Raħal Ġdid, Raħal Ġdid

Where is Paola?

Paola lies at the head of the Grand Harbour area in the south of Malta, between Marsa, Tarxien, Fgura and the approach to the Three Cities. It belongs to the Southern Harbour District and adjoins Tarxien, with which it shares the immediate area of the Hypogeum and Tarxien Temples.

History of Paola

Paola was founded in 1626 when Grand Master Antoine de Paule established a new settlement to house a growing population near the harbour; the town is named after him. Beneath the town lies the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a prehistoric underground complex cut into the rock and used as a sanctuary and necropolis; it was discovered in the early 20th century and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. The monumental Christ the King church (Knisja ta' Kristu Re) was built in the 20th century as the town's parish church.

What to see in Paola

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum — a prehistoric underground necropolis and UNESCO World Heritage Site; access is by limited timed tickets to protect the site. Christ the King Church (Knisja ta' Kristu Re) — a large 20th-century parish church on the main square. Tarxien Temples — the megalithic temple complex (in adjoining Tarxien) is within walking distance.

Transport in Paola

Paola sits on major road routes into the harbour area and is served by Malta Public Transport buses connecting it to Valletta and the south. There is no rail or ferry service in the town itself; harbour ferries operate from the nearby Three Cities. Local movement is mainly by bus or car.

Living in Paola

Paola is a busy residential and commercial town with a large central square, schools and services, close to the harbour and Valletta. Assessments of cost of living and housing should be based on current local data rather than general impressions.

Official name

Raħal Ġdid / Paola

Island

Malta

District

Southern Harbour District

UNESCO

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum (inscribed 1980)

Founded

1626 (by Grand Master de Paule)