Plizio Visual Lab
San Ġwann
ℹ️Practical info — San Ġwann
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Mensija Chapel, a unique cave church hidden within the residential area.
- Look for the prehistoric cart ruts near the primary school, mysterious relics of Malta's past.
- Use San Ġwann as a central bus hub to reach Valletta or Sliema quickly and easily.
- Buy fresh fruit and vegetables directly from Maltese farmers at the mobile market stalls in the mornings.
- Try the pastizzerias on the main road for the most authentic and affordable local snacks.
🍽 Food
Find the best 'pastizzi' (pastries filled with peas or ricotta) along the main road.
Look for bakeries in the side streets selling freshly baked Maltese bread (hobz).
Try a 'ftira', a typical Maltese sandwich, in the small cafes around the church area.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
A small local market features clothes and household items at bargain prices.
The main thoroughfare is lined with independent shops for clothing and shoes.
A hidden valley on the outskirts, good for a peaceful walk in a green area.
A small, peaceful square away from the traffic of the main road.
Water temperature…
San Ġwann is a busy residential and commercial town located in the central part of Malta, situated on a plateau overlooking the Wied Għomor valley. While the town's current urban form is a relatively modern development, human settlement in the area dates back to the Bronze Age, as evidenced by the prehistoric cart ruts found at Misraħ Lewża. During the Middle Ages, the area was known as the hamlet of Mensija, where the historic cave chapel of the Annunciation still serves as a significant religious landmark today. Massive urban expansion began in the 1950s to accommodate the growing population and housing needs of the surrounding Sliema region. Today, San Ġwann is an important economic hub, featuring a large industrial estate and numerous retail outlets. Despite its dense building, it retains historic sites like Castello Lanzun, which once served as the headquarters for the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus.
- Location: Malta
- Top sights: Saint Cajetan's Church · Fort Manoel · Saint John of the Cross Parish Church
- Nearby: Vittoriosa (Birgu) (4 km)
- Population: ~14.720
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 65 | 51 | 33 | 17 | 11 | 4 | 10 | 63 | 82 | 95 | 82 |
Geography
Facts
- San Ġwann was established as an independent parish in 1965.
- The town has a permanent population of over 12,000 residents.
- Castello Lanzun dates back to the 15th century and was fortified in the 18th century.
- Prehistoric cart ruts are visible in several locations throughout the municipality.
- The modern parish church is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.
- The San Ġwann Industrial Estate is home to major manufacturing and service companies.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town San Ġwann (4)
Frequently asked questions
Is San Ġwann a tourist resort?
Are there any archaeological sites?
How is the shopping there?
Are there any green spaces?
How is the bus connection?
San Ġwann: where is it located?
San Ġwann: what is there to see?
San Ġwann: when is the best time to visit?
San Ġwann: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
