Wardija Ridge, Protected plateau in northern Mgarr, Malta
Wardija Ridge is a protected plateau in northern Mgarr that extends from Ghajn Tuffieha to Xemxija Bay. The terrain reaches 139 meters in elevation and offers walking routes along the ridge with open views of the surrounding landscape.
The British built Wardija Battery on the eastern section in 1915 for defense purposes. After it was decommissioned in 1938, the gun placements remain visible today.
The ridge contains traces of early settlement, with ancient cart ruts carved into the rock. These marks show how people moved across the plateau in prehistoric times.
Hiking across the plateau requires sturdy footwear and plenty of water due to limited facilities on-site. The uneven ground and lack of shade make proper preparation important.
The site contains more than forty stone corbelled shelters built using the traditional technique of stacking stones without support materials. These structures reveal ancient building skills that are often overlooked by visitors.
Elevation above the sea: 139 m
GPS coordinates: 35.94247,14.39706
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:47
Malta contains numerous historical sites and natural landscapes away from the main tourist areas. The islands hold prehistoric temple complexes such as Skorba and Ta' Ħaġrat near Mġarr, Roman remains including the Roman Villa at Żejtun and ancient bath sites, and Ghar Dalam, a cave with Ice Age fossil deposits. The geological diversity appears at locations like Il-Maqluba, a natural sinkhole crater, and the Blue Grotto near Żurrieq, while coastal fortifications such as Mistra Battery and the Red Tower document the island's defensive heritage. Religious sites mark the rural areas, including the Chapel of Santa Marija Tal-Virtu in Rabat and the chapels of Qrendi. The Buskett Gardens and San Anton Gardens provide green spaces with historical significance, while Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park protects coastal habitats. Archaeological complexes like Tas-Silġ show layers of Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine settlement. The Victoria Lines near Rabat, an 18th-century defensive wall, and Fort Binġemma demonstrate military architecture from different periods. Gozo adds locations such as Mgarr ix-Xini, a sheltered inlet, and Il-Qolla l-Bajda Battery.
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