Mgarr
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Mġarr, formerly known as Mgiarro is a small town north west of the Mainland of Malta.
Only in the beginning of the 20th century that Mġarr got its own parish and fully completed church. Note that the church is one of the largest after Mosta church in the world. The unique shape, that of an oval dome, is attributed to the extensive funds collected from the sale of locally produced eggs: more than 300,000 were sold in aid of the project.
Mġarr's history was of a farming community, which some of the Mdina patrican families had owned such as the Vassallo family. Note, that Mgiarro was granted by the King of Sicily to the Inguanez family, and over time had sold it to the Falsone family.
Today the title holder of Signor di Mgiarro is Principe Giuseppe Said.
Over time, land was split up and given to all descendants.
Mġarr today has grown quite large, though still considered a country town with fresh clean air away from the major industrial towns of Malta.
Mgarr is a typical rural village situated in an isolated region, bKmS West of Mosta. It is surrounded with rich farmland and vineyards. Many of its 2,200 inhabitants are farmers or are engaged in some sort of agricultural activity.
Mgarr's rustic environs embrace several rustic spots like Bingemma, Wardija, Fomm ir-Rih and Gnejna Bay.
The parish church of St. Mary (the Assumption) is a miniature copy of the Mosta Rotunda. Its building commenced in 1912 and its construction depended on free labour and on the generous contribu- tions earned by the parishoners from the sale of farm products. Despite all efforts to expedite the work, the building was not completed before 1946.
The Church stands on high ground and its elevated terrace offers a charming view of the fertile fields and of the neighbouring hillsides. Several old homesteads still exist in the narrow streets around the Church. Modern buildings and a housing estate are new additions to the village.
Mgarr has two important prehistoric sites: Ta' Hagrat, which is still in a good state of preservation, stands in a field near the village centre; Ta' Skorba, excavated in 1963, lies just outside the village. The two sites are described in detail in another section of this manual.
Mgarr is a favourite stopping place for people strolling in its countryside and for those travelling in cars to the nearby beaches.
- Title: Signores di Mugiarro
- Created: 1442
- To: Antonio Inguanez, Barone di Ghariexem e Tabia, Signore di Saccaya e San Giorgio.
- By: Kingdom of Sicily
- Remainder: His descendants in perpetuity
- Present Holder: Principe Giuseppe Said, 18th Signore di Mugiarro
- Descendants may style themselves: "dei Signors di Mugiarro"
References
- 1) Said Vassallo, C.M., Unpublished research papers.
- 2) Said Vassallo, C.M., Charles Said-Vassallo's Research site (http://www.maltagenealogy.com) and Maltese Nobility web site (http://www.maltesenobility.org).
- This Research was researched by Charles Said-Vassallo
- Text originally based on that of a website by Charles Said Vassallo, by permission.