Birkirkara Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Birkirkara, located in the Ċentrali region of Malta, is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as one of the largest towns on the island, Birkirkara boasts a rich history that dates back to ancient times.

One of the must-visit attractions in Birkirkara is the beautiful St. Helen's Basilica. This magnificent church, built in the 18th century, is a true architectural marvel. Its stunning interior features intricate designs, stunning frescoes, and awe-inspiring sculptures. Visitors can explore the church and learn about its rich history, making it a perfect destination for those seeking cultural immersion.

For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Ta' Qali National Park is a must. This sprawling park offers a serene escape from the bustling city life, with its lush greenery, picturesque landscapes, and tranquil atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll through the park and enjoy the fresh air, or have a picnic with your loved ones amidst the breathtaking surroundings.

History buffs will also find plenty to explore in Birkirkara. The town is home to several historical sites, including the Old Railway Station, which was once a crucial part of Malta's transportation system. Take a step back in time as you wander through this well-preserved station and imagine the hustle and bustle of the past.

Birkirkara is also known for its vibrant local market, known as the Monti. This bustling marketplace offers a wide array of goods, from fresh produce to local crafts. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, interact with friendly locals, and sample some of the delicious traditional Maltese delicacies.

As the sun sets, Birkirkara comes alive with its vibrant nightlife. The town is home to a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants, offering something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a glass of wine or a lively venue to dance the night away, Birkirkara has it all.

Alternative names: Population: 24.4 thous. (2019)Area: 1.04 mi²Elevation: 135 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 35°53'52"N, 14°27'48"E

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ĊentraliMalta

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Birkirkara Top Attractions

Birkirkara Attractions - What to See and Explore

Birkirkara offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Wignacourt Aqueduct, St Helen's Basilica, Parish Church of St. Mary, Wignacourt Arch. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Aqueduct
Wignacourt Aqueduct
The Wignacourt Aqueduct is a 17th-century aqueduct in Malta, which was built by the Order of Saint John to carry water from springs in Dingli and Rabat to the newly built capital city Valletta.
Church
St Helen's Basilica
St Helen's Basilica is an 18th-century Roman Catholic church situated in Birkirkara, Malta. It is built on the baroque design by Salvu Borg and built by Mason Domenico Cachia.
Church
Parish Church of St. Mary
The Parish Church of Saint Mary, commonly known as il-Knisja l-Qadima is a Roman Catholic parish church in Birkirkara, Malta, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. It was built in the 17th century, and it has a Renaissance design attributed to the architects Vittorio Cassar and Tommaso Dingli.

Baroque architecture • Arch
Wignacourt Arch
The Wignacourt Arch known as the Fleur-De-Lys Gate is an ornamental arch located on the boundary between Fleur-de-Lys and Santa Venera, Malta.
Church
Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a Roman Catholic parish church in Fleur-de-Lys, a suburb of Birkirkara, Malta. It was built by the Carmelites between 1945 and 1946 and it became a parish church in 1975.
Church
Annunciation Church
The Parish Church of the Annunciation is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the village of Balzan, Malta.
Area
Santa Venera
Santa Venera is a town in the Central Region of Malta, with a population of around 6,932. It is located between the towns of Birkirkara and Ħamrun, and it also borders Qormi and Msida.
Church
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tal-Ħerba
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tal-Ħerba is a Roman Catholic church in Birkirkara, Malta, dedicated to the Nativity of Mary. It was constructed at various stages between the early 17th century and the 1920s, on the site of an earlier church which had existed since at least 1575.
Church • Vernacular architecture
Villa Lauri
Villa Lauri is an early 20th-century Neoclassical townhouse in Birkirkara, Malta. The villa was built as a private family residence. Part of the property is privately owned, while most of it belongs to the Roman Catholic Church.
Church
Church of St. Alphonse Liguori
The Church of St Alphonse Liguori is a Roman Catholic church in Birkirkara, Malta. It was operated by the Discalced Carmelites, and was dedicated to Saint Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori.
Windmill
Ta' Ganu Windmill
Ta' Ganu Windmill is an eighteenth century windmill in Birkirkara, Malta. It was built in 1724 by the António Manoel de Vilhena Foundation. "Maħlut", the alternative name also used for it historically, is the Maltese word for a mixture of wheat and hops used for making bread.
Tower
Lija Belvedere Tower
The Lija Belvedere Tower, officially Torri Belvedere, is a belvedere in Lija, Malta. It was built in the 19th century as a folly within a private garden, and it is now located on a roundabout.
Tower
Birkirkara Tower
The Birkirkara Tower, also known as Għar il-Ġobon Tower, is a tower in Birkirkara, Malta. Its date of construction is not known, but it is believed to date back to around the mid or late 16th century.
Area
Balzan
Balzan is a municipality in the Central Region of Malta, one of the so-called three villages, together with Attard and Lija. The village originally consisted of a group of small dwellings and farms but eventually grew, becoming a parish in the 17th century.
Baroque architecture • Palace
Villa Francia
Villa Francia, initially named as Palazzo Francia, then named as Villa Preziosi, and officially known as Palazzo Francia and Francia Estate, is an 18th-century palace in Lija, Malta.
Village • Area
Lija
Lija is a small village in the Central Region of Malta. It forms part of the Three villages of Malta, along with Attard and Balzan. Lija has a baroque parish church and seven other small chapels. The parish church is dedicated to Our Saviour.
Baroque architecture • Church
Our Saviour's Church
Our Saviour's Church or more formally The Parish Church of the Transfiguration of Jesus is a Roman Catholic Baroque Parish church located in the village of Lija, Malta.
Tower
Tal-Wejter Tower
Tal-Wejter Tower is a tower in Birkirkara, Malta, which was built in the early 18th century by the Order of Saint John. It is also known locally as it-Torri tal-Misħun, a reference to its machicolations which are known as galleriji tal-misħun in Maltese.

Day trips

Birkirkara – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Birkirkara, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Blue Grotto, Saint John's Co-Cathedral (Valletta), Popeye Village (Mellieħa).

5.3 miS
Caverns in scenic, coastal surrounds
Blue Grotto
Nestled on the coast of the island of Malta, the Blue Grotto is a stunning natural wonder that has captivated visitors for centuries. This complex of sea caves, located near the village of Wied iz-Zurrieq in the southern part of the island, is renowned for its dazzling...
2.8 miE
16th-century high baroque cathedral
Saint John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta
Nestled in the heart of Valletta, Malta's capital city, Saint John's Co-Cathedral stands as a remarkable testament to Baroque architecture and the rich religious heritage of the island. Built between 1572 and 1577, the cathedral was commissioned by the Knights of St.
8.1 miNW
Theme park and former 'Popeye' film set
Popeye Village, Mellieħa
Nestled in the picturesque city of Mellieħa, Malta, Popeye Village holds a special place in the hearts of visitors and film enthusiasts alike. Originally constructed as the film set for the 1980 musical production "Popeye," starring Robin Williams, this charming...
5 miS
Ancient temple ruins dating from 3200 BC
Ħaġar Qim, Qrendi
Nestled in the rugged landscape of Qrendi, Malta, the prehistoric temple complex of Ħaġar Qim stands as a testament to the island's rich and enigmatic history. This megalithic site, dating back to approximately 3600-3200 BC, is one of the most remarkable...
6.3 miS
Theme park, Amusement park
Playmobil Funpark, Żurrieq
The Playmobil FunPark in Żurrieq, Malta, offers a unique adventure for families and children who are fans of the iconic Playmobil toy figures. This park is not just a playground but an interactive experience where children can immerse themselves in a world built...