Wignacourt Aqueduct

The Wignacourt Aqueduct is a 17th-century stone watercourse that once carried fresh water from springs near Dingli and Rabat to the capital Valletta. It stretches across the northern region of Malta, passing through several towns and villages. The aqueduct uses a mix of underground pipes and elevated stone arches to cross depressions in the ground. Construction began in 1596 under Grand Master Martin Garzez but stalled until 1610. The project was later led by engineers including Bontadino de Bontadini and Giovanni Attard, and completed in 1615. The aqueduct was named after Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, who funded much of its construction. It supplied up to 1,400 cubic metres of water daily to around 30,000 people in Valletta and surrounding areas. The system included water towers, inspection points and public fountains. It remained in use until the early 20th century and parts survive today in Attard, Balzan, Birkirkara, Fleur-de-Lys and Santa Venera. The aqueduct is recognised as a Grade 1 national monument and an important example of early Maltese engineering. Visitors can still see many of the aqueduct’s surviving arches along its route. The most notable feature is the Wignacourt Arch at Fleur-de-Lys, a Baroque-style triumphal gateway decorated with the Wignacourt coat of arms. Nearby stands the Tower of St Joseph, an inspection turret with a fortified base. Water towers from the aqueduct remain in Santa Venera, Hamrun and Floriana. The route offers a glimpse of how water once shaped the growth of towns and cities in Malta.