Żebbuġ, Malta

35.8733314.44153Koordinaten: 35 ° 52 ' N, 14 ° 26' O

Żebbuġ (or: Haz-Zebbug ) is one of the oldest towns in Malta.

History and Origin

The parish church is dedicated to Philip of Agira whose name is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in June, although it actually falls on the 12th of May. The name of the city is the Maltese word for olive. The name comes from the large olive groves forth that were formerly found at the present site of the church and the city center. The city of the title Città Rohan was awarded in 1777 by the Grand Master of the Knights Emmanuel de Rohan - Polduc. As was customary on such occasions, the inhabitants built of Haz-Zebbug an archway at the entrance to her home town in order to remember the newly obtained city rights. The archway of the locals " Il- Bieb il - Gdid " ( New Gate ) is called, still stands today.

1380 a church dedicated to Philip of Agira in Casal Zebugi was built, a piece of land in the middle between the small settlements that had developed in the previous Arab occupation of Malta. These were particularly Hal - Dwin, Hal - Hal - Mula Muxi and which were united at that time still known today for Haz-Zebbug. Filippo de Catania, " il - Kataniż ", a wealthy entrepreneur in Haz-Zebbug donated a portion of the St. Philips Church, which was built on his own land. Many years after she was elevated to parish church, this church was built in 17th century by a new building, designed by Tumas Dingli, replaced. This church houses a magnificent altarpiece by Luca Garnier and two spectacular murals by the famous Maltese painter of the 18th century, Francesco Zahra from the Favray school. Critics include this among his best works. In addition to many other treasures, the church owns a work of art that is attributed to Guido Reni, and some others by Antonio Sciortino. The statue of St. Philip the sculptor Luigi Fontana was created in 1864 and is considered by experts to be the most beautiful this time in Malta.

As Malta was an independent principality under the rule of the Knights, Haz-Zebbug was one of the most important cities of Valletta and Mdina next, especially because of the leading corsairs under its inhabitants, because of their important role later in the cotton industry. The magnificent St. Philips Church secures Haz-Zebbug a prominent place in the Maltese history.

The inhabitants of the city, known in Malta as well Żebbuġin, are also well known for their business acumen and this one tells the following story: During the French occupation of Malta (1798-1800), the churches were looted in the villages and cities to Napoleon to pay campaign. When they heard come the French, offneten the inhabitants of Żebbuġ the main gate of their Church far and hid the gold and silver icons. When the French saw the open gates, they moved on because they thought that here would be nothing to take. And so the Żebbuġin retained their church treasures.

Archeology

Malta is very rich in archaeological sites and Żebbuġ is no exception. An era in prehistoric times was named after this city as earthenware a hitherto unknown style tombs in an area called Ta ' Trapna was found. Later finds from around this time were therefore classified as from the Żebbuġ time. Some scattered Punic and Phoenician tombs were also found as a small number of ruts and other legacies.

Today

Haz-Zebbug is known for its spectacular celebrations for the patron Philip of Agira and Saint Joseph. There are three strip clubs in Haz-Zebbug, which all have their own fireworks production: "St. Philip 's Band Club" ( founded in 1851, the first in Malta), " De Rohan Band Club " ( founded in 1860 ) and the " 12th May band and Social Club " (founded in 1961).

Haz-Zebbug is the birthplace of many famous Maltese personalities who have decorated at all times the Maltese cultural history, such as Mikiel Anton Vassalli (father of the Maltese written language ), Dun Mikiel Xerri ( Patriot), Dun Karm Psaila (Malta's national poet ), Antonio Sciortino (sculptor ), Lazzaro Pisani (painter), Frans Sammut ( leading contemporary writers ) and Alfred Chircop ( known contemporary painter).

Haz-Zebbug has a fairly large number of bands, both in the city and in the surrounding fields.

In Haz-Zebbug the reigning French ambassador lives in Malta.