Kirkop

KIRKOP - PARVA NON INERS
GeographyKirkop is a little village situated near Malta International Airport on the way going to Zurrieq. It has a population of around 2500 but it is expanding rapidly to reach 3500 by year 2010. Kirkop was part of a larger community called 'Bir Miftuh' in middle ages when on the 29th May, 1592 it was declared a parish on its own right.Why Kirkop?The name of the village is derived from an ancient family name that had roots within the area. The village name was known as 'Casal Prokopju' and this name is found in old registers of the militia that existed prior to the coming of the Knights of Malta. It is traditionally known that the name described the place where this family lived. After a while the official name became 'KIRKOP' by the local people.

General Description
Kirkop is a very small village and yet it has a lot to offer to the visitor. One finds the Menhira monolith that has become the symbol of the village, Paleo-Christian Catacombs, the medieval Church of the Annunciation, the Parish Church dedicated to St. Leonard, two band Clubs, St Joseph Band Club, St.Leonard Band Club and the cemetery inside which there is a Chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas. A cross placed on column is found in Kirkop Square and it is called 'Is-Salib tad-Dejma'in Maltese. There is also a quite interesting collection of niches scattered around the village

The Parish Church
The parish church of Kirkop is dedicated to St. Leonard de Noblat, a french saint who lived in the 5th. century. It is the only parish church in Malta dedicated to this saint and the feast is celebrated on the third Sunday of September. An important secondary feast dedicated to St. Joseph is usually celebrated on the second Sunday of July.
The parish of Kirkop was established on 29th May, 1592. In fact the Local Council celebrates this date as the birth of Kirkop although the village existed much longer than that.
Several beautiful object d'arts are found in the church and the visitor is welcomed to explore, showing due respect to a sacred place.

The Chapel of the Annunciation
This Chapel is very old indeed. It was erected in the 1460 and re-erected in 1658. It is situated in Misrah Kirkop and it is still used for special ceremonies.

The Menhir
On entering Kirkop from St. Peter's one finds the Menhir, a monolith erected in pre-history. Its purpose is still a mystery, several experts believe it was a meeting point for the people of those days of pre-history. It has become the symbol of Kirkop.

Paleo-Christian Catacombs
These Catacombs were found in 1962. They are situated in Triq iz-Zebbiegh. Several human bones and pottery were found in it. In the moment, they are in a derelict state. The central government has promised to restore this site.

Niches
Several niches are found in Kirkop. They are dedicated to Saints that have a connection with the village. On the right side one finds the photos of several niches and their location but the list is not exhaustive. It would take two hours to stroll through the village and watch these beautiful niches.

Local Militia Cross
'Is-Salib tad-Dejma' as it is called in Maltese was a meeting point for the local militia founded in the middle ages prior to the arrival of the Knights of Malta. This Cross is situated in Misrah Kirkop.

The Cemetery.
The Cemetery is located at the outskirts of Kirkop in St. Nicholas Street. This is burial ground for several people who died of the Great Plague of 1592. In future, a burial list will published in this section.

Band Clubs
In Kirkop, one finds two band clubs namely St. Joseph Band Club and St. Leonard Philarmonic Band Club. They situated practically next to each other.
Although there is great rivaly between the supporters of the clubs, the village is one the most quiet in Malta!

St. James' Chapel
This Chapel does not exist anymore. However, one finds the entrance of this Chapel very similar to the Chapel of Hal Millieri situated in Mqabba. This arched entrance is in a derelict state. The central government has promised to restore together with the catacombs.