Full detailed history of Safi
Early references and medieval parish landscape
Safi’s wider area formed part of the historic rural landscape of southern Malta. In the late medieval period, the region’s communities
were organised around older parish centres. Historical summaries note that Safi was once linked to earlier parish arrangements in the south.
1598: Safi becomes an independent parish
A decisive milestone in Safi’s development is its establishment as an independent parish in April 1598.
Accounts describe a local petition and the formal creation of a parish administration, anchored to the feast of the Conversion of St Paul.
At that time, Safi had several chapels; one dedicated to St Paul was chosen to serve as the parish church.
18th century: rebuilding the parish church (1727–1744)
The original parish church was smaller than the building seen today. The present church—Baroque in character—was built on the same site
between 1727 and 1744, reflecting Safi’s evolving parish identity and the wider Maltese building tradition of the period.
The church was later consecrated on 10 October 1784.
Village chapels and continuity of devotion
Safi’s chapel tradition is a key part of its identity. A long-lived focus is the Santa Marija Chapel (Assumption of Our Lady),
which is recorded as the only surviving chapel from an older set, later rebuilt in the 18th century (see below).
Modern heritage stewardship
In recent decades Safi has seen renewed focus on conserving its heritage assets—particularly smaller chapels and historic fabric—
through structured restoration schemes and local council participation.
Key heritage sites in Safi
Safi’s parish church is the village’s dominant landmark. The present building was constructed between 1727 and 1744
and consecrated in 1784. Inside, the church is known for its paintings, including a titular work traditionally attributed to
Stefano Erardi in published summaries.
The Santa Marija Chapel is located in Safi’s historic core and is widely reported as having been rebuilt in 1761,
replacing an older chapel. In 2022, restoration works were publicly reported as completed under the Restoration Directorate
as part of a local council restoration scheme.
Ta’ Ġawhar Tower is a rare survival from Malta’s ancient defensive landscape: a round Punic–Roman tower in Safi dating to the
3rd century BC. It is described as one of the best preserved of Malta’s surviving towers of this type and was excavated in the 1960s.
The site is managed locally and is typically visited as a small archaeological stop rather than a staffed attraction.
Coordinates note (Ta’ Ġawhar Tower): Mapping sources place it around 35.832722, 14.499500 (approx.).