marsa Il-Kunsill Lokali tal-Marsa Port | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Local council | |||
| Il-Marsa | |||
 | |||
| |||
 | |||
| Coordinates: 35°53′0″N 14°29′41″E / 35.88333°N 14.49472°ECoordinates: 35°53′0″N 14°29′41″E / 35.88333°N 14.49472°E | |||
| Country |
 Malta | ||
| Island | Malta | ||
| Borders | Floriana, Ħamrun, Luqa, Paola, Qormi | ||
| Government | |||
| • Deputy Mayor | Josef Azzopardi (PL) | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 2.8 km2 (1.1 sq mi) | ||
| Population (Nov 2005) | |||
| • Total | 5,344 | ||
| • Density | 1,900/km2 (4,900/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym | Marsi (m), Marsija (f), Marsin (pl) | ||
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | ||
| Postal code | MRS | ||
| Dialing code | 356 | ||
| Patron saint | Maria Regina; Holy Trinity | ||
| Day of festa | last Sunday of August; First Sunday of June | ||
| Website | Official website | ||
Marsa (or Il-Marsa) is a town in the Grand Harbour area of Malta, with a population of 5,389 people as of November 2005. The name Marsa means "the harbour".[1]
History
Marsa is located on the Marsa Creek, a body of water formed by the flow of water from wadis in high ground nearby to the sea. The creek includes the Grand Harbour which the town is based on. A port was first established at Marsa by the Phonecians. Remains of Roman constructions have been found close to the town. It is thought a foundry of the Order of the Knights of St. John may have been located at Marsa.[1]
During the Siege of Malta in 1565, Marsa was used as a camp by troops of the Ottoman Empire. Following their defeat, Marsa became a barony containing a number of vineyards.[1]
In the 17th century a historical museum, the Museo di San Giacomo, was located at Marsa. This was created when Giovanni Francesco Abela converted his house into a museum and was the first of its type on Malta. Many of its artefacts are now held at the National Museum of Archaeology in Malta's capital city Valletta.[1]
A new port was constructed in the 1860s under the rule of the British Empire. It was intended that a town would be built at the site under the name Albert Town, named after Prince Albert. By 1890 the town had a population of over 600 people, but it was later abandoned. A new town at the site emerged in the 20th century, taking the name Marsa after the creek.[1]
In July 2009 a plan to regenerate the harbour area was announced. This is intended to turn the site into a recreational area and is planned include the construction of a marina with space for 170 boats.[2]
Facilities
Marsa is home to the Malta Shipyards. It also houses one of the two power stations which provide most of the electricity to the Maltese Islands.[1]
Marsa Race Track, a one-kilometre long horse racing track, was constructed in 1868 and remains in use.[3]
International relations
Twin towns – Sister cities
Marsa is twinned with:
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Marsa Local Council - Town at a Crossroad: History of Marsa
- ↑ "Marsa menqa regeneration plan unveiled". The Times of Malta. 3 July 2009. Retrieved 26 February 2011.
- ↑ Richards, Brian (2008). Malta. New Holland Publishers. p. 27. ISBN 1845373618.
- ↑ "Bridgwater Twinning Association". Bridgwater Town Council. Retrieved 2013-07-18.
External links
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