SIĠĠIEWI

Siġġiewi lies in fertile agricultural land, the parish covering a central and western strip of Malta from picturesque coastline of Dingli Cliffs to Buskett Gardens and Verdala Palace near Rabat.

The area takes in some attractive and typical Maltese countryside. It includes charming out of the way hamlets, such as Fawwara and small wayside chapels such as intricate baroque Tal-Provvidenza, just outside the main village. The centre of Siġġiewi is dominated by the imposing baroque parish church of St. Nicholas. Designed by Lorenzo Gafa', who was also responsible for Mdina Cathedral, St. Nicholas' is one of the finest examples of a baroque parish church on the Islands. Its huge dome, visible on the skyline for miles, and the facade, are late 19th century additions by local architect Nicholas Zammit to the 1697 construction. The square in front of the church is remarkable for its size, its two chapels and huge statue of St. Nicholas.

The outlying countryside is ideal for walking tours. Places to look out for around Siġġiewi are: the Inquisitors summer palace in the Girgenti valley, which now serves as the Prime Minister's official summer residence; the 'Clapham Junction' cart ruts which date from Neolithic times; the Laferla Cross; and the picturesque fishing hamlet of Għar Lapsi - a favourite summer bathing place and beauty spot.