Gudja

Overlooking the Malta International Airport, Gudja takes its name from an old term meaning “land on higher ground but not a hill.” The village’s coat of arms bears the motto Pluribus Parens , which means “mother of many children” and is believed to be a nod to the several nearby towns, including Safi, Kirkop, Luqa, Mqabba, and Tarxien, that once formed part of its parish. Inhabited since prehistory, Gudja is home to ancient remains like the Ta’ Għewra dolmen and the Ta’ Ħal Resqun catacombs, dating back over 1,600 years. Its narrow lanes, limestone houses, and chapels preserve the timeless charm of a traditional Maltese village, while the magnificent St Mary’s Church, the only one in Malta with three bell towers, stands proudly at its heart.