Żabbar

Where is Żabbar?

Żabbar lies in the south-east of the Grand Harbour region, immediately beyond the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua) and the Cottonera fortification lines. It belongs to the Southern Harbour District and borders Fgura, Cospicua, Kalkara, Marsaskala and Żejtun.

History of Żabbar

Żabbar grew up outside the Cottonera Lines, the outer fortifications protecting the Three Cities. In 1797 Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim raised the village to city status as Città Hompesch. Notre Dame Gate, also called Żabbar Gate (Bieb is-Sultan), is a monumental Baroque gate in the Cottonera Lines on the approach to the town. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces became one of Malta's most important Marian pilgrimage centres, with an adjoining museum holding ex-voto offerings.

What to see in Żabbar

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces (Madonna tal-Grazzja) — a major Marian sanctuary and pilgrimage church, with a museum of ex-voto paintings. Notre Dame Gate / Żabbar Gate (Bieb is-Sultan) — a monumental gate in the Cottonera Lines. Żabbar Sanctuary Museum — collections of religious art, ex-votos and historical objects.

Transport in Żabbar

Żabbar is connected to Valletta and the Three Cities by Malta Public Transport bus routes. There is no rail or ferry service; the nearest harbour ferry connections are at the Three Cities (Cospicua / Birgu). Local movement is mainly by bus or car.

Living in Żabbar

Żabbar is a large residential town with a strong community and festa culture, close to the Three Cities and the harbour. It offers a town-centre character with churches, squares and local services. Assessments of cost of living and housing should be based on current local data rather than general impressions.

Official name

Ħaż-Żabbar / Żabbar

Island

Malta

District

Southern Harbour District

City title

Città Hompesch (1797)

Transport

Bus routes via the Three Cities to Valletta