Mgarr
House of Character

Mġarr is a typical rural village, and lies in one Malta's most isolated spots around five kilometres from the town of Mosta. It is surrounded by rich farmland and vineyards and most of the local population is still engaged in agriculture. Mġarr's rustic environs embrace several picturesque spots - Binġemma, Wardija, Fomm ir-Riħ and Ġnejna Bay. The countryside is superb for walks. Here you are likely to come across examples of Giren, circular stone huts used by farmers, natural landmarks such as the characteristic flat-topped hills, ancient rubble walls and typical Mediterranean garrigue, or scrubland. Mġarr's parish church dedicated to St. Mary is a miniature copy of the Mosta Rotunda. It was built in 1912 with donations and voluntary labour from the locals. The church's elevated position offers open views of the fertile valleys and neighbouring villages. Mġarr is also home to two of Malta's oldest prehistoric sites, Ta' Ħaġrat and Skorba. Ta' Ħaġrat, still in a good state of preservation, is the earliest standing temple in Malta and dates from the same period as Ġgantija on Gozo. Skorba is an important site as it provides evidence of a prehistoric village which spanned several millennia, from man's earliest times in Malta. The site is of specialist archaeological interest and is not accessible to the general public. Visits can be arranged by appointment. The village also houses a World War II air raid shelter which is of special interest.