San Niklaw and Gnien Ingraw - Mellieha (13 Photos)

Approx a 100 meters before reaching the z-bend on the Mellieha by-pass leading up from Mellieha Bay, one can park on a left hand side kerb. A short walk up the slope takes one onto a ledge overlooking a beautiful secluded and sheltered valley, which looks like a very fertile tract of land.

The ridge on the left of the valley marked in lime green shows the position of ruins of a war-time fortified wall which I stumbled upon quite by chance. Opposite it on the other side of the valley lies another such remnant fortification, (also in green).

These vantage positions surround a narrow valley commanding a good view in case of a beach landing. This lies in advance of the more elaborate fortification known as the Victoria Lines, at least two ridges to the south, on the Great Fault.

Walking over the top of this rocky hillock you can immediately associate it with the same orientation as seen on the map, grid locked to North looking into the bay. After going over the wall one realises that the trench running beneath it indeed make this an infantry defence wall.

Looking West towards Military Bay, or 'Popeye Village'. Ships can be seen anchored in the lee of the land during strong NE'ly winds. The trench can be seen hewn into the rock, now overgrown with endemic flora.

Looking in an Easterly direction. The way the walk continues.

A view from above, into the fertile valley. The is the source of such fertility. A good water dupply.

The opposite side of the valley, an insurmountable rock face protecting Mellieha from the West. The defensive wall on the other side can also be seen, sticking out into the sky with l-Ahrax, across the bay, in the background.

The next few photos, represent a quick tour around the valley to the otherside.

The first defensive wall, as seen from across the valley, a mass of rock protects it from attackers.

Notice the 33 KV cabling, which is supported over large pylons, going towards Gozo.