Għarb (Maltese: L-Għarb) is an administrative unit of Malta, located at the westernmost point of the island of Gozo, with a population of 1,539 people (as of March 2014).[1]

Għarb
L-Għarb
Garbo
Għarb
Collegiate Basilica of the Visitation
Flag of Għarb
Coat of arms of Għarb
Motto(s): 
In Estremo Vigilat
(Sentinel at the Borderline)
Għarb
Għarb
Coordinates: 36°3′40″N 14°12′33″E / 36.06111°N 14.20917°E / 36.06111; 14.20917
Country Malta
Region Gozo Region
DistrictGozo and Comino District
BordersKerċem, Għasri, San Lawrenz
Government
 • MayorDavid Apap Agius
(Għarb l-Ewwel)
Area
 • Total4.6 km2 (1.8 sq mi)
Population
 (Jan. 2019)
 • Total1,298
 • Density280/km2 (730/sq mi)
DemonymTal-Għarb
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
GRB
Dialing code356
ISO 3166 codeMT-14
Patron saintVisitation of Our Lady to Saint Elizabeth
WebsiteOfficial website

Etymology

edit

The name Għarb (غرب) comes from the Arabic word for "West," which is fitting since the village is the westernmost point on Gozo.

History

edit

Għarb started as a small hamlet which developed around the middle ages. One can see its ancient roots in the centre of the village where some houses have fine examples of decorated stone balconies. Għarb was created as a parish in 1679, a move which gave impetus for the building of a new, baroque parish church. Built between 1699 and 1729, it has a façade which has been compared to Francesco Borromini's Church of Saint Agnes in Piazza Navona, Rome. On the square is a folklore museum housing memorabilia recounting the rural history of the Maltese islands.

Landmarks

edit

Għarb lies in some of Gozo's most scenic countryside, particularly at Dbieġi, the highest hill on Gozo island. Also at Dbieġi is a centre for Gozitan crafts. Within the limits of Għarb is the Chapel of San Dimitri. According to legend, the first chapel was built on the cliff side by a woman whose son was freed from captivity by St. Demetrius. Also nearby is the Basilica ta' Pinu, Malta's pre-eminent shrine to Our Lady of Ta' Pinu. The parish church, also a basilica, is dedicated to the Visitation of Saint Mary to her cousin Saint Elizabeth.

Zones in Għarb

edit
  • Birbuba
  • Ħodba
  • Il-Wileġ
  • San Katald
  • Ta' Lamuta
  • Ta' Pinu
  • Ta' Santu Pietru
  • Il-Fgura
  • Taż-Żejt
  • il-Wilġa
  • Wied tal-Knisja
  • Wied il-Mielaħ
  • Ta' Ħries
  • Fuq il-Blata
  • Tat-Trux
  • Il-Misraħ

Notable people

edit

Twin towns – sister cities

edit

Għarb is twinned with:[2]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Estimated Population by Locality 31st March, 2014". Government of Malta. 16 May 2014. Archived from the original on 21 June 2015.
  2. ^ "Twinning". localgovernment.gov.mt. Government of Malta. Archived from the original on 19 October 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
edit