In-Naxxar

A Brief History

Naxxar is built on a hill in the central-northern part of Malta, covering an area of 11 km2 and a population of over 14 thousand. Naxxar is an old town, in fact it dates back to the pre-history as cart ruts, Punic tombs and Catacombs have been discovered in various areas.

Most probably Naxxar got its name from the shipwreck of St. Paul in Malta. Tradition says that the people of Naxxar were the first to help when the ship hit the rocks. Then St. Paul converted the villagers to Christianity and this is why many people connect Naxxar with Nassar which actually means ‘conversion to Christianity’. This theory is further enforced by the village motto ‘Prior Credidi’ which means ‘The First People to Believe’.

Although Naxxar seems to be purely a residential town, a small stroll in the village shows you otherwise. In the main square of Naxxar, there is Palazzo Parisio and the Parish Church, while the old part of Naxxar hosts several narrow streets and quaint houses that make Naxxar a very picturesque town.

The whole locality comprises of the Naxxar centre, Sgħajtar area, Santa Marija tax-Xagħra, San Pawl tat-Tarġa, Birguma, Magħtab, Salina, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq and part of Madliena.