Birkirkara Favorites

Favorite thing: When in Malta don't eat in McDonalds - try the local pastries in the local Pastizzerias. They have fillings such as rabbit, spinach and cheese or mushy peas and at only 6c each they are really cheap. I preferred the cheese ones to the pea ones.

Favorite thing: There are some really beautiful balcomies in Birkirkara as in many places in Malta. in fact I tried to find a building without a balcony during our week in Malta! this particular one caught my eye though.

Favorite thing: Although referred to as the new parish church it was begun in 1727 - so not that new really! The Church of St Helens, as it is known, is a fine example of baroque in Malta.
It has many fine works of art inside - not seen by us as it was closed at the time of our visit -but its main claim to fame its its bell errected in 1932 which is the largest in Malta.

Favorite thing: We were actually looking for Attard - one of the so called three villages - we got off the bus when we saw the sign for its neighbour Balzan, kept walking and found ourselves here! Despite it being the largest population centre on Malta with its modern day shopping areas and MacDonalds to boot the old town core is delightful.

Favorite thing: Whilst walking down the main street these storm siren alarms can be seen. Knowing that Malta has little rain being such a sunshine island and its not sinking like Venice so they seemed to be a very odd thing to have! Apparently however its a combination of the rain, which falls mainly in January, and the poor street drains which can't cope with the sudden onslaught of this water. I discovered this from a local at the VT meet - she came from Birkakara and was most amused I had photographed this!
So thanks Steph for the information :-)

Favorite thing: As well as several churches here there are also small chapels which are just as nice architecturally. This one just seemed squeezed into such a small courtyard area, just set back from a side street.

Favorite thing: Here's a closer view of the parish church of St Helen in Birkirkara with its fine statues atop its facade.