Gżira, Gżira

Where is Gżira?

Gżira lies on the inner shore of Marsamxett Harbour, between Sliema to the north-east and Msida to the south-west, facing Valletta across the water. It belongs to the Northern Harbour District. Manoel Island, connected by a short bridge, lies directly off the Gżira waterfront.

History of Gżira

Gżira developed in the 19th and early 20th centuries as the area between Sliema and Msida was built up. Its defining feature is Manoel Island, where Fort Manoel was built by the Order of St John in the 1720s under Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena; the fort is a notable example of 18th-century military architecture and has been subject to restoration. The island also held a former isolation hospital (Lazzaretto).

What to see in Gżira

Fort Manoel — an 18th-century star fort on Manoel Island, built by the Order of St John under Grand Master de Vilhena. Manoel Island & the Lazzaretto — the former quarantine hospital and harbour area off the Gżira shore. Gżira promenade — a seafront walk along Marsamxett Harbour with views of Valletta.

Transport in Gżira

Gżira is served by Malta Public Transport bus routes along the Sliema–Valletta corridor. The Sliema–Valletta ferry terminal is a short distance away in adjoining Sliema. There is no rail service; local movement is by bus, car or on foot along the promenade.

Living in Gżira

Gżira is a dense, walkable harbour-front town with shops, services and proximity to Sliema and Valletta. Assessments of cost of living, traffic and housing should be based on current local data rather than general impressions.

Official name

Il-Gżira / Gżira

Island

Malta

District

Northern Harbour District

Landmark

Manoel Island & Fort Manoel

Transport

Bus routes; Sliema ferry nearby