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Hompesch Arch

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Hompesch Arch (Malta)

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The Hompesch Arch is a monumental triumphal arch located at the entrance to the city of Żabbar in southeastern Malta. It was erected in 1801 in honor of Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim, the last Grand Master of the Order of St. John to rule over the island. The occasion for its construction was the granting of the title 'Città Hompesch' to the village of Żabbar in 1797, elevating it to the status of a city. The arch's architecture is in the neoclassical style, although the original plans called for more elaborate decoration that was never fully realized due to the French invasion in 1798. Today, the arch serves as a prominent landmark and symbolizes the pride of Żabbar's residents in their city's history. Despite being created during a politically turbulent period, the monument has remained largely intact for over two centuries. The Hompesch Arch marks the transition from the rural surroundings to the densely built historical center of the city and is a significant example of late 18th-century monumental architecture in Malta.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Hompesch Arch is a freestanding triumphal arch at the city entrance, accessible for free at all times. You can walk directly through it and admire the carved details up close.
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Typical hours
As an open structure, the arch has no opening hours and can be visited day and night. The area is generally well-lit after dark, making late visits possible.
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Photography
Photography is unrestricted around the arch. Framing the city through the archway creates particularly striking pictures.
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Time needed
A 10-minute photo stop is enough to admire the arch. If you explore the surrounding area, allow 20-30 minutes.
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Combine with
The arch sits at the city entrance and can be combined with a stroll through the historic old town. The nearby Cottonera fortifications are also worth a visit.
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Getting there
The arch stands on the main road at the entrance to the town (likely Żabbar). It is easily reachable by bus; the stop is a short walk away.
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Insider tip
Visit in the late afternoon to see the stonework beautifully lit. Be cautious of traffic, as the arch is right next to the road.

Geography

Coordinates
35.87110, 14.52970

Facts

  • Erected in 1801 in honor of the last ruling Grand Master
  • Commemorates the elevation of Żabbar to the city of 'Città Hompesch'
  • The structure is designed in a restrained neoclassical style
  • Planned sculptures were never finished due to the French invasion
  • Listed as a protected monument since the year 1925
  • The arch was funded by local volunteers and stonemasons

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fgura MonumentFgura Monument<1 km · WExplore →
Family Park MarsaskalaFamily Park Marsaskala2 km · SEExplore →
Il-Għaxaq RidgeIl-Għaxaq Ridge2 km · SExplore →
Inquisitor's PalaceInquisitor's Palace2 km · NExplore →
Santa LuċijaSanta Luċija2 km · WExplore →
Xgħajra PromenadeXgħajra Promenade2 km · NEExplore →
Emmanuel Delicata WinemakerEmmanuel Delicata Winemaker2 km · WExplore →
St. Thomas BaySt. Thomas Bay3 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Hompesch Arch (10)

Hompesch Arch

Arch in Malta, named after Grand Master Hompesch.

Mużew tas-Santwarju tal-Madonna tal-Grazzja🏛 museum

Museum at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace in Żabbar.

Sala Notre Dame

Theatre in Żabbar, Malta, hosting cultural events.

Estate agent Dhalia

Real estate agency in Żabbar, Malta.

Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Church in Fgura, Malta, dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Bieb is-Sultan

City gate in Cottonera, Malta, from the Knights' period.

Forte Verdala

Fort in Malta, near Cottonera.

Fort Verdala

Fort in Cospicua, Malta.

Collegiate Church of the Immaculate Conception

Church building in Cospicua, Malta, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.

Bir Mula Heritage🏛 museum

Museum in Cospicua, Malta, about local history.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was the Hompesch Arch built?
It was built in 1801 in honor of Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch.
Where is the monument located?
At the entrance of the city of Żabbar, on the road coming from Fgura.
Can you visit the arch?
It can be viewed from the outside while driving or walking by.
Did the arch have a military function?
No, it is a purely decorative triumphal arch.
Is the place suitable for photos?
Yes, but be careful of the heavy traffic on the main road.
Hompesch Arch: where is it located?
Hompesch Arch is located in Malta.
Hompesch Arch: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hompesch Arch, Mużew tas-Santwarju tal-Madonna tal-Grazzja, Sala Notre Dame.
Hompesch Arch: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Hompesch Arch: why is it worth visiting?
The Hompesch Arch is a monumental triumphal arch located at the entrance to the city of Żabbar in southeastern Malta.
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Santa Luċija — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
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Gudja — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
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Tigné Point — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
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Mqabba — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
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Mqabba is renowned for its stone quarries, which extract the high-quality globigerina limestone, and for its paleo-Christian catacombs.
Żurrieq — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
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Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand) — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
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Pembroke — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
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Żebbuġ, Malta — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
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History & landmarks

Żabbar Sanctuary Museum — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
Żabbar Sanctuary Museum
A museum adjacent to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces.
Fgura Monument — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
Fgura Monument
A modern landmark in the center of the town.
Xgħajra Promenade — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
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A quiet coastal promenade.
Żonqor Point — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
Żonqor Point
The northern tip of Marsaskala Bay.
Ħaġar Qim — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
Ħaġar Qim
A UNESCO World Heritage megalithic temple complex dating back to the Neolithic period, featuring some of the largest limestone monoliths.

Nature

St. Peter&#39;s Pool — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
St. Peter's Pool
A natural rock pool popular with cliff divers.
Ta&#39; l-Agħara Hill — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
Ta' l-Agħara Hill
A flat hilltop near Ħal Qormi.
Blue Grotto — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
Blue Grotto
A complex of seven sea caves famous for the brilliant blue water.

More places

Family Park Marsaskala — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
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A large park with playgrounds, a skate park, and an area for farm animals.
Il-Għaxaq Ridge — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
Il-Għaxaq Ridge
A gentle rise near Għaxaq.
Inquisitor&#39;s Palace — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
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One of the few surviving palaces of its kind in the world.
Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker
Another of Malta's leading winemakers with a long history, hosting wine festivals.
St. Thomas Bay — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
St. Thomas Bay
A bay in Marsaskala used by small fishing and leisure boats.
Marsaxlokk Playground — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
Marsaxlokk Playground
A large playground right by the harbour of the fishing village.
Luqa Parish Church — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
Luqa Parish Church
A large baroque parish church dedicated to St.
Malta Dairy Products — Hompesch Arch (Malta)
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The main producer of milk and dairy products in Malta, known for the Benna brand.