MANOEL ISLAND

This small, almost island-like protrusion (a bridge spans the narrow sea channel) separates Sliema Creek and Lazaretto Creek. The Maltese call it "Il-Gżira" (the island). In 1643, Grand Master Lascaris set up a lazaretto, an asylum for the sick and victims of epidemics, taking advantage of its relative isolation. In 1746, Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena had a fort built there, which was named Fort Manoel in his honor, and which gave its name to the island, the eighth in the Maltese archipelago. The fort, with its impressively thick walls, was built around a huge parade ground. It was surrounded by barracks for 500 men and embellished by the chapel of Saint-Antoine (dedicated to Saint-Antoine de Padoue) and a bronze statue of the great master. Unfortunately, the chapel and other buildings were destroyed by bombing during the last war, and the statue was moved to Floriana. The chapel was rebuilt. Today, the fort no longer has a military role and is partly home to the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Manoel Island has undergone major transformations (work began in 2013), which have enabled the site to play a prestigious role, giving it a power of attraction worthy of its privileged location. At the entrance to the island, after the bridge and opposite the soccer pitch, an amusing "duck village" has been created. Beach, river, bridge, individual or collective dwellings and old boats are reserved for the ducks, geese and other birds that have made their home here.