Information
City: NaxxarCountry: Malta
Continent: Europe
Naxxar, Malta, Europe
Overview
Tucked into northern Malta, Naxxar charms visitors with centuries-old streets, honey-colored stone buildings, and views that seem to glow in the late-afternoon sun.One of the island’s oldest settlements, it blends traditional Maltese culture with fields still heavy with the scent of fresh soil and the energy of modern growth.With its hilltop views, rich history, and quiet streets, Naxxar’s prime location draws travelers looking to explore Malta.Naxxar’s story stretches back to ancient times, with traces of Roman-era life still found in the soil beneath its streets.People believe the name “Naxxar” comes from the Arabic word *nashara*, meaning “to spread” or “to scatter,” a nod to how small clusters of homes once fanned out across the hills during the Arab period.Naxxar began as a tiny farming village ringed by open fields, and its population swelled over the centuries, especially in the Middle Ages.Back then, it stayed rural-goats grazed on rocky slopes-yet it still held a place in Malta’s defense.When the Knights of St. John landed on the island in the 16th century, they reshaped Malta’s landscape, building sturdy stone fortifications and laying out new towns.During the Knights’ rule, Naxxar grew busier and more built up, with new churches, stone forts, and other sturdy buildings rising across the town.In the decades after World War II, it shifted quickly toward modern life, trading narrow dirt lanes for paved streets and electric lights.As the island grew busier with factories and city streets, Naxxar shifted into a residential town, its fields and farmhouses steadily replaced by rows of fresh-painted homes and new neighborhoods.Although the town has grown, it still holds onto its old-world charm-narrow stone streets and sun-faded shutters tell the story.Naxxar sits in Malta’s central-northern region, about 7 kilometers from Valletta and just 3 kilometers from the lively coastal town of St. Paul’s Bay.Perched in a handy spot on the island, it’s an easy launch point for trips to Malta’s beaches and inland hills.The town itself rests on mostly flat ground, where quiet streets meet open fields dotted with stone walls.Fields stretch out around Naxxar, the scent of tilled earth in the air, giving it a quiet, rural feel even though the city’s bustle is only minutes away.The town sits near the scenic Mellieha area and the northern coastline, where rolling fields meet the sea in sweeping views.One standout landmark is the Naxxar Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, a centerpiece of the town’s history and life.Built in the early 1600s, this Baroque-style church greets you with a grand stone façade, then draws you inside to frescoed ceilings, graceful statues, and carvings so fine they almost seem to lace the walls.The church, devoted to St. Peter and St. Paul-the town’s patron saints-buzzes with religious celebrations and lively festivals year-round, the bells ringing clear on summer evenings.Palazzo Parisio, among Naxxar’s most admired landmarks, is an elegant 18th-century palace that once served as the grand home of the noble Parisio family.The palace showcases Baroque architecture at its finest, with frescoes that spill across the ceilings, graceful rooms lit by tall windows, and gardens bursting with color.The palace and its gardens welcome visitors, offering a glimpse into Malta’s aristocratic past-strolling past carved stone archways, you can almost hear echoes of old soirées.The Naxxar Tower, or Torri Naxxar, rose in the 17th century under the Knights of St. John, standing guard as part of the island’s coastal defenses.Perched on a hilltop, the tower looks out over rolling fields and winding lanes, offering views that stretch for miles.It stands as a striking example of the era’s military architecture, a stone witness to Malta’s long struggle against pirates and invading forces.Just steps from Palazzo Parisio, the Naxxar Gardens unfold in neat, fragrant rows, adding a quiet grace to the town.Stroll through the gardens at your own pace, breathing in the scent of fresh leaves as you pass fountains and clusters of bright, ornamental blooms.Tucked in the town’s center, the gardens offer a quiet retreat where you can hear the soft rustle of leaves.Out on Naxxar’s rural edge, St. Mary’s Chapel stands small and graceful, a plain yet striking piece of Maltese religious architecture.It’s a calm, still place-perfect for anyone wanting to pause, think, or take in the rolling fields and stone walls of the countryside.Naxxar comes alive with tradition during its feasts, especially the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul in June.The feast bursts to life with a lively procession, bright fireworks cracking in the night air, and hometown celebrations that reveal Naxxar’s deep-rooted faith and close-knit pride.Like many Maltese towns, Naxxar comes alive during feast days with streets strung in bright lights, while the local band clubs fill the air with music; at the heart of it all, the Naxxar Band Club, “La Vittoria,” anchors the town’s cultural life.It puts together music concerts, lively street processions, and other cultural events that fill the air with energy.The band’s a fixture at local festivals, filling Naxxar’s streets with music that brightens the crowd’s mood.Once a farming town, Naxxar still carries its roots, with farmers harvesting fresh vegetables, olives, and other crops from sun‑warmed fields.Naxxar’s farming roots still shape its character-you can smell ripe tomatoes at the market or taste fresh pastizzi in a corner café-and over time, it’s grown from a quiet rural village into a bustling residential town.Over the years, housing demand in the area has climbed, and builders have responded with new neighborhoods and apartment blocks, some still smelling of fresh paint.Thanks to its central spot and old-world charm, the town draws both locals and expats looking for a place to settle.And with Naxxar’s centuries-old buildings and sun-warmed stone streets, it’s fast becoming a favorite stop for travelers.Crowds wander into town to admire its historic gems, from the grand Palazzo Parisio to the stone towers of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul.The town draws people who want a quieter break from the crowds yet still stay within easy reach of Malta’s busier spots, and in Naxxar, even with its steady growth, you can still find traces of its farming roots-like old stone walls edging small fields.Farming still goes on here, with rows of olive trees, fresh vegetables, and a mix of other crops growing in the fields.You can still see traces of this farming past in the rolling fields around town.Public transport’s easy here-Naxxar’s on Malta’s bus network, with regular routes to Valletta, Mosta, and nearby villages.You can reach the town easily by car, so it’s a handy base for exploring the rest of Malta, with the local health center in Naxxa just a short drive away.
Landmarks in naxxar
