Balzan

35.8981914.45269Koordinaten: 35 ° 54 ' N, 14 ° 27' O

Balzan (or Hal Balzan ) is the name of a settlement in the interior of the island of Malta. It is one of the "Three Villages", together with Attard and Lija.

Originally the village from a number of small settlements and farms. Later it grew and became in the 17th century was a separate municipality. Today it has 3983 inhabitants (as of 31 December 2010); the younger generation lives in the suburbs.

Elections to the council are held once every three years. It is believed that the name comes from the Arabic Balzan, possibly (or similar bitter oranges, blood oranges), which grew by olive groves and a special variety of orange trees in the area. But he could also be derived from a Sicilian family who lived in the area of today's Balzan.

Attractions

The parish church - built in the 17th century - is dedicated to the Annunciation of Mary. It is built in the form of a Latin cross, has a bell tower and an elegant dome, which can be seen from any location in the village. The church is kept outside in the Tuscan style, and in the Doric. The statue, which is worn during the village festival in the second week of July through the streets, was carved by Salvatore Dimech ( is- SARC ), showing Mary with the Archangel Gabriel. The community also celebrates the feast of St. Valentin, was named after the local radio station (Radio Valentine ), which was however closed in 2006.