San Ġwann () is a town in the Northern Region of Malta, with a population of 14,244 as of 2021. Prior to its establishment as a distinct municipality, it was a fragmented community comprising parts of Birkirkara and St. Julian's. San Ġwann emerged as a new parish in 1965 and was officially recognised as a town in 1968. San Ġwann Council was elected on 16 April 1994.
The population of San Ġwann was 15,882 in July 2024. This included 8,380 males and 7,502 females; 10,903 Maltese nationals and 4,979 foreign nationals.
These cart ruts imply that the region once supported an agricultural community that cultivated the fertile valleys of Wied Għomor, Wied il-Ballut, and Wied Għollieqa. The early inhabitants may have utilized natural caves in the vicinity for shelter. In addition to these cart ruts, megalithic stone blocks found in Wied Għomor suggest the presence of a Neolithic structure.
Previous Legislations
First Legislation: 1994–1997
- Mayor: Antoine Cesareo (Mayor 1994-1996), Tony C. Cutajar (Mayor 1997)
- Deputy Mayor: Paula Fleri Soler
- Councillors: Emanuel k/a Wally Farrugia, Tony C. Cutajar, Charles Burlo, Violet Bajada, Victor Xuereb, Anthony Mifsud, Ronald Burgess
- Executive Secretary: George Bonello
Second Legislation: 1997–2000
- Mayor: Helen Fenech
- Deputy Mayor: Louis Borg
- Councillors: Etienne Bonello DuPuis, Tony C. Cutajar, Antoine Cesareo, Victor Xuereb, Violet Bajada, Helen Fenech, Joseph Mary Gauci, Ronald Burgess
- Executive Secretary: Marisa Pisani
Third Legislation: 2000–2003
- Mayor: Helen Fenech (PN)
- Deputy Mayor: Tony C. Cutajar (PN)
- Councillors: Julian Spiteri (PN), Rene` Savona Ventura (PL), Victor Xuereb (PL), Kurt Guillaumier (PN), Emanuel k/a Wally Farrugia (PL), Violet Bajada (PL), Etienne Bonello DuPuis (PN)
- Executive Secretary: Marisa Pisani
Fourth Legislation: 2003–2006
- Mayor: Kurt Guillaumier (PN)
- Deputy Mayor: Etienne Bonello DuPuis (PN)
- Councillors: Emanuel k/a Wally Farrugia (PL), Marica Bayliss (PN), Joseph Borg (PL), Dominic Cassar (PN), Anthony Mifsud Bonnici (PL), Victor Xuereb (PL), George k/a Neville Mallia (PN)
- Executive Secretary: Josef Grech
Fifth Legislation: 2006–2009
- Mayor: Joseph Bog (Mayor 2006 – 2008, resigned 2008) (PL), Rene` Savona Ventura (2008) (PL)
- Deputy Mayor: Rene` Savona Ventura (2006-2008) (PL), Keith Grima (2008) (PL)
- Councillors: George k/a Neville Mallia (PN), Marica Bayliss (PN), Simon Saliba (PN), Violet Bajada (PL), Etienne Bonello DuPuis (PN), Kurt Guillaumier (PN), Malcom Dimech (Casual Election 2008) (PL)
- Executive Secretary: Josef Grech
Sixth Legislation: 2009–2013
- Mayor: Joseph Agius (PN)
- Deputy Mayor: Etienne Bonello DuPuis (PN)
- Councillors: Anthony Mifsud Bonnici (PL), Rita Saliba (PL), Violet Bajada (PL), Joan Farrugia (PL), Marica Bayliss (PN), George k/a Neville Mallia (PN), David Dalli (PN)
- Executive Secretary: Adrian Mifsud
Seventh Legislation: 2013–2019
- Mayor: Etienne Bonello DuPuis (PN)
- Deputy Mayor: Marica Bayliss (PN)
- Councillors: Mikhail Micallef (PN), Joan Farrugia (PL), Malcolm Abdilla (PL), Rita Saliba (PL), Dominic Cassar (PN), Trevor Fenech (PL), Neville Mallia (PN)
- Executive Secretary: Kurt Guillaumier
Eighth Legislation: 2019–2024
- Mayor: Trevor Fenech (PL)
- Deputy Mayor: Anthony Mifsud Giordani (PL)
- Councillors: David Dalli (PN), Joan Farrugia (PL), Tania Borg (PL), Joe Aquilina (PN), Dominic Cassar (PN), Violet Bajada (PL), Etienne Bonello DuPuis (PN)
- Executive Secretary: Kurt Guillaumier
Current Legislation
Ninth Legislation: 2024–
- Mayor: Dominic Cassar (PN)
- Deputy Mayor: Pauline Vella Critien (PN)
- Councillors: Trevor Fenech (PL), Javier Caruana (PL), Norbert Dalli (PN), Joan Farrugia (PL), Anthony Mifsud Bonnici (PL), Noel Dimech (PN), Claire Calleja Zammit (PL), Carmelo Pace Taliana (PN), Salvu Debono (PN)
- Executive Secretary: Kurt Guillaumier
Inauguration of a new anthem
At the initiative of the parish priest, Fr Bertrand Vella, the newly composed hymn Innu San Ġwann (Imsieraħ) was introduced and performed for the first time on Saturday, 28 September 2024, at the Parish Church of Our Lady Mary of Lourdes, San Ġwann. This event marked a significant milestone for the community, serving as a profound expression of the locality's cultural and spiritual identity.
The hymn's lyrics were authored by Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap, a native of San Ġwann, while the musical composition was crafted by Mro Raymond Storace, the Choir Master of the local Parish Church. Their collaboration resulted in a piece that embodies the essence and heritage of the locality.
The inaugural performance was graced by the presence of the Mayor and Councilors of San Ġwann, together with parishioners and residents, who came together to celebrate this moment of unity. The hymn was performed by the Our Lady of Lourdes - San Ġwann Parish Choir, under the direction of Mro Raymond Storace, filling the church with a deep sense of reverence and joy.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Official Maltese Lyrics:
!English Translation:
|-
|Raħal bi storja qadima
Li tmur lura fi żminijiet,
Kemm fis-skiet seħħlek li torbot
Ġnus u popli taħt is-smewwiet.
L-arja friska li sawritek
Tant siġar żejnuk lejl u nhar,
Sbuħitek ħilet id-dgħajjef
Ħlewwitek tħeġġeġ daqs in-nar.
Ritornell:
Int Imsieraħ ilkoll insejħulek
Mimlija bl-imħabba fil-qlub,
Int għallimtna ngħixu t'aħwa
Għalhekk lilek qlubna jħobbuk.
Taħt il-ħarsien ta' Ommna Marija
Nitgħallmu ngħixu ta' wlied,
Ta' Alla li hu Missierna
U bit-talb ta' Ġwanni l-Għammied.
Għajnuna, rispett u mħabba
F'qalbek jinstabu fil-milja,
O raħal tagħna ibnina
Fl-isbaħ u fl-aqwa familja.
Imsieraħ ħannieqa mżewqa
B'kulturi w reliġjonijiet,
Agħllimna ngħixu lkoll bejnietna
Fis-sliem qalb kotra ta' fehmiet.
Ritornell:
Int Imsieraħ ilkoll insejħulek
Mimlija bl-imħabba fil-qlub,
Int għallimtna ngħixu t'aħwa
Għalhekk lilek qlubna jħobbuk.
Taħt il-ħarsien ta' Ommna Marija
Nitgħallmu ngħixu ta' wlied,
Ta' Alla li hu Missierna
U bit-talb ta' Ġwanni l-Għammied.
|A village with a history so old
Going back to past times,
Silently it managed to connect
Nations, peoples under the heavens.
The air so fresh, shaped you
The trees adorned you day and night,
Your beauty comforted the weak
And your sweetness a kindling flame.
Chorus:
Imsieraħ, we do call you
Love abounding from our hearts,
As you taught us to live as kin
The reason why our hearts love you.
Under the protection of Mother Mary
As children, we learn to live,
Of God, who is our Father
And prayers of John the Baptist.
Help, respect, and love
In abundance fill your heart,
Build us, O village of ours
Into the most beautiful, united family.
Imsieraħ, an embracing haven
With cultures and religions adorned,
Teach us to live amongst each other
In peace amidst different opinions.
Chorus:
Imsieraħ, we do call you
Love abounding from our hearts,
As you taught us to live as kin
The reason why our hearts love you.
Under the protection of Mother Mary
As children, we learn to live,
Of God, who is our Father
And prayers of John the Baptist.
|}
National monuments
- Tal-Mensija Cart Ruts
These Cart Ruts are prehistoric marks carved into natural rock formations. They are believed to date back to the Bronze Age and provide evidence of early transportation and agricultural practices in the area.
thumb|Torri ta' Ċieda
- Torri ta' Ċieda (Ta' Ċieda Roman Tower)
The Punic-Roman tower in San Ġwann, Malta, is a historical structure whose origins are shrouded in mystery. While the exact date of its construction is uncertain, it is suggested that the tower may have predated Roman times and could potentially have Punic origins, with later Roman adaptations. During the medieval period, under the Muslim Caliphate, the site was used as a cemetery. After the Muslims' expulsion from Malta, a church dedicated to St. Helen was constructed on the site.
Today, approximately one-third of the tower remains, though it is in a neglected state. The tower is part of a network of defensive structures built to protect against sea invasions. Eight coastal towers are believed to have existed in Malta and none on the nearby island of Gozo, with six identified as Punic-Roman tower. Nearby, the remains of a rural villa, including a cistern and Roman wall, can also be found.
thumb|Ir-Razzett ta' Xindi
- Ir-Razzett ta' Xindi (Ta' Xindi Farmhouse)
An 18th-century farmhouse in San Ġwann, Malta, originally built during the Order of St. John, has undergone various adaptations over the centuries. Constructed as a farmhouse, it served this purpose for approximately two hundred years in the suburb of Kappara. During the brief French occupation of Malta, the building gained historical significance when it was used as the headquarters for the Maltese resistance, known as the Għorghar Rise, led by its owner, Vincenzo Borg. A commemorative plaque installed on the façade during the British period honours Borg's role in the revolt.
The farmhouse came into national prominence when it was mentioned by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, in the Maltese Parliament, leading to its scheduling as a protected site by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority. Today, the building, which is privately owned, has been refurbished and is used as a residential home. It is recognised as a national cultural monument, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.
thumb|250x250px|Castello Lanzun
- Castello Lanzun (Lanzun Tower)
The distinguished example of traditional Maltese vernacular architecture and an important medieval building dating back to the 15th century. Originally built as a farmhouse, it is linked to the legend of the Mensija cave-church. The residence, also known as "it-Torri ta' Lanzun" or "Castle of the Lance," acquired its name from Vincenzo 'Wenzu' Lanzun, a wealthy merchant from Birgu who purchased and fortified the property in the 17th century. Lanzun used the farmhouse to quarantine himself and his surviving son during the devastating plague epidemic of 1676, which claimed the lives of his wife and three children.
Located on the edge of the Mensija area in San Ġwann, Malta, Castello Lanzun stands on Triq is-Santwarju, across from the Mensija sanctuary cave-chapel. Its elevated position offers panoramic views of St. George's Bay, St. Julian's Bay, Spinola Bay, and Valletta, making it ideal for monitoring approaching threats. Fortified in 1713 by Lanzun to defend against pirate raids, it later served as a hunting lodge for the Grand Master of the Order of St. John and, during World War II, as an observation post. Today, the building, which was restored in the 1970s, includes a small, active chapel and continues to be the headquarters for the Malta-Paris obedience of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem.
- Rural Structure with WWII Observation Post
The World War II observation post on Emvin Cremona Street in San Ġwann has sparked controversy due to its integration into a new apartment complex. Initially constructed by the Royal Engineers, this bomb-proof structure, characterised by its ashlar masonry walls and vernacular roof, was a crucial part of Malta's wartime defense system. Heritage Malta has highlighted it as an integral element of the island's historical fortifications.
Recent developments have led to public outcry as the observation post has been overshadowed by the new building, which many residents and history enthusiasts feel diminishes the site's historical value. Concerns about the structure's preservation emerged in 2016 when it was discovered that developers had omitted it from their initial plans. The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage intervened, ensuring that the historical site was acknowledged in the revised project plans.thumb|Eternal Column by Paul Vella Critien|181x181px
- Kolonna Eterna (Eternal Column by Paul Vella Critien)
Also known as the Millennium Monument, is a striking 21st-century column located in San Ġwann, Malta. Designed by Maltese artist Paul Vella Critien, who honed his craft in Italy and Australia, the column stands as a commemoration of the third millennium. Inaugurated in 2003 by Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami, the monument was part of a local initiative by the San Ġwann Local Council.
The column, situated in front of the Santa Margerita Chapel, gained national attention due to its abstract design, which some commentators have noted resembles a phallic symbol. Despite this, it remains a prominent feature of the local landscape and a testament to the millennium celebrations.
Squares, gardens and other notable places
Gardens
- Ġnien Karin Grech (Karin Grech Garden)
thumb|right|200px|[[Karin Grech Garden]]Karin Grech Garden is also known as Karin Grech Playing Field, located on Vjal ir-Riħan in San Ġwann, Malta, is dedicated to Karin Grech, a victim of a letter bomb attack. Prior to its transformation into a public garden in 1981, the site was characterized by natural vegetation and served as agricultural land from Roman times until the mid-20th century. The establishment of the garden responded to a growing demand for recreational spaces due to San Ġwann's expanding population. It was the first urban public garden in the locality, providing essential green space, and remains a cherished area for the community despite the development of additional gardens in San Ġwann.
The present design of the garden is a modest design. The playing field was last refurbished by the San Ġwann Local Council who took care to adapt it with contextual modernisation.
- Ġnien id-Dakkara (Pollinator Garden)
A previously neglected 1,000-square-metre area on the outskirts of San Ġwann has been rejuvenated into a vibrant public garden dedicated to the crucial role of pollination and the Maltese honeybee. This transformation, known as Pollinator Garden, was spearheaded by the San Ġwann council and Project Green. Situated off Tal-Balal road, the garden is conveniently located within a short walk from the homes of approximately 570 families in the area.
It features a variety of high-pollen trees and shrubs designed to attract and support bee populations. Notable plantings include 92 trees and 276 shrubs, such as cypress, carob, chaste, fan palms, oak, and jacaranda trees, as well as aromatic herbs that enhance pollination. The garden also boasts honeybee enclosures, creating a sanctuary for bees and offering visitors an educational experience about the importance of the Maltese honeybee.
Convents and Parish Centre
- Kunvent tal-Aħwa Minuri Kapuċċini (Convent of the Minor Capuchin Brothers)
Alongside the church, work began on constructing a convent dedicated to the Capuchin friars. The land for this project was generously donated by Joseph Borg and his son Felic. By 15 September 1950, the ground floor of the convent was completed and served as a temporary chapel where the Blessed Sacrament was solemnly transferred from the Chapel of San Ġwann ta' l-Għarghar. The convent, which supports the spiritual and community work of the parish, has been a vital part of the religious life in San Ġwann.
Architecturally, this late medieval chapel is rectangular with a cubic exterior, typical of Maltese vernacular architecture. It features a modest façade with a small parvis, two stone water spouts on each side, and a small west-facing doorway with a square clerestory window providing the only natural light to the interior. Inside, the chapel has four internal arches supporting a double-pitched roof of stone slabs covered in deffun (traditional Maltese roofing material) and a bell cot above the window, a later addition. Adjacent to the chapel is a small sacristy with a distinctive star-shaped air vent.
The church, with its modest interior featuring two altars and a Via Crucis, underwent significant changes and restorations over the centuries, including a major update in the 1930s by sculptor Luigi Micallef. The large statue of Our Lady of the Annunciation on the church's parvis originally stood in Ħal Balzan parish church. Today, the Mensija Sanctuary remains a vibrant place of devotion, with the Capuchin Fathers conducting services and celebrating the feast of St. Leonard, while the site continues to be adorned with numerous ex-votos.
The chapel features a titular painting of Saint Philip and Saint James, attributed to the Maltese painter Gannikol Buhagiar. Locally known as Tal-Propostu (of the Provost) Chapel, it has undergone significant restoration, part of the Local Councils 2022 scheme, aiming to preserve the chapel's historical heritage and reinforce the community's pride in their historical landmarks.
- Grupp Kariżmatiku (Charismatic group)
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement began in Malta in May 1975. In the parish of San Ġwann, there are currently two charismatic prayer groups. The initial group was informally established at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Minsija on 4 May 1986, and quickly evolved into a charismatic group. Following the "Little Mission" held in the parish in October of the same year, two additional prayer groups were formed—one in Kappara and the other in Monte Rosa. These groups eventually united under a single charismatic movement.
A more successful attempt began in 1966 under the initiative of Fr. Mario Azzopardi OFMCap. A committee was formed, and music lessons commenced with conductor Carmelo Schembri. The band was officially named 'Għaqda Mużikali Madonna ta' Lourdes' on 5 May 1967. A ceremony to bless the band's standard and banner was conducted by Fr. Fortunato Pulè OFMCap, the Provincial of the Capuchin Friars at the time. The band was officially registered with the Malta Band Clubs Association on 4 November 1967. In 1975, following the parish feast, a third attempt was made to revive the band. A new committee was established, and it performed for the first time on the eve of the 1976 feast but disbanded shortly thereafter.
- Monreale, Italy
- Caraman, France