What is the native Maltese name for Manoel Island, and what does it signify?

The native Maltese name for Manoel Island is Il-Gżira Manoel. This name translates to "Manoel's Island" in English, indicating its historical association with a prominent figure.

In which harbor and sea is Manoel Island located?

Manoel Island is situated in Marsamxett Harbour, which is part of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. This location places it within a significant maritime area.

What are the precise geographical coordinates of Manoel Island?

Manoel Island is located at the coordinates 35°54′14″N latitude and 14°30′07″E longitude. These coordinates pinpoint its exact position on the Earth's surface.

What is the approximate land area of Manoel Island?

Manoel Island has a land area of approximately 0.3 square kilometers, which is equivalent to about 0.12 square miles. This makes it a relatively small island.

What were the previous names of Manoel Island, and what do they mean?

Manoel Island was previously known as Bishop's Island, referred to in Maltese as Il-Gżira tal-Isqof, and also by the Italian name Isolotto. These names reflect its historical ownership and status.

How did Manoel Island acquire its current name?

The island was renamed Manoel Island in honor of the Portuguese Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena. He commissioned the construction of a fort on the island in the 1720s, and the island was subsequently named after him and his fort.

Describe the general topography and shape of Manoel Island.

Manoel Island is characterized as a low, rather flat hill with a shape that is roughly comparable to a leaf. Its terrain is not mountainous, contributing to its distinct profile.

What are the specific creeks adjacent to Manoel Island within Marsamxett Harbour?

Manoel Island lies in the middle of Marsamxett Harbour, bordered by Lazzaretto Creek to its south and Sliema Creek to its north. These creeks define its immediate maritime environment.

How is Manoel Island connected to the mainland of Malta?

Manoel Island is connected to the main island of Malta by a bridge. This connection facilitates access between the island and the mainland.

From which prominent location can Manoel Island be viewed?

Manoel Island can be viewed from the bastions of Valletta, the capital city of Malta. This offers a strategic vantage point for observing the island.

What was the historical ownership of Manoel Island in 1570?

In 1570, Manoel Island was acquired by the Cathedral Chapter of Mdina and subsequently became the property of the Bishop of Malta. This marked a significant period of ecclesiastical ownership.

When and why was the first quarantine hospital, the Lazzaretto, built on Manoel Island?

The Lazzaretto was first constructed on Manoel Island in 1592 during an outbreak of the plague. It was initially built using wooden huts as a temporary measure against the disease.

What prompted the Order of Saint John to build a permanent Lazzaretto on Manoel Island in 1643?

In 1643, the Order of Saint John exchanged the island with the church for land in Rabat and proceeded to build a permanent Lazzaretto. This was an effort to better control the periodic influx of plague and cholera carried by visiting ships.

Which Grand Masters oversaw improvements to the Lazzaretto on Manoel Island?

The Lazzaretto on Manoel Island received improvements during the reigns of Grand Masters Lascaris, Cotoner, Carafa, and de Vilhena. These enhancements aimed to increase its effectiveness as a quarantine facility.

What significant military structure was built on Manoel Island between 1723 and 1733, and by whom?

Between 1723 and 1733, a new star fort, named Fort Manoel, was constructed on the island by Portuguese Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena. This fort became a defining feature of the island's landscape and defense.

Who is credited with the original plans for Fort Manoel, and who is said to have modified them?

The original plans for Fort Manoel are attributed to René Jacob de Tigné, with modifications reportedly made by his friend and colleague, Charles François de Mondion. Mondion's connection is further noted by his burial in a crypt beneath the fort.

What were the key architectural features of Fort Manoel?

Fort Manoel is recognized as a typical example of 18th-century military engineering, featuring a magnificent quadrangle, a parade ground, and arcades. It also once housed a baroque chapel dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua.

How was the Lazzaretto on Manoel Island utilized during the British period?

During the British period, the Lazzaretto was enlarged between 1837 and 1838 under Governor Sir Henry Bouverie. It was briefly used to house troops before being converted back into a hospital in 1871.

What specific measure was taken at the Profumo Office on Manoel Island in the 19th century to prevent disease spread?

In the 19th century, the Profumo Office on Manoel Island was used to fumigate and disinfect incoming mail. This practice was implemented as a precaution against the transmission of diseases.

What role did Manoel Island and its fort play for the Royal Navy during World War II?

During World War II, Manoel Island and its fort served as a naval base for the Royal Navy's 10th Submarine Flotilla. It was referred to as "HMS Talbot" or "HMS Phœnicia" during this period.

What significant damage did Manoel Island sustain as a result of Luftwaffe bombing during World War II?

The Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua, located within Fort Manoel, was destroyed during World War II due to a direct hit from Luftwaffe bombers in March 1942. This event caused considerable damage to the fort's structures.

What was the condition of Manoel Island and Fort Manoel in the years following World War II?

In the years after World War II, Manoel Island and Fort Manoel fell into a state of dereliction and suffered from vandalism. This period marked a decline in the maintenance and preservation of the island's historical structures.

What concession agreement was established in 2000 concerning Manoel Island, and what was its duration?

In 2000, the Government of Malta entered into a concession agreement with MIDI plc, a consortium of local companies. This agreement granted MIDI a 99-year concession over Manoel Island and Tignè Point.

What were the intended objectives of the MIDI plc concession for Manoel Island and Tignè Point?

The concession aimed to facilitate the construction of mixed-use developments and the restoration of dilapidated historic buildings on both Manoel Island and Tignè Point. A key condition was to maintain public access to the foreshore.

What action did activists take in 2016 concerning public access to Manoel Island's foreshore?

In 2016, activists, including those from Moviment Graffitti and the Gżira local council, took action to protest the illegal blocking of public access to Manoel Island's foreshore by MIDI. They cut through gates and fences to ensure access was restored.

What was the focus of the campaign initiated in March 2025 regarding Manoel Island?

In March 2025, a campaign was launched by activists and residents urging the government to cancel the concession agreement with MIDI plc. The campaign cited the company's failure to meet development timelines and advocated for the island to be designated as a national park.

What was the outcome of the campaign for Manoel Island that began in March 2025?

The campaign was successful, leading to the Government agreeing in June 2025 to rescind the concession. Plans were subsequently initiated to transform the site into a public park.

What maritime facilities are currently present on Manoel Island?

Manoel Island currently houses a yacht yard and a yacht marina. These facilities cater to the needs of boat owners and maritime enthusiasts.

What are the capacity and features of the Manoel Island Yacht Marina?

The Manoel Island Yacht Marina, which has been under new management since 2011, can accommodate vessels up to 80 meters in length and offers 350 berths. It serves as a significant docking facility.

What services does the Manoel Island Yacht Yard provide?

The Manoel Island Yacht Yard is equipped to handle yachts and catamarans up to 50 meters in length and with a displacement of 500 tons. It offers services including boat storage, afloat berthing, repairs, and complete refits.

What was "Duck Village" on Manoel Island, and how was it maintained?

Duck Village was a quaint, informal sanctuary for ducks and waterfowl located near the bridge connecting Manoel Island to the mainland. It was created and maintained by a local volunteer, funded entirely by private donations.

Why was Duck Village on Manoel Island demolished in 2021?

Duck Village was demolished in 2021 following several complaints about unsanitary conditions. These complaints were raised by residents and activists, leading to the site's removal.

What annual events take place on Manoel Island that are visible from Sliema?

Annual fireworks displays are launched from Manoel Island in July and August each year, coinciding with local village feasts. These displays are a notable spectacle visible from Sliema.

What does the aerial view image of Manoel Island illustrate?

The aerial view image of Manoel Island provides a comprehensive perspective of its layout and its position within Marsamxett Harbour. It helps visualize the island's geographical context and relationship to the surrounding waters.

What information is conveyed by the map showing Manoel Island within Marsamxett Harbour?

The map illustrates the precise location of Manoel Island within Marsamxett Harbour, showing its placement relative to the mainland and other waterways. This visual aid is crucial for understanding its geographical context.

What historical insight is provided by the 19th-century painting of Manoel Island?

The 19th-century painting of Manoel Island offers a historical visual representation of the island's appearance during that era. It captures the landscape and any structures that were present at the time.

What does the image of the Lazzaretto on Manoel Island represent?

The image of the Lazzaretto showcases the historical quarantine hospital that was a significant facility on Manoel Island. It highlights the island's past role in public health management and disease prevention.

What does the image of Fort Manoel on Manoel Island depict?

The image of Fort Manoel displays the prominent star fort constructed on the island, which serves as a key historical and architectural landmark. It represents the island's military significance and its heritage in military engineering.

What does the image of the Manoel Island Yacht Yard illustrate?

The image of the Manoel Island Yacht Yard depicts the operational facilities dedicated to boat maintenance and storage on the island. It showcases the modern maritime services that are currently available.

What does the image of the Manoel Island Yacht Marina represent?

The image of the Manoel Island Yacht Marina shows the docking area for yachts, highlighting the berths and the scale of the facility. It represents the island's current function as a hub for recreational boating and maritime activities.

What does the image of Duck Village on Manoel Island represent?

The image of Duck Village captures the former sanctuary for ducks and waterfowl that was situated on Manoel Island. It serves as a visual reminder of this unique, though temporary, feature of the island's recent history.

What is the historical significance of the name "Il-Gżira tal-Isqof" for Manoel Island?

Il-Gżira tal-Isqof, meaning "the Bishop's Island" in Maltese, was a former name for Manoel Island. This name originated from its ownership by the Bishop of Malta after being acquired by the Cathedral Chapter of Mdina in 1570, reflecting its ecclesiastical ties.

What roles did René Jacob de Tigné and Charles François de Mondion play in the history of Fort Manoel?

René Jacob de Tigné is credited with creating the original plans for Fort Manoel, while his colleague Charles François de Mondion is said to have modified them. Mondion's association with the fort is further cemented by his burial in a crypt beneath it.

What was the primary purpose of the Lazzaretto on Manoel Island in relation to maritime traffic?

The Lazzaretto on Manoel Island served as a quarantine station for passengers arriving on ships. Its main function was to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, such as plague and cholera, into Malta.

What was the developmental impact of the concession agreement for Manoel Island and Tignè Point?

The concession agreement aimed to stimulate mixed-use developments, including residential apartments and shopping malls, on Manoel Island and Tignè Point, alongside the restoration of historic buildings. However, the development on Manoel Island itself experienced significant delays and remained stalled for many years.

What was the outcome of the public campaign in June 2025 concerning the future of Manoel Island?

In June 2025, the Government of Malta agreed to cancel the concession for Manoel Island. This decision followed a successful campaign by activists and residents advocating for the island's transformation into a public park, citing the developer's failure to meet agreed-upon timelines.

What is the significance of Manoel Island's inclusion in the 'Islands of Malta' Navbox?

Manoel Island's inclusion in the 'Islands of Malta' Navbox categorizes it as one of the islands belonging to Malta, specifically listing it among the uninhabited islands. This places it within the broader geographical context of the Maltese archipelago.

What was the historical context of the name "Isola del Vescovo" for Manoel Island?

The name "Isola del Vescovo," meaning "Bishop's Island" in Italian, was one of the previous names for Manoel Island. This name reflects its ownership by the Bishop of Malta after its acquisition by the Cathedral Chapter of Mdina in 1570.

What was the role of the Lazzaretto in managing public health threats from ships in the 17th century?

In the 17th century, the permanent Lazzaretto built on Manoel Island by the Order of Saint John functioned as a critical quarantine center. It was established to manage the periodic influx of diseases like plague and cholera carried aboard visiting ships, thereby protecting the population.

What specific military engineering aspects are highlighted regarding Fort Manoel?

Fort Manoel is noted as a typical example of 18th-century military engineering. Its design, attributed to René Jacob de Tigné and modified by Charles François de Mondion, features a quadrangle, parade ground, and arcades, showcasing advanced defensive architecture for its time.

How did the management of incoming mail on Manoel Island contribute to public health in the 19th century?

During the 19th century, the Profumo Office on Manoel Island was utilized for the fumigation and disinfection of incoming mail. This practice was a public health measure intended to prevent the spread of diseases that could be transmitted through postal services.

Manoel Island Wiki: Manoel Island: A Mediterranean Chronicle

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Island Overview

A Strategic Location

Manoel Island, known in Maltese as Il-Gżira Manoel, is a small island situated within Marsamxett Harbour, adjacent to the municipality of Gżira in Malta. Its strategic position has historically made it a focal point for defense and quarantine operations.

Naming and Fortification

The island's current name originates from Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, who commissioned the construction of Fort Manoel on the island in the 1720s. Prior to this, it was known as Bishop's Island (Il-Gżira tal-Isqof) or the Isolotto, reflecting its ownership by the Church.

Geographical Context

Manoel Island is characterized by its low, relatively flat topography, resembling a leaf in shape. It is connected to mainland Malta by a bridge, offering views from the bastions of Valletta. It lies between Lazzaretto Creek and Sliema Creek, forming a key part of the Marsamxett Harbour ecosystem.

Geographical Details

Location and Coordinates

Manoel Island is centrally located within Marsamxett Harbour, Malta, in the Mediterranean Sea. Its precise geographical coordinates are 35°54′14″N 14°30′07″E.

Dimensions and Archipelago

The island covers an area of approximately 0.3 square kilometers (0.12 square miles). It is part of the Maltese archipelago, specifically situated within the waters of the main island of Malta.

Historical Significance

Early Ownership and Quarantine

Acquired by the Cathedral Chapter of Mdina in 1570, the island became the property of the Bishop of Malta, earning the name Bishop's Island. In 1592, a quarantine hospital, the Lazzaretto, was established to combat plague outbreaks. This facility was later rebuilt and expanded by the Order of Saint John to serve as a permanent quarantine center for ships arriving in Malta.

Fort Manoel and Military Role

Between 1723 and 1733, Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena oversaw the construction of Fort Manoel, a significant star fort designed by military engineers. The island was renamed in honor of this fort. During World War II, the fort and island served as a naval base for the Royal Navy's 10th Submarine Flotilla, referred to as "HMS Talbot" or "HMS Phoenicia." The fort's chapel was destroyed by a Luftwaffe bombing raid in March 1942.

Post-War Decline

Following World War II, Manoel Island and Fort Manoel experienced a period of neglect and vandalism. The Lazzaretto also saw changes in use, including brief housing for troops before reverting to hospital use and later experiencing disrepair.

Development and Public Access

The MIDI plc Concession

In 2000, the Government of Malta granted a 99-year concession agreement to MIDI plc for the development of Manoel Island and Tignè Point. The consortium aimed to restore historic buildings and construct mixed-use developments while ensuring public access to the foreshore.

Activism and Reclaiming Access

In 2016, activists and local organizations protested against MIDI plc's alleged illegal blocking of public access to the foreshore. These actions led to an agreement to safeguard public access rights.

Transition to Public Park

In response to a significant public campaign and a parliamentary petition in 2025, citing unfulfilled timelines by the concessionaire, the Government announced plans to rescind the concession. The island is now slated to be transformed into a public park, ensuring its enjoyment by all citizens.

Yachting Hub

Marina Facilities

Manoel Island currently hosts a yacht marina, which has been under new management since 2011. It provides 350 berths and can accommodate vessels up to 80 meters in length, serving as a significant hub for maritime leisure.

Yacht Yard Services

Complementing the marina, the island features a yacht yard capable of servicing yachts and catamarans up to 50 meters in length and 500 tons displacement. Services include storage, berthing, repairs, and comprehensive refits.

Duck Village

A Quaint Sanctuary

For several years, Manoel Island was home to an informal sanctuary for ducks and waterfowl, maintained by a local volunteer and funded by private donations. This sanctuary was situated near the bridge connecting the island to the mainland.

Demolition and Concerns

In 2021, the Duck Village was demolished following complaints regarding unsanitary conditions raised by residents and activists, marking the end of this unique feature on the island.

Annual Fireworks

Festive Displays

Manoel Island serves as a launch site for annual fireworks displays during July and August, coinciding with local village feasts. These pyrotechnic events are a popular spectacle, visible from Sliema and surrounding areas.

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References

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Manoel Island: A Mediterranean Chronicle

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Island Overview ℹ️

🏝️ A Strategic Location

📜 Naming and Fortification

🗺️ Geographical Context

Geographical Details 🗺️

📍 Location and Coordinates

📏 Dimensions and Archipelago

Historical Significance 🏛️

⛪ Early Ownership and Quarantine

🛡️ Fort Manoel and Military Role

💥 Post-War Decline

Development and Public Access 🏗️

🤝 The MIDI plc Concession

✊ Activism and Reclaiming Access

🌳 Transition to Public Park

Yachting Hub ⚓

🛥️ Marina Facilities

🛠️ Yacht Yard Services

Duck Village 🦆

💧 A Quaint Sanctuary

🧹 Demolition and Concerns

Annual Fireworks 🎆

🎇 Festive Displays

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Island Overview

A Strategic Location

Naming and Fortification

Geographical Context

Geographical Details

Location and Coordinates

Dimensions and Archipelago

Historical Significance

Early Ownership and Quarantine

Fort Manoel and Military Role

Post-War Decline

Development and Public Access

The MIDI plc Concession

Activism and Reclaiming Access

Transition to Public Park

Yachting Hub

Marina Facilities

Yacht Yard Services

Duck Village

A Quaint Sanctuary

Demolition and Concerns

Annual Fireworks

Festive Displays

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice