Fun Facts You Might Not Know About: Attard!

Attard is a lovely little town in the centre of Malta, and even though it is quiet and peaceful, it is packed with fun surprises and cool history. First of all, Attard is part of the “Three Villages” along with Balzan and Lija. These towns are so close together, it is hard to tell where one ends and the next begins! But Attard has its own charm that makes it stand out. It is known for its beautiful gardens, fresh air and friendly neighbours. In fact, the name Attard is believed to come from the word attar, which means perfume or flower extract, because of the many fragrant flowers and citrus trees that grow in the area.

One of the most famous places in Attard is San Anton Gardens, which surround the San Anton Palace – the official residence of the President of Malta. The palace was originally built in the 1600s by Grand Master Antoine de Paule, and the gardens were opened to the public many years ago. Today, people love to visit them to see fountains, swans, turtles and some of the biggest trees in Malta. The gardens are also home to many cats, who have basically become part of the attraction!

Attard is also known for having some of the prettiest houses on the island. Many of them have traditional Maltese features like coloured wooden balconies, carved stonework and fancy front doors. If you go for a walk through Attard’s older streets, you will find quiet corners, blooming flowers and small chapels that have stood for hundreds of years.

Believe it or not, Attard once had a train station! Back in the early 1900s, Malta had a railway line that ran from Valletta to Mdina, and Attard was one of the stops. The train does not run anymore, but the old station building still exists and is now used as a public garden and café. It is a great place to sit and imagine what it was like when steam trains rolled through the village.

Attard also celebrates its own festa every August in honour of Our Lady of the Assumption. Like all good Maltese festas, it is full of fireworks, music, decorations and food stalls. Locals light up the town with colourful lights and take part in band marches and church processions.

So while Attard may seem quiet at first, it has a rich history, beautiful gardens and even a link to Malta’s old railway days. Whether you love flowers, fancy houses or just want a peaceful stroll, Attard has something special waiting for you.

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