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Bisqra farmhouses - Mellieha Bay

The Vernacular Heritage of Bisqra: Rural Architecture in Mellieħa

The northern region of Malta, specifically the area surrounding Mellieħa Bay (Għadira), is home to a unique collection of rural structures that define the island’s vernacular identity. Among the most significant are the Bisqra farmhouses. Situated in a landscape dominated by the Garigue of il-Bisqra and the surrounding fertile slopes, these buildings serve as a testament to the agricultural resilience of the Maltese people during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Historical Context and Settlement

Mellieħa was for centuries a frontier territory, often exposed to corsair raids. It was only after the construction of coastal fortifications by the Order of St John—such as the Red Tower (St Agatha’s Tower) in 1649—that the area became safe enough for permanent agricultural settlement (Debono 2019). The farmhouses at Bisqra emerged during this era of relative stability.

Unlike the urban palazzi of Valletta, these farmhouses (razzett) were utilitarian. As noted by Jaccarini (1998), the Maltese razzett is characterized by its organic growth; rooms were added as the family or the flock grew, leading to a sprawling, non-symmetrical layout that integrated perfectly with the topography of the Mellieħa ridges.

Architectural Features

The Bisqra farmhouses exhibit the classic hallmarks of Maltese rural architecture:

  • Materiality: Built primarily from local globigerina and coralline limestone, the structures were designed to withstand the Mediterranean sun. The thick walls provided thermal mass, keeping interiors cool in summer and warm in winter (Said-Zammit 2021).

  • The Għorfa: Many of these farmhouses feature an għorfa—an upper-level room usually accessed by an external stone staircase (melit: skala tal-ġebel). This room often served as the sleeping quarters for the head of the family or for storage of delicate crops (Vella 2013).

  • The Internal Courtyard: Central to the Bisqra complex is the bitħa (courtyard). This served as a secure space for livestock at night and a communal area for domestic tasks during the day.

Folklore and Landscape

The area of Bisqra is frequently mentioned alongside the more famous Razzett tax-Xjaten (The Devils’ Farmhouse) located nearby at Ta’ Randa. While the latter is steeped in legend, the Bisqra dwellings represent the more “human” side of Mellieħa’s history—a record of the arduous daily life of farmers who tilled the rocky soil (Mahoney 1988).

During World War II, the fields of Ta’ Bisqra were not spared from the conflict. Records from the era indicate that the area was hit by incendiary bombs during Italian and German air raids, as the heights above Mellieħa Bay were used as lookout posts for the coast (Debono 2019).

Preservation

Today, the Bisqra farmhouses are recognized as part of Mellieħa’s cultural itinerary. They remain vital examples of how traditional Maltese architecture utilizes the “honey-blonde” stone to create a sense of place that is both functional and aesthetically harmonious with the North Maltean landscape (Mellieha.com 2024).

References 

Catania, J. ed. (2002) Mellieħa Through the Tides of Time. Mellieħa: Mellieħa Local Council.

Debono, C. (2019) Wartime Mellieħa: The role of the village during the Second World War 1940-43. Mellieħa: BDL Books.

Jaccarini, C.J. (1998) Ir-razzett: the Maltese farmhouse. Malta: Moral Support Services.

 

Mahoney, L. (1988) 5000 Years of Architecture in Malta. Malta: Valletta Publishing.

Said-Zammit, G.A. (2021) Vernacular Architecture in Malta: The razzett, troglodyte houses and other dwellings. [Lecture] APS Talks Series, 28 October 2021.

 

Vella, L. (2013) ‘My dream countryside retreat’, The Malta Photoblog, 16 March. [Online] Available at: https://leslievella.wordpress.com/tag/vernacular-architecture/ [Accessed: 24 May 2024].

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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.