This limestone-built village in southern Malta dates back to medieval times, with the 17th-century St. Nicholas parish church at its center and surrounding farmland producing wine and olives.
The village of Siġġiewi in southern Malta centers around its baroque Parish Church, where you'll find Mattia Preti's 17th-century paintings adorning the walls. Walk through medieval streets lined with limestone buildings, swim in the clear waters of Ghar Lapsi's rock pools, or time your visit for the June feast when fireworks light up the sky and vendors fill St. Nicholas Square with the smell of fresh mqaret pastries.
Getting to Siġġiewi
Take buses 109, 62, or 201 from Valletta to reach Siġġiewi, a 10-kilometer journey across Malta's central plateau. The village's location between Mdina and Valletta makes it convenient for day trips. Stop by the local council office at St. Nicholas' Square to pick up maps of local walking paths and current bus schedules.
The Saint Nicholas June Celebration
During the last week of June, band marches and religious processions fill Siġġiewi's streets each day. Food stalls in the main square sell mqaret (date-filled pastries spiced with anise), almond-studded white nougat, and warm pastizzi. Each evening ends with fireworks, and on the final Sunday, a procession carries the wooden statue of Saint Nicholas through the village streets.
Parish Church
The limestone Parish Church, built between 1676 and 1693, dominates the village center. Architect Lorenzo Gafà designed the original structure, while workers added the portico and naves in the 1800s. Inside, you can see Mattia Preti's titular painting and detailed marble work throughout the sanctuary. Outside in the square stands Pietro Felici's 1732 stone statue of Saint Nicholas, with its Latin inscription asking the saint to watch over local farmers.
Swimming at Ghar Lapsi
From May through October, swim in Ghar Lapsi's natural limestone pools filled with clear Mediterranean water. You'll find changing rooms near the pools and concrete platforms where you can lay out your towel. Look south while swimming to spot the small island of Filfla on the horizon.
December Saint Nicholas Festival
On December 6th, join the morning procession from Siġġiewi Primary School, where students carry a smaller Saint Nicholas statue to the Church of Saint Nicolas of Bari. The Siġġiewi Band Club and Scout Group lead the procession through the village. In the evening, attend Mass to hear the Antiphon of St. Nicholas, followed by a band concert in the church square.
Palace and Historic Buildings
The 17th-century Girgenti Palace, now the Prime Minister's official residence, maintains its original architecture from 1625. Inquisitor Onorato Visconti commissioned the palace, and inquisitor Angelo Dorini renovated it in 1763. Around the village, you can see several Knights Hospitaller buildings, including the Armoury and the preserved ruins of the old parish church.
