Fun Facts You May Not Know About Gżira

Nestled between Sliema and Ta’ Xbiex, the town of Gżira is one of Malta’s fastest-growing urban centres. With a name rooted in geography and a history that spans centuries, Gżira has transformed from a quiet suburb into a bustling hub of residential life, commerce, and heritage.

What Does “Gżira” Mean?

The name Gżira literally means “island” in Maltese. It refers to Manoel Island, located just off the town’s coast in Marsamxett Harbour. This small island is visible from the promenade and has been closely linked with Gżira’s identity for centuries.

From Suburb to Urban Centre

Gżira was once a quiet extension of Sliema, with its development beginning in the 19th century when Chevalier Jacob Tagliaferro built one of the first notable residences in the area. Over the 20th century, Gżira evolved into a thriving town with a mix of businesses, modern developments, and residential blocks.

Manoel Island: History Just Across the Water

Located within Gżira’s limits, Manoel Island is home to one of Malta’s most important historical sites:

Fort Manoel, built in the 1720s by Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, was a defensive stronghold designed to protect the harbour.

Before that, the island hosted a quarantine hospital to prevent the spread of disease from incoming ships.

Both sites offer a fascinating glimpse into Malta’s strategic and medical history.

The Fawwara Gate

Gżira is also home to Fawwara Gate, a neoclassical stone arch built in 1796 by the noble Testaferrata family. It served as an entrance to the surrounding estates and marked a key route between Msida and Sliema. Today, it stands as a reminder of the area’s noble past.

Art Deco Meets Ice Cream

In 1937, Gżira became home to the Wembley Ice-Cream Factory, which introduced pasteurised ice cream to Malta. The building is now considered a rare example of Art Deco industrial architecture and remains an important part of the town’s industrial heritage.

Looking to the Future

Gżira’s skyline is changing. The town is now home to some of Malta’s most ambitious real estate developments, including the proposed Metropolis Towers. If completed, these towers will be among the tallest buildings in the country, marking Gżira as a centre for modern growth and investment.

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