San Ġwann can be viewed from different perspectives through its archaeological traces, Order history and nature. To choose the focus of your trip, you can ask whether you are more interested in a chronological context, architectural history or ecological function. The individual points of reference differ in the aspects of the history and place they bring to the fore.
Archaeological traces of San Ġwann
The cart ruts of San Ġwann lie near the Sant Andrija zone. They are dated to around 2300–1000 BC and probably predate the Punic period. They are described as the oldest human remains in the locality of San Ġwann. The dating indicates a broad period, not a single point in time; at the same time, their classification as pre-Punic remains probable. These traces therefore bring together an approximate timeframe and their significance within the locality. Their proximity to the Sant Andrija zone adds a specific place reference to the chronological perspective.
Tower and Order history
The Roman Tower of Ta’ Cieda is considered the best-known archaeological relic from the historical period in San Ġwann. Its prominent status offers a different perspective on the locality’s archaeological themes from the approximate dating of the cart ruts: here, the significance of a named relic is at the centre, while there, the focus is on chronological context.
Torri Ta Lanzun, also known as Castello Lanzun or Castle of the Lance, is located in Mensija, San Ġwann, opposite the parish church. Castello Lanzun consists of a main building, a tower with the Order’s chapel and a large courtyard. This layout makes the structure understandable as a combination of several parts: the main building, tower and courtyard each have their place in the description. In 1973, Castello Lanzun was formally inaugurated as the official headquarters of the Grand Master by the 48th Grand Master, Don Francisco de Borbón y Escasany. Its architecture and formal inauguration thus offer different starting points for exploring the building.
A chapel with its own construction date
The Chapel of St Philip and St James, known as Tal-Prepostu, was built in 1733 by Fr. Gaspare Giuseppe Vassallo on land in Ta’ Wied Għomor. Together with Castello Lanzun, it invites a comparison between two different historical dates: 1733 marks the year the chapel was built, while 1973 marks the formal inauguration of Castello Lanzun as the official headquarters of the Grand Master. The years therefore refer to different events. Those interested in architectural history can compare a construction date with an institutional event, rather than treating both dates as equivalent.
Protected areas and habitats for pollinators
The nature-related themes also have different focal points. Wied Għollieqa is designated as a bird sanctuary and also as a Special Area of Conservation of national importance. The focus here is on its protected-area designation. By contrast, Ġnien id-Dakkara provides a habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies; the garden’s ecological function is the key aspect here. Nature enthusiasts can therefore consider two different perspectives: the designated protection status of an area and the habitat a garden provides for particular pollinators.
These differences help you explore San Ġwann according to your own interests: archaeological dating, architectural history, Order history, or the designation of natural areas and habitats. If you are looking for hotels in San Ġwann, the historical and ecological themes can help guide the focus of your stay.
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