This central Maltese town is known for its large Basilica and daily market selling fresh local produce. Located near Malta International Airport with good transport links.
Birkirkara, Malta's second-largest city with 24,356 residents, lies in a valley at the heart of the main island. You'll find the massive St Helen's Basilica with its 1932 bell, walk past the stone arches of the 1610 Wignacourt Aqueduct, and discover the Ta' Ganu Windmill from the 1700s. The city's older neighborhoods have traditional Maltese houses with wooden balconies painted in bright colors, while newer areas contain modern apartments and townhouses.
Getting Around Birkirkara
You can reach Birkirkara easily from anywhere in Malta. Take bus routes 41, 42, 43, 54, or X3 from Valletta's main terminal. The X3 bus connects directly to Malta International Airport in Luqa. The city's main streets link to a major bypass, putting you within 10 minutes of St. Julians, Sliema, and other major towns.
St Helen's Basilica and Religious Life
The baroque St Helen's Basilica, completed in 1727, has Malta's largest church bell, installed in 1932. Each August, locals celebrate the feast of St Helen with a morning procession. Between 8:00 and 10:45, participants carry a wooden statue carved by Salvu Psaila through the streets.
Historical Buildings and Streets
The Ta' Ganu Windmill on Naxxar Road dates to the early 18th century, when Grandmaster Antonio Manoel de Vilhena ruled Malta. The Old Railway Station building now sits in a public garden, marking where Malta's single-track railway connected Valletta to Rabat until 1931. The 16-kilometer Wignacourt Aqueduct from 1610 runs through parts of Birkirkara, with its stone arches still intact.
Local Life and Shopping
Along the main street, you'll find shops selling stationery, clothing, and technology. The older streets have traditional limestone buildings with wooden balconies in blue, green, and red. Local life centers around neighborhood cafes and Sunday masses, where residents gather after church services for coffee and pastizzi (traditional Maltese pastries).
Sports and Recreation
Birkirkara F.C. plays in Malta's Premier League and has won four championships. The team made international headlines in 2015 by defeating West Ham United in a UEFA Europa League match. Throughout the year, the Birkirkara Saint Joseph Sports Club organizes athletics competitions, cycling races, triathlons, and swimming events.
