Santa Lucija

About Santa Lucija

The locality of Santa Lucija has a dense population, and many lovely residences and villas may be seen, particularly in the neighbourhood of Wied Garnaw. Santa Lucija is adorned with a significant number of gardens and patios with trees and flowers, giving it a peaceful and serene appearance. Apart from the gardens, there is also a running track and a picnic spot here. Learn more about the different localities around Malta & Gozo.

History of Santa Lucija

Until the first few years that followed World War II, the Santa Lucija area was nothing more than a number of fields.  A small stream used to flow through a narrow ditch, parts of which are still visible today.  There were only two small fireworks factories belonging to Tarxien and Gudja. The first buildings were constructed in 1955 and the first residents moved in, in 1966. Gradually the locality continued to develop and the community continued to flourish.

Santa Lucija Garden City

Santa Lucija is known as the Garden City due to its large number of gardens and patios with trees and flowers which surround the buildings as well as the green belt around its perimeter. Along this green belt one finds the Chinese Garden which has now become a symbol of this locality. There is also a picnic area known as Gnien l-Iskultur and also a jogging track in Gnien Haz-Zebbug. Further south there is Wied Garnaw which is divided into several zones. The Parish Church is dedicated to Pius X and there is also a hypogeum there which was discovered in 1973.

Santa Lucija Agriculture

For centuries the locality was a fertile area, rural, peaceful and traditional.  Agriculture was one of the pillars of the Maltese economy with farmers living on what they could produce from the land and the animals they reared.  The land was passed through generations, from father to son.  Apart from agricultural produce, a lot of cotton was also grown thus one of the roads in the locality is named Triq il-Qoton.

Santa Lucija Temple

In 1974 the prehistoric temple in Triq il-Lellux was discovered. There is a small megalithic structure at the entrance. It could have been used as a temple or a burial place.  Broken pieces of Copper Age pottery and a few amulets made of shell, as well as a large amount of human bones and teeth were discovered.

What to see or do in Santa Lucija?

Here are some examples of what to see or do in the locality Santa Lucija. 

Santa Lucija Chapel

Santa Lucija Chapel is located on the Tarxien/Gudja Road. It was built in 1532.  There is one main altar with a painting depicting Our Lady with the Child Jesus and a kneeling Saint Lucy has been removed. In a corner of the church square is a well which used to provide drinking water to thirsty pilgrims.  The festa used to be celebrated on the 13th December however this has been discontinued and the church has been neglected.

St. Pius X Parish Church

St. Pius X Parish Church is built on a Romanesque pattern with a uniform internal style which radiates peace. The first stone was laid on the 6th November 1966 and consecrated on 4th June 1972.  When the church was completed, a decree was issued on 8th July 1969 by the Curia stating that with effect from 27th July 1969, the church dedicated to St. Pius X was to become a parish.

The Chinese Garden

The Chinese Garden or the Serenity Garden in Santa Lucija is a symbol of life: from birth to death. The figure of birth is the fountain at the very beginning of the garden, with the water in the background symbolising the mother, the water seems to give birth, the happiness of a new life; the beginning of childhood.

On the other side of the Chinese Garden, we come upon a circular moon-shaped entrance with the words “The route to refuge” carved into it. “Around the outside door the plane is full of flowers that spread beautiful fragrances, distant from the city limits,” says a poetry on the pillars leading to the terrace on the pond. In the distant, the hills extend the meadows.”

At the other end, there is a hole which provides a large space.  This is the end of everything and everyone.  The rocks enter the earth and the waters go underneath the earth – into the well.  When one looks into the well and see their own reflection they are reminded and even they have to die and proceed to another life.  This helps us to achieve peace of mind and eternal life – above the clouds and the moon and deeper than the bottom of the pond or of the sea that outcomes every cave.