Qawra, Bugibba, St.Paul's Bay

Qawra

Qawra TowerThis tower also known as Ta` Fra Ben was built in 1637 at the expense of the Universita, the Islands’ Government. It followed a standard pattern adopted for other watch-towers. They were designed to keep the surrounding area under surveillance and to relay warning signals to other towers.
Salt Pans at SalinaIn the 1560s La Vallette constructed these pans to replace the more exposed ones at Mellieha (Ghadira). Salt was exported to various countries. They fell into disuse in 1798 but were later repaired by the British administration.
Qawra Parish ChurchDedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, this modern church saw its beginning in 1993. It is quite revolutionary and original in its architecture. The objective of beauty and functionality are served in an optical cohesion by its Architect Richard England.

Bugibba

This is the hub of activity in the San Pawl il-Bahar area. From a humble holiday resort with houses at ground floor level, it has developed into a commercial centre with shops and restaurants. Its harbour is a mecca for boats whereas its pier is very popular for rod fishing.The salt pan situated on the foreshore next to the pier has been known to be here a long time. These pans are a pride to bygone engineering skills, basing its unique function on the simple law of gravity.
The Bugibba templeThis temple lies within the precinct of the New Dolmen Hotel and was discovered in 1928 by Sir T. Zammit. It has a neat trefoil plan. An interesting stone depicts a spiral design-continuity of life. Another unique stone portrays the carving of a fish for sacrifice. It was built between the years 3000 and 2500BC.

St.Paul's Bay

The Parish Church dedicated to our Lady of Sorrows is the outstanding landmark of the old village core. Built in 1900 on a piece of land donated by Anna Bugeja it is officiated by the Franciscan Conventual Friars. It is of Doric style with one bell-tower. Fifteen stained glass windows adorn the church. The paintings are the work of the famous painter Guiseppe Calí.

Wignacourt Tower was built by Grandmaster Wignacourt in 1610 to guard the bay from any sea-borne attack, it was the first of a series of coastal towers. It consists of a square block with thick bomb-proof sloping walls and turrets at the corner. Internally it consists of two barrel-vaulted rooms one on the other, whereas the main entrance was through the doorway on the first floor via a flight of stairs and a drawbridge, both of which no longer exist. It now hosts an exhibition of the knights` fortifications.
Chapel of St. Paul`s Shipwreck (of the bonfire)This chapel stands on the site where according to tradition the Maltese lit a fire for St. Paul and his companions. It is said that the first church was built in the first century. The roofing of the arcade consists of flat slabs laid upon arched ribs. Six flat saucer domes are built over arched openings that flank both sides of the nave. Three large canvases by Cassarino adorn the inside of the church.
During the Second World War it received a direct hit by an enemy bomb but was rebuilt in the same style.