About Sliema
Sliema (Tas-Sliema) is one of Malta’s best-known seafront towns and a major residential and commercial area. Today it’s associated with long waterfront walks, hotel districts, shopping, and lively café culture—yet the peninsula also preserves key layers of Maltese military and maritime history.
The name “Sliema” is commonly explained as meaning “peace” or “comfort”, and is associated in local tradition with maritime salutations and the harbour setting.
History & relevant dates
Sliema’s story connects three big themes: (1) coastal defence, (2) the rise of seafront living and ferry connections, and (3) modern tourism and commerce.
- 1658: Saint Julian’s Tower (also known as Sliema Tower) is completed as part of the De Redin coastal tower system.
- 1715: An artillery battery is built around Saint Julian’s Tower.
- 1793–1795: Fort Tigné is built by the Order of Saint John to protect Marsamxett Harbour; it later undergoes extensive British-era modifications and remains in military use until 1979.
- 1853: Sliema’s population growth accelerates (often cited as a turning point in the town’s expansion).
- Second half of the 19th century: Sliema becomes popular as a summer residence area linked to ferry travel across the harbour.
- 1878: Sliema is declared a parish, reflecting its growth into a substantial community.
- 1881–1882: A sea-water distilling plant is erected near Tigné to supply water for the Fort Tigné area, but is abandoned roughly a year later as improved facilities make it unnecessary.
- 20th–21st century: Sliema develops into a dense seafront town and one of Malta’s core tourism, dining, and shopping hubs.
Places to visit in Sliema
- Sliema Front (Promenade): the signature waterfront walk with views of Valletta and Marsamxett Harbour.
- Tigné Point: seafront views, walking routes, and the historic Fort Tigné area.
- Fort Tigné: landmark harbour defence (viewable externally; access policies vary).
- Saint Julian’s Tower (Sliema Tower) & Battery: a 1658 watchtower later surrounded by a battery (today associated with a restaurant operation).
- Sea Water Distilling Building (Tigné Seafront): a small 1881 distillation plant building, a rare reminder of early water-supply innovation.
- Cambridge Battery : a 1878–1886 British built battery.
- The Strand: a popular harbour-edge stretch with dining, views, and summer events.
Easy nearby add-ons: Valletta, Gżira, and St Julian’s.
Practical guide
- Best for: seafront walks, dining, shopping, Valletta views, day trips.
- Getting around: excellent on foot along the promenade; frequent transport links to Valletta and the harbour region.
- Best time to visit: year-round; spring/autumn for comfortable walking; summer for atmosphere (and busier streets).
- Photo spots: promenade viewpoints facing Valletta; Tigné Point coastline; harbour sunset from The Strand.
FAQ
Why is Sliema so popular?
Sliema combines a long seafront promenade with hotels, shopping, cafés, and easy connections across the harbour— plus a set of heritage sites tied to coastal defence and the Tigné peninsula. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
What are the “must-see” historic sites?
For history, prioritise Fort Tigné (1793–1795) and Saint Julian’s Tower (1658) with its 1715 battery, then add the small 1881 sea-water distillation building as a unique industrial relic. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}