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The Mellieha Village Feast, "Il-Vitorja"

L-Ahrax Tower

L-Ahrax Tower was one of those thirteen coastal towers built around Malta by Grand Master De Redin in the mid 17th century. This tower was the sixth one built in this system of coastal towers. The intention was to sound alarm in case of sighting an enemy fleet or an enemy force disembarking troops in a particular bay/s. This was the third tower to be built in Mellieha village after the building of Ghajn Tuffieha Tower in 1637 and the Red Tower or Fort St. Agatha in 1648.

The White Tower was erected in 1658 and the total cost was 589 scudi, 5 tari and 15 gramm, which was quite a large sum for that period. It has a square shape and consists of two rooms on each other and a little one on the roof. In the past years a number of alterations were made on it. It was used as a place to store a number of muskets for the Naxxar country militia which had the responsibility for defending the northern most part of Malta.2 The militia was paid by the Universita of Imdina. L-Ahrax Tower was manned, like the other de Redin towers, by four men, who were paid 8 scudi and six tari a month.3 In the early 18th century, in 1715-16, Knight Commander Mongontier donated some 1323 scudi excluding the 544.11.10.3 scudi needed for the construction of a coastal battery. When the tower was finished an inscription was fixed above the door saying:

FR.D.MARTINVS DE REDIN MAGNO S.R.H. MAGISTRO SEXTAM SPEULAM. PRO GARINARVM. AC INCOLARVM TUTIORI STATIONE, ERIGENTI, MELITEN S. POPVLVS PRINCIPI SVO CLEMENT PRO. VT IN CORDE. SIC IN L…RIDE GRATES DEBITAS REDDEBAT AN. 1658.

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Mellieha Clinic

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Waterworks - Qawra

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Maria Bambina Primary School

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    About the village of Mellieha

    Mellieha is a rural village and tourist resort in the Northwestern part of Malta and derives its name from the Semitic root 'm-l-h' which in Arabic means salt. The name was probably derived from the ancient Punic and Roman salt-terns; historians indicated as lying adjacent to the large sandy bay at the foot of the village.
    Mellieha has been inhabited since early Neolithic times (3000 B.C). Several megalithic remains and tombs of this era and other primitive tools and fragments of pottery were found in various localities around this area, primarily at "il-Latnija" - a natural cavity used by several stone-age peoples - and at l-Gholja tax-Xemxija.
    During the Roman and Byzantine occupations (213B.C- 870A.D.), Mellieha's valleys were inhabited by troglodytes, who irrigated the land, adopted natural caves as their dwelling places and buried their beloved ones in Punic style burial chambers. Following the Arab conquest and during the medieval period (870-1530A.D.), the area was deserted, primarily due to the continuous raids of the Muslim corsairs.
    Notwithstanding the hardship experienced by the Maltese during the Reign of the Order of St. John (1530-1798A.D.), Mellieha's medieval chapel, dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary, was one of the most venerated places on the island. Several distinguished persons, such as grandmaster's, kings and bishops visited the shrine and pilgrimages to the sanctuary from all over the island were held frequently.
    In the late 17th century, the Knights built several fortifications along the coast, so as to protect the inhabitants. This venture brought about the gradual repopulating of the area, mainly by those who wanted to exploit the fertile valleys and the new enterprise of tunny net fishing. Under the British, in 1844, Mellieha was established again as a parish and since then it grew up into a modern town, of circa 6,500 people.
    Today, Mellieha is one of Malta's most picturesque tourist destinations. The town centre boasts of its splendid hotels, fine restaurants and traditional cute shops. It has a unique primary school, a majestic baroque church (built in late 19th century) and various cultural organizations, including band clubs, sports clubs, an orchestra, various religious societies, a parish community centre and an environmental pressure group. Since 1993, local affairs are being run by the Mellieha Local Council, an institution made up of seven councilors, elected every three years by the people.
    Mellieha's main festive season occurs in the first two weeks of September and reaches its climax on the 8th September. During these days various cultural manifestations are held, such as musical concerts, fireworks, folk singing, art exhibitions and the traditional religious procession. The town's people, ''Il-Mellehin'', are renowned for their laborious nature, their ironic sense of humour, and their friendliness and hospitality. Those who visit us, no matter where they hail from, do not merely enjoy themselves but feel at home.

    As long as Mellieha preserves its great archaeological and historic heritage, its unique natural environment, and its traditions and costumes, its people, "Il-Mellehin", can look forward to a bright future.