12-470: San Ġwann ( English: Saint John) is a town in the Northern Region of Malta , with a population of 14,244 as of 2021. Prior to its establishment as a distinct municipality, it was a fragmented community comprising parts of Birkirkara and St. Julian's . San Ġwann emerged as a new parish in 1965 and was officially recognised as a town in 1968. The Local Councils Act of 1993 identified San Gwann as
24-531: A separate district with its own local government authority, and the first San Ġwann Council was elected on April 16, 1994. At the initiative of the Parish Priest, Fr Bertrand Vella OFM Cap, the newly composed hymn Innu San Ġwann (Imsieraħ) was introduced and performed for the first time on Saturday, 28th September 2024, at the Parish Church of Our Lady Mary of Lourdes, San Ġwann. This event marked
36-522: A separate district with its own statutory local government authority, marking its transition from being part of the neighbouring localities. With the first San Gwann Council was elected on 16 April 1994. San Ġwann is a suburb characterised predominantly by modern buildings, reflecting its contemporary development. However, its geographical context reveals a more ancient history interwoven with Malta's national heritage. The oldest known human traces in San Ġwann are
48-469: A significant milestone for the community, serving as a profound expression of the locality's cultural and spiritual identity. The hymn's lyrics were authored by Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap , a native of San Ġwann, while the musical composition was crafted by Mro Raymond Storace , the Choir Master of the local Parish Church. Their collaboration resulted in a piece that embodies the essence and heritage of
60-533: The area experienced minimal impact from World War II, although Torri Lanzun was damaged during enemy action. Post-war developments included strategic planning by the British Colonial Office, which initiated the construction of underground flour mills in Malta and Gozo, with one such mill, including a silo, situated behind the San Ġwann State Primary School. The 1950s brought further development with
72-529: The construction of a convent by the Capuchin Friars and a new church, which was completed in December 1959 and became the Parish Church in 1965. This church adopted its name from the old chapel of San Ġwann tal-Għorghar. San Ġwann's population saw significant growth in the 1970s, reaching 12,630 by 2005 and with a population of 14,244 as of 2021. The Local Councils Act of 1993 recognised San Ġwann as
84-529: The erection of chapels and other structures, including Torri ta' Lanzun, a protected farm-building dating around 1713. During the late 18th century, specifically between 1798 and 1800, the Għorgħar area played a crucial role as an outpost for Maltese troops blockading French forces within the capital. The Ta' Xindi Farmhouse served as the headquarters for Captain Vincenzo Borg (Brared). In the 20th century,
96-699: The establishment of the parochial church of St. Helena in Għorgħar, which was abandoned in the 14th century and was likely situated near the Ta' Ċieda Tower. The cave-chapel of San Leonardo, now known as the Chapel of the Annunciation (Lunziata Chapel), is another historical site. The arrival of the Order of St. John in 1530 and the subsequent Great Siege of 1565 marked a period of relative safety from Turkish raids, leading to increased population and construction. The era saw
108-1639: The locality. The inaugural performance was graced by the presence of the Mayor and Councilors of San Ġwann , together with parishioners and residents, who came together to celebrate this moment of unity. The hymn was performed by the Our Lady of Lourdes - San Ġwann Parish Choir , under the direction of Mro Raymond Storace , filling the church with a deep sense of reverence and joy. Li tmur lura fi żminijiet, Kemm fis-skiet seħħlek li torbot Ġnus u popli taħt is-smewwiet. L-arja friska li sawritek Tant siġar żejnuk lejl u nhar, Sbuħitek ħilet id-dgħajjef Ħlewwitek tħeġġeġ daqs in-nar. Ritornell: Int Imsieraħ ilkoll insejħulek Mimlija bl-imħabba fil-qlub, Int għallimtna ngħixu t'aħwa Għalhekk lilek qlubna jħobbuk. Taħt il-ħarsien ta' Ommna Marija Nitgħallmu ngħixu ta' wlied, Ta' Alla li hu Missierna U bit-talb ta' Ġwanni l-Għammied. Għajnuna, rispett u mħabba F'qalbek jinstabu fil-milja, O raħal tagħna ibnina Fl-isbaħ u fl-aqwa familja. Imsieraħ ħannieqa mżewqa B'kulturi w reliġjonijiet, Agħllimna ngħixu lkoll bejnietna Fis-sliem qalb kotra ta' fehmiet. Ritornell: Int Imsieraħ ilkoll insejħulek Mimlija bl-imħabba fil-qlub, Int għallimtna ngħixu t'aħwa Għalhekk lilek qlubna jħobbuk. Taħt il-ħarsien ta' Ommna Marija Nitgħallmu ngħixu ta' wlied, Ta' Alla li hu Missierna U bit-talb ta' Ġwanni l-Għammied. Going back to past times, English Misplaced Pages Too Many Requests If you report this error to
120-645: The prehistoric cart ruts near the Sant Andrija area, which likely date back to the period between 2300 and 1000 BC, predating the Punic era. These cart ruts imply that the region once supported an agricultural community that cultivated the fertile valleys of Wied Għomor, Wied il-Ballut, and Wied Għollieqa. The early inhabitants may have utilized natural caves in the vicinity for shelter. In addition to these cart ruts, megalithic stone blocks found in Wied Għomor suggest
132-453: The presence of a Neolithic structure. The area's agricultural significance persisted over the centuries. Roman-era excavations have uncovered tombs and a covered cistern, indicating continued use of the land. The "Roman Tower" of Ta' Ċieda, one of eight such defensive structures erected across Malta around the 3rd century AD, is a notable archaeological feature. During the Arab period, the region
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#1732780374266144-537: Was repurposed as a cemetery. San Ġwann's historical tapestry is rich and varied, reflecting its strategic importance and changing dominions over the centuries. The region's Arab heritage is evident in the Semitic names recorded in medieval documents, such as Tal-Għorgħar and L-Imsieraħ. During the medieval era, San Ġwann was inhabited by at least two communities located between Tal-Għorgħar and Naxxar, specifically at Raħal Tigan and Raħal Ger. The medieval period also saw
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