Location
A historic southeastern Maltese town shaped by parish life, Baroque art and architecture, and the enduring traditions of St Catherine and St Gregory.
Note: This page covers Żejtun in Malta (Iż-Żejtun / Città Beland).
Overview
Żejtun (Iż-Żejtun) is a town in southeast Malta with a strong reputation for historic parish traditions and a rich architectural heritage. Its heart is dominated by the grand Parish Church of St Catherine of Alexandria, while the outskirts preserve one of Malta’s most significant older ecclesiastical complexes: St Gregory’s Church, also known as St Catherine’s Old Church. In late 1797 the town was elevated to city status and received the title Città Beland.
Key dates & historical timeline
Before 1436: early parish life
Żejtun is commonly cited among Malta’s earliest parishes, with local summaries noting that very little remains of an earlier rectangular church that existed before 1436, when Żejtun was already a separate parish.
1492 and 1606: St Gregory’s (Old Parish) rebuilding and enlargement
St Catherine’s Old Church—widely known as St Gregory’s—was rebuilt and enlarged in 1492, with a further enlargement recorded in 1606. The complex is notable for its layered architecture and for its association with major devotional gatherings.
25 November 1692: foundation stone of the new parish church
The foundation stone of the present Parish Church of St Catherine of Alexandria was laid on 25 November 1692. The church is associated with the leading Maltese Baroque architect Lorenzo Gafà.
11 May 1742: consecration
The parish church was consecrated on 11 May 1742. The anniversary is traditionally celebrated on the fifth Sunday of Easter.
1778: completion of the parish church
Construction is commonly summarised as spanning 1692–1778, with the church completed in 1778 and becoming a major focal point for Baroque art and patronage in Malta’s southeast.
30 December 1797: city status (Città Beland)
In late 1797 the parish community petitioned Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch; on 30 December 1797 Żejtun was recognised as a city and granted the title Ċittà Beland.
1543 onwards: the St Gregory tradition
The St Gregory procession is a long-established Maltese tradition linked to gatherings at Żejtun. Modern studies commonly connect its earliest form to a 1543 initiative for prayers for peace (later associated with Easter Wednesday observances).
Modern Żejtun: heritage and community identity
Today, Żejtun blends a lived-in town centre with heritage sites and cultural events. Its churches, squares, and traditional streetscapes make it a rewarding stop for travellers interested in Malta beyond the main tourist corridors.
Top places to visit in Żejtun
Parish Church of St Catherine of Alexandria
Żejtun’s defining landmark—an imposing Baroque parish church with major artworks and an interior that reflects the town’s importance in the southeast. Look for architectural grandeur, sculptural details, and the sense of scale created over a long building period.
St Gregory’s Church (St Catherine’s Old Church)
A historically significant complex on the edge of town, layered with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque features. It is closely tied to the St Gregory tradition and remains one of Malta’s most evocative old churches.
Main square and old town streets
The area around the parish church is ideal for slow exploration. Walk the narrow limestone streets, look for devotional niches and traditional doorways, and enjoy the everyday character of a working Maltese town.
Heritage walk: niches, chapels and details
Żejtun rewards close attention. Plan a self-guided loop between the parish centre and the older church area, noticing chapels, stonework, and quiet corners that capture the “old Malta” atmosphere.
Festa of St Catherine
Żejtun’s festa season brings band marches, decorations, and a strong community atmosphere. Even outside festa time, the town’s parish life is a key part of its identity.
Town approaches and viewpoints (Tal-Barrani area)
Approaches into Żejtun—especially from the southeast—highlight how the parish church sits as a monumental landmark above the surrounding roads and fields.
Easy day trips nearby
Żejtun is well placed for exploring the southeast: pair it with Marsaxlokk (harbour), coastal walks, or heritage sites in Birgu and the wider Grand Harbour region.
Suggested itineraries
2–3 hours: churches + old town
- Start at St Catherine’s Parish Church and square
- Walk the old-town streets and niches
- Continue to St Gregory’s (Old Parish) Church
Half-day: Żejtun + southeast Malta
- Żejtun heritage loop (parish + old church)
- Lunch nearby (southeast region)
- Optional: Marsaxlokk harbour or Birgu / Cottonera heritage
Getting there & practical tips
- Best time to visit: spring and autumn for comfortable walking; festa season for atmosphere.
- Respect worship: churches are active—dress appropriately and keep noise low during services.
- Photography: ask before photographing interiors, especially during Mass.
- Plan for walking: the old town has narrow streets; comfortable shoes help.