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Ir-Razzett tax-Xjaten (The Devils' Farmhouse) - Qasam Barrani

The Architectural Mystery of Il-Qasam Barrani: Ir-Razzett tax-Xjaten

The northern landscape of Mellieħa is defined by its rugged limestone plateaus and a deep-seated history of rural isolation. Nestled within the area of Il-Qasam Barrani, near the Bisqra heights, stands one of Malta’s most intriguing examples of vernacular architecture: Ir-Razzett tax-Xjaten (The Devil’s Farmhouse). This structure remains a focal point for both architectural historians and local folklorists due to its unique construction and the legends that surround its origin.

Historical Origins and Topography

The farmhouse dates back to the 17th or 18th century, a period when the expansion of the Order of St. John’s coastal defenses allowed farmers to move further away from the safety of the fortified old city of Mdina (Mahoney 1988). The name of the site, Il-Qasam Barrani, roughly translates to “the outer field/farm,” highlighting its remote location during the era of its construction.

According to local records and the documentation provided by Mellieha.com (2024), the farmhouse was built during a time when Mellieħa was sparsely populated. The structure’s primary purpose was utilitarian—providing shelter for both farmers and their livestock—yet its imposing presence on the ridge gave rise to the myth that it was constructed by “devils” in a single night.

Unique Architectural Features

The farmhouse is noted for its “megalithic” appearance, characterized by the use of massive limestone blocks. Unlike the more refined globigerina limestone used in Valletta, rural dwellings in the north utilized harder, weather-resistant coralline limestone (Jaccarini 1998).

  1. The External Staircase: A defining feature of the Maltese razzett is the external stone staircase leading to the għorfa (upper room). At the Devil’s Farmhouse, this staircase is remarkably well-preserved, showcasing the traditional method of providing separate access to the living quarters while the ground floor remained dedicated to animal stalls (Sultana 2011).

  2. Structural Integrity: The use of dry-stone techniques and heavy coralline slabs ensured the building could withstand the harsh winds of the Mellieħa ridges. As Said-Zammit (2016) notes, these structures were designed to be “organic,” often built directly into the bedrock to maximize stability and cooling.

  3. The Courtyard (Bitħa): The central courtyard acted as a secure internal hub, a common feature in rural Mediterranean architecture designed to protect assets from both the elements and potential intruders (Vella 2013).

Folklore and Cultural Significance

The legend of the “Devil’s Farmhouse” is a classic example of Maltese folklore used to explain architectural feats that seemed impossible for a small community of farmers. Local oral tradition suggests that the sounds of traditional instruments, such as the żaqq (bagpipes) and tambur (tambourine), could be heard emanating from the building at night (Mellieha.com 2024).

Despite its ominous name, the building is a protected Class 1 Grade monument, serving as a reminder of the ingenuity of the Maltese peasant class who managed to cultivate the rocky terrains of the north.

Conclusion

Ir-Razzett tax-Xjaten at Il-Qasam Barrani is more than just a relic of agricultural history; it is a monument to the vernacular identity of Mellieħa. By bridging the gap between historical necessity and local myth, it remains a vital landmark in the study of Malta’s rural heritage.

References 

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

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. (2016) The Development of the Maltese Vernacular Dwelling. Oxford: Archaeopress Publishing Ltd.

Sultana, J. (2011) ‘Maltese Vernacular Architecture’, Journal of Maltese Heritage, 4(1), pp. 12-18.

Vella, L. (2013) ‘Maltese Rural Architecture: A disappearing heritage’, The Mediterranean Review, 15 June. [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.