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{{Short description|Natural harbour in Valletta, Malta}}
⚫ {{other uses}}{{Infobox port
| name = Grand Harbour
⚫ | image = Prelucrare 3D pentru La Valletta Harbour.jpg
| image_alt = 3D Rendering of the Harbour making use of Satellite Imagery with captions stating the different parts of the port
| image_caption = The Grand Harbour from above
| country = ]
| location = Southern Harbour Area
| type = coastal natural
| sizewater = {{convert|2,035,000|m2|acres}}
| blankdetailstitle1 = Maximum Length
| blankdetails1 = {{convert|3.63|km|mi}}
| blankdetailstitle2 = Maximum Width
| blankdetails2 = {{convert|1.33|km|mi}}
| blankdetailstitle3 = Average Depth
| blankdetails3 = {{convert|7.7|m|ft}}
}}{{more footnotes|date=June 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
⚫ {{other uses}}
⚫ {{wide image|Valletta Grand Harbour Panorama.jpg|1000px|Grand Harbour looking eastwards, as seen from the ]}}


⚫ The '''Grand Harbour''' ({{langx|mt|il-Port il-Kbir}}; {{langx|it|Porto Grande}}), also known as the '''Port of Marsa''',<ref>{{cite web|title=Port of Marsa|url=https://www.transport.gov.mt/maritime/local-waters/ports-in-malta/port-of-valletta-118|publisher=Transport Malta|access-date=5 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531142337/http://www.transport.gov.mt/ports-marinas/ports-in-malta/port-of-Marsa|archive-date=31 May 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> is a ] on the island of ]. It has been substantially modified over the years with extensive ] (]), ], and ]s.<ref>{{cite book|last=Pullicino|first=Mark|date=2013|title=The Obama Tribe Explorer, James Martin's Biography|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xRdnDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA30|publisher=MPI Publishing|isbn=978-99957-0-584-8|oclc=870266285|pages=30–31}}</ref>
⚫ ]
⚫ The '''Grand Harbour''' ({{lang-mt|il-Port il-Kbir}},{{lang-it|Porto Grande}}), also known as the '''Port of Valletta''',<ref>{{cite web|title=Port of Valletta|url=http://www.transport.gov.mt/ports-marinas/ports-in-malta/port-of-valletta|publisher=Transport Malta|accessdate=5 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531142337/http://www.transport.gov.mt/ports-marinas/ports-in-malta/port-of-valletta|archive-date=31 May 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> is a ] on the island of ]. It has been substantially modified over the years with extensive ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite book|last=Pullicino|first=Mark|date=2013|title=The Obama Tribe Explorer, James Martin's Biography|url=https://books.google.com.mt/books?id=xRdnDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA30|publisher=MPI Publishing|isbn=978-99957-0-584-8|oclc=870266285|page=30-31}}</ref>


== Description == == Description ==
] ]
] ]
The harbour mouth faces north east and is bounded to the north by Saint Elmo Point and further sheltered by an isolated ] and is bounded to the south by Ricasoli Point. Its north west shore is formed by the ], which is largely covered by the city of ] and its ] ]. This peninsula also divides Grand Harbour from a second parallel natural harbour, ]. The main waterway of Grand Harbour continues inland almost to ]. The southeastern shore of the harbour is formed by a number of inlets and headlands, principally Rinella Creek, Kalkara Creek, Dockyard Creek, and French Creek, which are covered by ] and the ]: ], ], and ]. The harbour has been described as Malta's greatest geographic asset.<ref name=agius>{{cite web|last1=Agius|first1=Raymond|title=The Grand Harbour in Malta|url=http://www.agius.com/malta/harbour.htm|website=agius.com|accessdate=5 November 2014}}</ref> The harbour mouth faces north-east and is bounded to the north by Saint Elmo Point and further sheltered by an isolated ] and is bounded to the south by Ricasoli Point. Its north-western shore is formed by the ], which is largely covered by the city of ] and its ] ]. This peninsula also divides Grand Harbour from a second parallel natural harbour, ]. The main waterway of Grand Harbour continues inland almost to ]. The southeastern shore of the harbour is formed by a number of inlets and headlands, principally Rinella Creek, Kalkara Creek, Dockyard Creek, and French Creek, which are covered by ] and the ]: ], ], and ]. The harbour has been described as Malta's greatest geographic asset.<ref name=agius>{{cite web|last1=Agius|first1=Raymond|title=The Grand Harbour in Malta|url=http://www.agius.com/malta/harbour.htm|website=agius.com|access-date=5 November 2014|archive-date=11 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711030405/http://www.agius.com/malta/harbour.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>


With its partner harbour of Marsamxett, Grand Harbour lies at the centre of gently rising ground. Development has grown up all around the twin harbours and up the slopes so that the whole bowl is effectively one large ]. Much of Malta's population lives within a three kilometer radius of Floriana. This is now one of the most densely populated areas in Europe. The harbours and the surrounding areas make up Malta's ] and ]s. Together, these districts contain 27 of 68 ]. They have a population of 213,722 which make up over 47% of the total population of the Maltese islands.<ref>{{cite web|title=Estimated Population by Locality 31st March, 2013|url=http://www.lc.gov.mt/mediacenter/PDFs/1_Population%2031-3-13.pdf|publisher=Malta Government Gazette 19,094|accessdate=31 October 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714184236/http://www.lc.gov.mt/mediacenter/PDFs/1_Population%2031-3-13.pdf|archivedate=14 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> With its partner harbour of Marsamxett, Grand Harbour lies at the centre of gently rising ground. Settlements have grown all around the twin harbours and up the slopes so that the whole bowl is effectively one large ]. Much of Malta's population lives within a three kilometer radius of Floriana. This is now one of the most densely populated areas in Europe. The harbours and the surrounding areas make up Malta's ] and ]s. Together, these districts contain 27 of the 68 ]. They have a population of 213,722 which is over 47% of the total population of the Maltese islands.<ref>{{cite web|title=Estimated Population by Locality 31st March, 2013|url=http://www.lc.gov.mt/mediacenter/PDFs/1_Population%2031-3-13.pdf|publisher=Malta Government Gazette 19,094|access-date=31 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714184236/http://www.lc.gov.mt/mediacenter/PDFs/1_Population%2031-3-13.pdf|archive-date=14 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


== History == == History ==
] ]


The Maltese islands have ], mainly due to its strategic location and natural harbours, mainly the Grand Harbour as well as Marsamxett. The Grand Harbour has in fact been used since prehistoric times. The Maltese islands have ], mainly due to their strategic location and natural harbours, mainly the Grand Harbour as well as Marsamxett. The Grand Harbour has been used since prehistoric times.


Megalithic remains have been found on the shores of the Grand Harbour. The ], the earliest of which date back to around 3700 BC, overlooked the harbour from Corradino Heights.<ref name=KordinIII>{{cite book|last1=Vella|first1=Nicholas C.|title=The Prehistoric Temples at Kordin III|date=2004|publisher=Heritage Books|location=]|isbn=9993239879}}</ref> Another megalithic structure possibly existed underwater off Fort Saint Angelo, but this can no longer be seen.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Coppens|first1=Philip|title=Malta: the small island of the giants|url=http://www.philipcoppens.com/malta.html|website=philipcoppens.com|accessdate=2 May 2015}}</ref> Punic and Roman remains were also found on the shores of the harbour.<ref name=KordinIII/> Megalithic remains have been found on the shores of the Grand Harbour. The ], the earliest of which date back to around 3700 BC, overlooked the harbour from Corradino Heights.<ref name=KordinIII>{{cite book|last1=Vella|first1=Nicholas C.|title=The Prehistoric Temples at Kordin III|date=2004|publisher=Heritage Books|location=]|isbn=9993239879}}</ref> Another megalithic structure possibly existed underwater off Fort Saint Angelo, but this can no longer be seen.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Coppens|first1=Philip|title=Malta: the small island of the giants|url=http://www.philipcoppens.com/malta.html|website=philipcoppens.com|access-date=2 May 2015}}</ref> Punic and Roman remains were also found on the shores of the harbour,<ref name=KordinIII/> with the main ] port at ] possibly having been the original namesake of the island in ] and ].


By the 12th and 13th centuries, the '']'' had been built in what is now ]. It might have been built instead of ancient buildings, possibly Phoenician or Roman temples, or an Arab fortress.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fort St Angelo|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malta/vittoriosa/sights/military/fort-st-angelo|publisher=Lonely Planet|accessdate=5 November 2014}}</ref> By the 12th and 13th centuries, the '']'' had been built in what is now ]. It might have been built instead of ancient buildings, possibly Phoenician or Roman temples, or an Arab fortress.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fort St Angelo|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malta/vittoriosa/sights/military/fort-st-angelo|publisher=Lonely Planet|access-date=5 November 2014}}</ref>


In 1283, the ] was fought at the entrance of the Grand Harbour. ] forces defeated a larger ] force and captured 10 galleys.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Said|first1=Frans|title=The Battle of Malta 730 years ago|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130630/life-features/The-Battle-of-Malta-730-years-ago.476209|accessdate=5 November 2014|work=]|date=30 June 2013}}</ref> In 1283, the ] was fought at the entrance of the Grand Harbour. ] forces defeated a larger ] force and captured 10 galleys.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Said|first1=Frans|title=The Battle of Malta 730 years ago|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130630/life-features/The-Battle-of-Malta-730-years-ago.476209|access-date=5 November 2014|work=]|date=30 June 2013}}</ref>


The Grand Harbour was the base for the ] for 268 years, from 1530 to 1798. They settled in the city of ] and improved its fortifications, including rebuilding the ''Castrum Maris'' as ]. In July 1551, Barbary corsairs and ] forces ]. They landed at Marsamxett and marched upon the Grand Harbour, but did not attack as they found the town of Birgu too well fortified to attack. Although this attempt was unsuccessful, the Ottoman force later managed to ] and ] within the same campaign. After the attack, ] and ] were built to better protect the harbour in any future attacks. The city of ] was also founded soon afterwards. The Grand Harbour was the base for the ] for 268 years, from 1530 to 1798. They settled in the city of ] and improved its fortifications, including rebuilding the ''Castrum Maris'' as ]. In July 1551, Barbary corsairs and ] forces ]. They landed at Marsamxett and marched upon the Grand Harbour, but did not attack as they found the town of Birgu too well fortified to attack. Although this attempt was unsuccessful, the Ottoman force later managed to ] and ] within the same campaign. After the attack, ] and ] were built to better protect the harbour in any future attacks. The city of ] was also founded soon afterwards.
Line 31: Line 45:


] ]
] (taken 1850s-1870s.]]
During the ], the harbour area was blockaded by Maltese rebels on land and the ] at sea. The French eventually capitulated in September 1800 and Malta became a ], later a ]. During the British colonial rule, the harbour became a strategic base for the Royal Navy and the base of the ]. During the ], the harbour area was blockaded by Maltese rebels on land and the ] at sea. The French eventually capitulated in September 1800 and Malta became a ], later a ]. During the British colonial rule, the harbour became a strategic base for the Royal Navy and the base of the ].


] in the harbour during the ].]] ] in the harbour during the ].]]
The whole area was savagely bombed during the ] during ], as the docks and military installations around the ] became targets for ] ]. However ] wrecked much of Valletta and The Three Cities, and caused large numbers of ]. The whole area was savagely bombed during the ] during ], as the docks and military installations around the ] became targets for ] ]. However ] wrecked much of Valletta and The Three Cities, and caused large numbers of ]. An ] on the harbour was repelled on the early of 26 July 1941.
] warships in the harbour during 1967.]] ] warships in the harbour during 1967.]]
] is still active but with the departure of the ] the harbour lost much of its military significance. A considerable part of Malta's ] ] is now handled by the new ] at ], so the harbour is much quieter than it was in the first half of the 20th century.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bugeja|first1=Lino|title=The historical importance of Malta’s Grand Harbour|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130811/life-features/The-historical-importance-of-Malta-s-Grand-Harbour.481865|accessdate=31 October 2014|work=]|date=11 August 2013}}</ref> ] is still active but with the departure of the ] the harbour lost much of its military significance. A considerable part of Malta's ] ] is now handled by the new ] at ], so the harbour is much quieter than it was in the first half of the 20th century.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bugeja|first1=Lino|title=The historical importance of Malta's Grand Harbour|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130811/life-features/The-historical-importance-of-Malta-s-Grand-Harbour.481865|access-date=31 October 2014|work=]|date=11 August 2013}}</ref>


⚫ In September 2007, the ] unveiled 20 proposed regeneration projects that would revamp the area while respecting its historic value.<ref>{{cite news|title=Government's Vision for Grand Harbour will generate jobs and investment – MEA|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2007-09-08/news/governments-vision-for-grand-harbour-will-generate-jobs-and-investment-mea-178950/|access-date=5 November 2014|work=]|date=8 September 2007}}</ref>
=== A Vision for Malta's Grand Harbour ===

⚫ The Grand Harbour, the backdrop to Malta's history, is set to experience a regeneration as in September 2007, the ] unveiled 20 proposed projects that would revamp the area while respecting its historic value.<ref>{{cite news|title=Government’s Vision for Grand Harbour will generate jobs and investment – MEA|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2007-09-08/news/governments-vision-for-grand-harbour-will-generate-jobs-and-investment-mea-178950/|accessdate=5 November 2014|work=]|date=8 September 2007}}</ref>

The 20 proposals are these:
* A New Cruise Liner Terminal in ]
* Extending the Valletta Cruise Liner Terminal
* One ] from ] all the way to Senglea
* New ] in ]
* Conversion of Sir ] hospital into a hotel
* A new tourism and cultural sector
* A center for the audio-visual industry in ]
* Restoration of ]
* Super yachts along the Senglea ]
* Discontinuing the Cleaning of Tanks
* A Commercial Maritime Park
* Maritime institute
* Maritime services
* Closing down the Marsa Power Station
* ] of the Rinella Valley
* Rinella Creek
* New maritime infrastructure in Kalkara
* The reorganisation of ''Xatt il-Mollijiet''
* Extension of quay infrastructe in Coradino
* A Base for Towing Services in ''Xatt il-Knisja''


As of May 2021 the harbour is undergoing renovation works initiated by ] and sponsored by the ] with the goals of electrifying the harbour to produce a 90% decrease in harmful emissions from ships. ] units are to be installed to eliminate the need for ]-powered engines to run while ships are docked.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=18 May 2021 |title=Cavotec Wins Cleantech Contract to Cut Ship Emissions |url=https://www.memuk.org/sustainability/cavotec-wins-cleantech-contract-to-cut-ship-emissions-60827 |work=Manufacturing and Engineering Magazine |location= |access-date=19 May 2021 |archive-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519180543/https://www.memuk.org/sustainability/cavotec-wins-cleantech-contract-to-cut-ship-emissions-60827 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<span id="coordinates" class="plainlinksneverexpand"> <span id="coordinates" class="plainlinksneverexpand">
]: {{coord|35|53|42|N|14|31|14|E|type:waterbody}} ]: {{coord|35|53|42|N|14|31|14|E|type:waterbody}}
Line 69: Line 61:


==Around the Grand Harbour from Fort Ricasoli to Fort St. Elmo== ==Around the Grand Harbour from Fort Ricasoli to Fort St. Elmo==
] ]
] ]


Line 91: Line 83:
**Dock No. 2 **Dock No. 2
**Ghajn Dwieli Road **Ghajn Dwieli Road
**] **]
**Dock No. 6 **Dock No. 6
*Ras Ħanżir Point *Ras Ħanżir Point
Line 101: Line 93:
*] *]
**Bridge Wharf, Marsa **Bridge Wharf, Marsa
**Braken Wharf, Marsa **Flagstone Wharf / Moll iċ-Ċangatura, Marsa
**Il-Moll tal-Ħatab, Marsa **Lighters Wharf / il-Moll tal-Braken, Marsa
**Moll iċ-Ċangatura, Marsa **Timber Wharf / il-Moll tal-Ħatab, Marsa
*Xatt l-Għassara tal-Għeneb, Marsa **Xatt l-Għassara tal-Għeneb, Marsa
*] or Pinto Wharf, ] *] or Pinto Wharf, ]
*Lascaris Wharf,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Caruana Dingli |first1=Petra |title=The Waterside of Valletta: Grand Masters, Travellers and Military Men |date=2018 |publisher=University of Malta |location=Encounters with Valletta: A Baroque City Through the Ages |page=213–227 |url=https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55957}}</ref> ]
*Lascaris Wharf, ]
*Xatt il-Barriera, Valletta *Xatt il-Barriera, Valletta
*Taħt iż-Żiemel *Taħt iż-Żiemel
*] *]
{{clear}}


==Gallery== ==Gallery==
⚫ {{wide image|Valletta Grand Harbour Panorama.jpg|1000px|Grand Harbour looking eastwards, as seen from the ]}}
<gallery class="center" mode="packed" heights="130px"> <gallery class="center" mode="packed" heights="130">
⚫ Malta - Valletta - Valletta Breakwater + Kalkara - Ricasoli Breakwater (MSTHC) 03 ies.jpg|Ricasoli Breakwater<br><small>Kalkara</small>
Sudika Fort Ricasoli.jpg|]<br><small>Kalkara</small> File:Malta - Valletta - Valletta Breakwater + Kalkara - Ricasoli Breakwater (MSTHC) 03 ies.jpg|Ricasoli Breakwater<br /><small>Kalkara</small>
Malta - Kalkara - Rinella Bay (MSTHC) 01 ies.jpg|Rinella Bay<br><small>Kalkara</small> File:Sudika Fort Ricasoli.jpg|]<br /><small>Kalkara</small>
Sudika Kalkara Bighi.jpg|]<br><small>Kalkara</small> File:Sudika Kalkara Bighi.jpg|]<br /><small>Kalkara</small>
Malta - Birgu + Kalkara + Kalkara Creek + election celebration (Lower Barrakka Gardens) 01 ies.jpg|Kalkara Creek<br><small>Kalkara and Birgu</small> File:Malta - Birgu + Kalkara + Kalkara Creek + election celebration (Lower Barrakka Gardens) 01 ies.jpg|Kalkara Creek<br /><small>Kalkara and Birgu</small>
Malta - Birgu - Fort Saint Angelo (Upper Barrakka Gardens) 01 ies.jpg|]<br><small>Birgu</small> File:Malta - Birgu - Fort Saint Angelo (Upper Barrakka Gardens) 01 ies.jpg|]<br /><small>Birgu</small>
Malta - Cospicua - Triq Santa Tereza+Dockyard Creek (MSTHC) 01 ies.jpg|Dockyard Creek<br><small>Birgu, Cospicua and Senglea</small> File:Malta - Senglea + The Spur (Herbert Ganado Gardens) 01 ies.jpg|The Spur<br /><small>Senglea</small>
Malta Vittoriosa BW 2011-10-06 10-23-35.JPG|Cottonera Marina<br><small>Birgu</small> File:Malta - Senglea + French Creek (Herbert Ganado Gardens) 01 ies.jpg|French Creek<br /><small>Senglea, Cospicua and Paola</small>
Original dock buildings at Cospicua No 1 Dock Malta.JPG|Dock No. 1<br><small>Cospicua</small> File:Malta - Cospicua - Dock No. 4 (MSTHC) 01 ies.jpg|Dock No. 4<br /><small>Cospicua</small>
Malta - Senglea + The Spur (Herbert Ganado Gardens) 01 ies.jpg|The Spur<br><small>Senglea</small> File:Malta, Dry Dock.jpg|Dock No. 6 (China Dock)<br /><small>Cospicua</small>
Malta - Senglea + French Creek (Herbert Ganado Gardens) 01 ies.jpg|French Creek<br><small>Senglea, Cospicua and Paola</small> File:Malta - Marsa - Il-Moll tax-Shipwrights (MSTHC) 01 ies.jpg|Shipwrights Wharf<br /><small>Paola and Marsa</small>
Malta - Senglea - Dock no. 2 (MSTHC) 01 ies.jpg|Dock No. 2<br><small>Senglea</small> File:Marsa Power Station 2009.jpg|Bridge Wharf and Marsa Power Station<br /><small>Marsa</small>
Malta - Cospicua - Dock No. 4 (MSTHC) 01 ies.jpg|Dock No. 4<br><small>Cospicua</small> File:Malta - Marsa - Il-Moll tal-Braken (MSTHC) 02 ies.jpg|Braken Wharf<br /><small>Marsa</small>
⚫ File:Malta - Valletta - Xatt Lascaris+SS Peter and Paul Bastion+custom house+Upper Barrakka Gardens (MSTHC) 01 ies.jpg|Xatt Lascaris<br /><small>Valletta</small>
Malta, Dry Dock.jpg|Dock No. 6 (China Dock)<br><small>Cospicua</small>
Malta - Cospicua - Triq Xu - Dock No. 7+Parlatorio Wharf (MSTHC) 01 ies.jpg|Dock No. 7<br><small>Cospicua</small> File:Fort St. Elmo; Valletta, Malta.jpg|]<br /><small>Valletta</small>
Malta - Marsa - Il-Moll tax-Shipwrights (MSTHC) 01 ies.jpg|Shipwrights Wharf<br><small>Paola and Marsa</small> File:Malta - Valletta - Triq il-Lanca - St. Elmo Bridge (MSTHC) 07 ies.jpg|]<br /><small>Valletta</small>
⚫ File:Malta - Valletta - Triq il-Lanca - Valletta Breakwater (Siege Bell) 01 ies.jpg|Valletta Breakwater<br /><small>Valletta</small>
Marsa Power Station 2009.jpg|Bridge Wharf and Marsa Power Station<br><small>Marsa</small>
Malta - Marsa - Il-Moll tal-Braken (MSTHC) 02 ies.jpg|Braken Wharf<br><small>Marsa</small>
Malta - Floriana - Triq l-Ghassara tal-Gheneb - Jean de la Valette (MSTHC) 07 ies.jpg|Xatt l-Għassara tal-Għeneb<br><small>Marsa and Floriana</small>
Malta - Floriana - Xatt Pinto - Crucifix Bastion + Valletta Cruise Port (MSTHC) 01 ies.jpg|Valletta Cruise Port<br><small>Floriana</small>
Malta - Floriana - Valletta Waterfront (MSTHC) 01 ies.jpg|]<br><small>Floriana</small>
⚫ Malta - Valletta - Xatt Lascaris+SS Peter and Paul Bastion+custom house+Upper Barrakka Gardens (MSTHC) 01 ies.jpg|Xatt Lascaris<br><small>Valletta</small>
Malta - Valletta - Xatt il-Barriera (MSTHC) 02 ies.jpg|Xatt il-Barriera<br><small>Valletta</small>
Malta - Valletta - Triq il-Lanca+Triq il-Mediterran+Siege Bell War memorial+Lower Barrakka Gardens (MSTHC) 01 ies.jpg|Triq il-Lanċa<br><small>Valletta</small>
Fort St. Elmo; Valletta, Malta.jpg|]<br><small>Valletta</small>
Malta - Valletta - Triq il-Lanca - St. Elmo Bridge (MSTHC) 07 ies.jpg|]<br><small>Valletta</small>
Malta - Valletta - Triq il-Lanca - Valletta Breakwater (Siege Bell) 01 ies.jpg|Valletta Breakwater<br><small>Valletta</small>
</gallery> </gallery>


Latest revision as of 13:34, 6 November 2024

Natural harbour in Valletta, Malta For other uses, see Grand Harbour (disambiguation).
Grand Harbour
3D Rendering of the Harbour making use of Satellite Imagery with captions stating the different parts of the portThe Grand Harbour from above
Click on the map for a fullscreen view
Location
CountryMalta
LocationSouthern Harbour Area
Details
Type of harbourcoastal natural
Size of harbour2,035,000 square metres (503 acres)
Maximum Length3.63 kilometres (2.26 mi)
Maximum Width1.33 kilometres (0.83 mi)
Average Depth7.7 metres (25 ft)
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The Grand Harbour (Maltese: il-Port il-Kbir; Italian: Porto Grande), also known as the Port of Marsa, is a natural harbour on the island of Malta. It has been substantially modified over the years with extensive docks (Malta Dockyard), wharves, and fortifications.

Description

View of the Grand Harbour looking towards the sea
View of the Grand Harbour looking towards Marsa

The harbour mouth faces north-east and is bounded to the north by Saint Elmo Point and further sheltered by an isolated breakwater and is bounded to the south by Ricasoli Point. Its north-western shore is formed by the Sciberras peninsula, which is largely covered by the city of Valletta and its suburb Floriana. This peninsula also divides Grand Harbour from a second parallel natural harbour, Marsamxett Harbour. The main waterway of Grand Harbour continues inland almost to Marsa. The southeastern shore of the harbour is formed by a number of inlets and headlands, principally Rinella Creek, Kalkara Creek, Dockyard Creek, and French Creek, which are covered by Kalkara and the Three Cities: Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. The harbour has been described as Malta's greatest geographic asset.

With its partner harbour of Marsamxett, Grand Harbour lies at the centre of gently rising ground. Settlements have grown all around the twin harbours and up the slopes so that the whole bowl is effectively one large conurbation. Much of Malta's population lives within a three kilometer radius of Floriana. This is now one of the most densely populated areas in Europe. The harbours and the surrounding areas make up Malta's Northern and Southern Harbour Districts. Together, these districts contain 27 of the 68 local councils. They have a population of 213,722 which is over 47% of the total population of the Maltese islands.

History

The Grand Harbour in 1750

The Maltese islands have a long history, mainly due to their strategic location and natural harbours, mainly the Grand Harbour as well as Marsamxett. The Grand Harbour has been used since prehistoric times.

Megalithic remains have been found on the shores of the Grand Harbour. The Kordin Temples, the earliest of which date back to around 3700 BC, overlooked the harbour from Corradino Heights. Another megalithic structure possibly existed underwater off Fort Saint Angelo, but this can no longer be seen. Punic and Roman remains were also found on the shores of the harbour, with the main Carthaginian port at Cospicua possibly having been the original namesake of the island in Greek and Latin.

By the 12th and 13th centuries, the Castrum Maris had been built in what is now Birgu. It might have been built instead of ancient buildings, possibly Phoenician or Roman temples, or an Arab fortress.

In 1283, the Battle of Malta was fought at the entrance of the Grand Harbour. Aragonese forces defeated a larger Angevin force and captured 10 galleys.

The Grand Harbour was the base for the Order of Saint John for 268 years, from 1530 to 1798. They settled in the city of Birgu and improved its fortifications, including rebuilding the Castrum Maris as Fort Saint Angelo. In July 1551, Barbary corsairs and Ottoman forces raided Malta. They landed at Marsamxett and marched upon the Grand Harbour, but did not attack as they found the town of Birgu too well fortified to attack. Although this attempt was unsuccessful, the Ottoman force later managed to sack Gozo and conquer Tripoli within the same campaign. After the attack, Fort Saint Elmo and Fort Saint Michael were built to better protect the harbour in any future attacks. The city of Senglea was also founded soon afterwards.

Later on in the 1550s, a tornado struck the Grand Harbour, killing 600 people and destroying a shipping armada.

The area was the scene of much of the fighting in the Great Siege of Malta of 1565 when the Ottomans attempted to eject the Order of St John but were ultimately defeated. After the siege, the capital city of Valletta was built on the Sciberras peninsula on the north west shore of the harbour. Over the years, more fortifications and settlements were founded within the Grand Harbour, including Fort Ricasoli and the towns of Floriana and Cospicua.

New dock built in 1867
Grand Harbour, Malta by Francis Frith (taken 1850s-1870s.

During the French occupation of Malta, the harbour area was blockaded by Maltese rebels on land and the Royal Navy at sea. The French eventually capitulated in September 1800 and Malta became a British protectorate, later a colony. During the British colonial rule, the harbour became a strategic base for the Royal Navy and the base of the Mediterranean Fleet.

HMS Rodney in the harbour during the Allied invasion of Sicily.

The whole area was savagely bombed during the Second Siege of Malta during World War II, as the docks and military installations around the port became targets for Axis bombers. However collateral damage wrecked much of Valletta and The Three Cities, and caused large numbers of civilian casualties. An Italian naval raid on the harbour was repelled on the early of 26 July 1941.

NATO warships in the harbour during 1967.

Malta Dockyard is still active but with the departure of the British Military the harbour lost much of its military significance. A considerable part of Malta's commercial shipping is now handled by the new free port at Kalafrana, so the harbour is much quieter than it was in the first half of the 20th century.

In September 2007, the Maltese Government unveiled 20 proposed regeneration projects that would revamp the area while respecting its historic value.

As of May 2021 the harbour is undergoing renovation works initiated by Infrastructure Malta and sponsored by the European Union with the goals of electrifying the harbour to produce a 90% decrease in harmful emissions from ships. Shorepower units are to be installed to eliminate the need for fossil fuel-powered engines to run while ships are docked. Coordinates: 35°53′42″N 14°31′14″E / 35.89500°N 14.52056°E / 35.89500; 14.52056

Around the Grand Harbour from Fort Ricasoli to Fort St. Elmo

View of the Grand Harbour in the 18th century
Aerial view of the Grand Harbour in 2006

Gallery

Grand Harbour looking eastwards, as seen from the Upper Barrakka Gardens
  • Ricasoli Breakwater Kalkara Ricasoli Breakwater
    Kalkara
  • Fort Ricasoli Kalkara Fort Ricasoli
    Kalkara
  • Bighi Kalkara Bighi
    Kalkara
  • Kalkara Creek Kalkara and Birgu Kalkara Creek
    Kalkara and Birgu
  • Fort Saint Angelo Birgu Fort Saint Angelo
    Birgu
  • The Spur Senglea The Spur
    Senglea
  • French Creek Senglea, Cospicua and Paola French Creek
    Senglea, Cospicua and Paola
  • Dock No. 4 Cospicua Dock No. 4
    Cospicua
  • Dock No. 6 (China Dock) Cospicua Dock No. 6 (China Dock)
    Cospicua
  • Shipwrights Wharf Paola and Marsa Shipwrights Wharf
    Paola and Marsa
  • Bridge Wharf and Marsa Power Station Marsa Bridge Wharf and Marsa Power Station
    Marsa
  • Braken Wharf Marsa Braken Wharf
    Marsa
  • Xatt Lascaris Valletta Xatt Lascaris
    Valletta
  • Fort Saint Elmo Valletta Fort Saint Elmo
    Valletta
  • St. Elmo Bridge Valletta St. Elmo Bridge
    Valletta
  • Valletta Breakwater Valletta Valletta Breakwater
    Valletta

See also

References

  1. "Port of Marsa". Transport Malta. Archived from the original on 31 May 2016. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  2. Pullicino, Mark (2013). The Obama Tribe Explorer, James Martin's Biography. MPI Publishing. pp. 30–31. ISBN 978-99957-0-584-8. OCLC 870266285.
  3. Agius, Raymond. "The Grand Harbour in Malta". agius.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  4. "Estimated Population by Locality 31st March, 2013" (PDF). Malta Government Gazette 19,094. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  5. ^ Vella, Nicholas C. (2004). The Prehistoric Temples at Kordin III. Santa Venera: Heritage Books. ISBN 9993239879.
  6. Coppens, Philip. "Malta: the small island of the giants". philipcoppens.com. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  7. "Fort St Angelo". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  8. Said, Frans (30 June 2013). "The Battle of Malta 730 years ago". Times of Malta. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  9. Bugeja, Lino (11 August 2013). "The historical importance of Malta's Grand Harbour". Times of Malta. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  10. "Government's Vision for Grand Harbour will generate jobs and investment – MEA". The Malta Independent. 8 September 2007. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  11. "Cavotec Wins Cleantech Contract to Cut Ship Emissions". Manufacturing and Engineering Magazine. 18 May 2021. Archived from the original on 19 May 2021. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
  12. Caruana Dingli, Petra (2018). The Waterside of Valletta: Grand Masters, Travellers and Military Men. Encounters with Valletta: A Baroque City Through the Ages: University of Malta. p. 213–227.

External links

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