Ta' Xbiex is a town and Local Council in Malta's Central Region, with a population of 2148 people. It is part of a small headland within Marsamxett Harbour, between Msida and Gzira.
Etymology
Ta' Xbiex is claimed to have gotten its name from its specific geographical location, which faces the rising sun. The Maltese word 'Tbexbex' refers to the rising of the sun. Others believe its name derives from the term 'Xbiek,' which means fishing nets, which seems suitable given the residents' ability to sail and fish freely from its shores. Indeed, its coat of arms features a ship's wheel, confirming the country's ties to the sea.
Important Structures
Many of Ta' Xbiex's gorgeous mansions are home to foreign embassies. The Whitehall Mansions are a famous address as well as an example of distinctive Maltese architecture. The building currently contains embassies from Egypt, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Austria, Ireland, Australia, and the British High Commission, among others. It was known as The Wrennery in the 1950s because it housed the Woman's Royal Naval Service's living quarters (WRNS).
There are also a variety of service providers, including insurance companies, law firms, and auditing and accounting businesses.
Among the original homes located in the streets opposite the sea are Villa Oxania, which belonged to Sir Temi Zammit (1864-1935), a distinguished physician and leading archaeologist, and Villa Cloe, which belonged to Sir Arturo Mercieca (1878-1969), a well-known political leader and long-time head of the Maltese Courts. Both patriots perished while residing in Ta' Xbiex. Church of St. John of the Cross
The Carmelite Monks operate this parish church, which became a parish in 1969. It is noted for its quite remarkable Crucifix, which is 420 cm high and 240 cm wide and is decorated in the Basilical and Roman styles. This massive steel Crucifix, installed in 1971, is based on a drawing by St. John of the Cross and may be the largest reproduction of its kind, as well as the only silhouette cross in the world.
Yachting
Various battleships berthed at the Msida/Ta' Xbiex creek for many years in the 1950s. Ta' Xbiex has hosted many private boats since the 1960s, with people of all nationalities making this spot their berthing home for both short and long periods.
The Royal Malta Yacht Club, located on the Ta' Xbiex seashore, is home to the popular Rolex Middle Sea Race. This yachting club, which dates back to the 1800s, today has well-equipped premises and facilities in a location that was refurbished in 2008. In the same location, there is also a 65-berth Yacht Marina.
Ta' Xbiex also has a 720-berth Msida as well as the Ta' Xbiex Yacht Marina. The marina is popular because of its central location and shelter from the prevailing North-Westerly winds, while the barrier protects against a North-Easterly swell.
There are also several marine service providers in the vicinity. There are several restaurants along the coast
that make use of the site by catering to the sailing community, while also offering stunning harbour views of Valletta and Floriana's bastions.
Sport Ta'Xbiex is part of a seaside promenade that extends from Pieta to St Julian's. It is a popular route for runners who enjoy the backdrop of mediaeval bastions, sea views, and hectic city bustle as they progress through Gzira, Sliema, and St Julians.
The City Council
The Ta' Xbiex Local Council is made up of the following individuals:
Maximillian Zammit, Mayor
Oriana Calleja, Deputy Mayor
Louise Cachia Castelletti is a councillor.
Muscat, Eugenio
Portelli, Rosario
Yasmine Tonna, Executive Secretary -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Geocache Container is a small jar with a logbook and pencil. Pictures are also highly recommended!