The town of Mellieha lies on the top and down the north side of the Mellieha Ridge overlooking Malta’s most stunning bay. There are two deep gorges penetrating the north face of the ridge. The main residential areas are along the top of the ridge and down the easternmost of the two gorges. The western gorge contains the business district with its many shops, restaurants and hotels.
World War 2 History
The magnificent church of Our Lady, regarded as one of Malta’s most prized structures, sits on a bluff at the top of a steep escarpment. From the peace of the courtyard on the Church’s east side marvel at the view across the bay towards the Marfa Ridge, St Agatha’s Tower and the islands of Comino and Gozo.
To the south of the church are two town squares. The lower of these contains the police station and tourist information office. Halfway up the steps linking the lower and upper squares is the entrance to the World War 2 air raid shelter complex. This is well worth the small admission charge. Up to 5000 people from Mellieha and further afield were accommodated here during 1942 in 500m of underground tunnels hand dug by the men of the town.
Throughout 1942 Malta was subjected to almost continuous air raids as Mussolini’s Italy sought to keep open the sea lanes to North Africa. Thanks to the islanders’ indomitable spirit which earned the island the George Cross the Fascist dictator failed and the allies were able to secure victory over Rommel’s Africa Korps.
Hotels and Holiday Complexes
From the church the main road leads through a series of hairpin bends down the side of the gorge to the hotels and apartment complexes that line the north and west sides of the bay. Here are to be found more restaurants and cafes and Malta’s longest stretch of sandy beach.
A favourite spot for relaxing and watching the rest of the world go by is the area opposite one of the town’s banks on a hairpin bend high above the church. Here it is possible to watch the island’s quaint old buses grinding up the hill from one of three pavement cafés.
Historical Sites
Beneath the church is a grotto which is worth a visit. The fresco over the altar is said to have been painted by St. Luke. Please bear in mind that modest attire is essential when visiting Maltese churches. Bare arms and legs are deemed to be disrespectful. Shorts and short-sleeved upper garments are not permitted.
Other historical sites nearby include the Red and White Towers and the Gajn Hadid Tower as well as a former windmill, now an award winning restaurant.
Further afield but within easy reach using the frequent and inexpensive bus service are Mosta, Rabat, Mdina and the craft village at Ta’ Qali where it is possible to see potters, jewellers and stonemasons, among others, at work and to purchase their wares.
There is also a frequent ferry service from the nearby port of Cirkewwa to Gozo and Comino. A day exploring the peaceful island of Gozo is highly recommended.
Art, Craft and Books
Lovers of books, paintings, and hand made jewellery should not leave Mellieha without paying a visit to Touchstone. This delightful shop is accessed from one of the many steep alleyways leading from the west side of the main street and is sandwiched vertically between a supermarket and fitness centre. It is a cornucopia of excellent paintings by local artists, books, pottery and artistic photographs created by the owner. It represents a pleasant departure from the usual run of souvenir shops.
Sources: European Destination of Excellence and Mellieha websites (see links in main body above)
Further reading:The AA Essential Guide to Malta and Gozo
Frank Parker - Frank writes regularly on a diverse range of subjects which he researches thoroughly.
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