MARSASCALA is an ancient fishing village (often referred to as
M'Scala) with its picturesque bay that lies to the southeast of Malta.
The Maltese call the area
WIED IL-GHAJN (wid il ajn) and many Maltese families have summer homes
there. In the holiday season it is buzzing with activity, much loved by
locals and visitors alike. It sprawls at the feet of two hillsides
descending from Zabbar and Zejtun. Its long U-shaped coastline and
beach, its rocky promontories and its multicoloured fishing vessels give
it lots of character. This is enhanced by a big variety of modern
leisure facilities, restaurants and bars.
Marsascala Bay used to extend deep into the valley to a cave with a natural spring of fresh water where old mariners took their water before sailing. This zone used to be a haven for Roman ships during their long period of occupation. It is partnered by the next (wider) bay called St Thomas Bay, dominated by the huge St Thomas Fortress built by the Knights of St John. In the time of the Knights, Ottoman and Barbary pirates used to land at M'Scala to take water and/or to seek refuge from the rough seas...usually also causing havoc by stealing, and harassing /kidnapping the locals. Often, the elderly and women and children would be rushed up to Zejtun or Zabbar by their men folk when sightings were made. It is recorded that in July 1614 a 60-strong fleet of Turkish vessels, loaded with marauders tried to make a shock landing at M'Scala. But the hardy Maltese gave them battle and drove them away in a humiliating defeat. Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt decided that improved fortifications were necessary in this sensitive area. In that same year the works were started and finished on the Forti San Tumas, the huge fortress that takes its name (like the second bay of M’Scala) from St Thomas Church nearby. Probably designed by the Maltese engineer, Fra Vittorio Cassar, and later enlarged under Grandmaster De Rohan, (late 18th century), this fortress is indeed a landmark. It served its purpose well over the centuries as a bulwark of defence for the population. It is currently undergoing government restoration, as are many important structures all over Malta. Various small redoubts and towers and old chapels surround M'scala in the outlying countryside.
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copyright Martin Delia 2004