On a bright but breezy Saturday at the end of January, my husband and I drove to Isla to take some photos of this town that we rarely visit. Isla (also known as Senglea) is a maritime town that is Malta's smallest locality and the second most densely populated area on the island. It is located on a long and narrow strip of land that juts out into Grand Harbour and points, like an accusing finger, at Valletta. Entrance to Isla is through Senglea Gate. The town has around 4 streets along its length that are criss-crossed by a number of smaller roads. Located at the tip of Isla is a small garden that has magnificent views of Grand Harbour, Valletta and neighbouring Birgu. Isla came under heavy bombardment during the Second World War due to its proximity to the docks. On 16th January 1941, a blitz by the Luftwaffe on HMS Illustrious left around twenty people dead and devastated many of the town's buildings. As a result, Isla is made up of pre-war era buildings, some of then dating back to the late 1500s, and a large proportion, including the parish church, that were rebuilt after the war.
So, after that short introduction, let's take a walk around Isla.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Nativity, that was re-inaugurated in 1957, is just a few paces away from Senglea Gate.
To the right of the small square, side streets overlook the Vittoriosa Yacht Marina and Birgu.
The Church of St Philip, dating to 1690, is located at the end of the main thoroughfare, Victory Street.
A road to the right of this small church leads to the Gardjola Gardens.
The main attraction of Gardjola Gardens is the breath-taking view of the natural harbour that made Malta such a sought-after location from antiquity.
To the left of the garden exti is a short light of steps leading to two small tunnels . This is probably the most iconic area in all of Isla.
I mean, who wouldn't want to wake up to this view?
I hope you enjoyed this little tour but, before ending, I wanted to share Isla's most quirky and colourful street.
Hello Loree, Apparently walls really do have ears! What is on the other sides of that hexagonal building?
ReplyDelete--Jim
I LOVE THE Colored DOORS or were they windows in the photo taken from a far!
ReplyDeleteYOU do a VERY GOOD job of showing us "TOURISTS" around the ISLAND!
Love the history and the YES I would say A WANT A BE MERMAID LIVES THERE!
XXX
Stunning colours, Loree! And the ear is rather an eye catcher :)
ReplyDeleteThe harbor view is magical. Beautiful photos, living there, I imagine, must feel like being on a never ending vacation. The carved ear on the tower is precious. lol
ReplyDeleteLoree what a gorgeous place. I have never seen a sky or water so blue. One can sense the wonderful history that echoes through the streets of such beauty. I would so love to visit this place. Thank you always for sharing your wonderful photos. Hugs!
ReplyDelete@Jim: the same same shapes are repeated. In this case, yes, walls certainly do have ears.
ReplyDelete@Elizabeth: they are doors. The buildings used to be warehouses but now they have been restored and are used as shops and restaurants.
@Pipistrello: yes, that ear really draws the eye.
@Salty Pumpkin: it would feel like a vacation if we didn't have to work :) But most days, life has to go on and we just go about our daily routine.
@Debbie: Isla is a place with a lot of history. My first piano teacher was from this town and she would recount all sorts of ghost stories.