Heritage Routes

The heritage tour of the core of Żejtun portrays the development of a typical Mediterranean community. At the same time it evokes a distinct Maltese character with local overtones. Żejtun itself represents the more prominent characteristics of the south of Malta.

In the old days the residents were sentinels against invasions which landed in the southern bays of the island. Because of this and the fact that they were furthest from Medina, the old capital, they developed an independent self-reliant spirit, often lauded in their impromptu folk singing, still prevalent today. The separate communities in the lower village (Bisqallin) and the upper village (Ħal Bisbut / Ħal Ġwann), with diverse mentalities still prevalent today, could not agree in the site of the new parish church in 1690.

In typical Żejtun fashion, agreement was reached to construct the new monumental church on a site in between and equidistant from the two old quarters, integrating them and providing the town with a new imposing, vibrant centre, which is today the focal point of the community of Żejtun.