A study in local history since 1800 : Attard

Abstract

Attard is a romantic picturesque village situated in the centre of Malta, and forms part of the “three villages” along with Lija and Balzan. Currently Attard has a population of 10,650. Famous for its gardens and rich in fruits and flowers, Attard reflects this in its motto; “florigera rosis halo” (I perfume the air with my blossoms). Attard’s region has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The village experienced great changes since 1800 till nowadays, developing from a small rural village to a suburban town. Attard’s geographical boundaries meet with Mdina and Mosta on the Northern side of the Ta’ Qali area. On the west side natural valley boundaries of Wied San Martin, Wied Incita and Wied Rmiedi on the Zebbug side; meanwhile further down Wied is- Sewda meets Qormi. On the eastern side of the village Ta’ Fġieni area borders Lija; further down San Anton quarter meets Balzan. Apart from the village inner core one finds a number of quarters such as Ta’ l-Idward, Tal-Fuklar and the Misraħ Kola area in the North, Tax-Xarolla on the western part and Ta’ Fġieni to the east. Meanwhile the village core is divided in Ħal Warda, Sant Anton quarters, Taħt ir-Raħal and the area around the parish church. In all, Attard covers a surface area of 7 square kilometres. There are a number of theories about the origin of the village name. Medieval historian Godfrey Wettinger came to the conclusion that the name Attard probably derives from German origins, certainly not Arabic, and according to him linguistically means a “hamlet”. The name has been modified three times. In the 1419 militia list it is shown as Casali Attard and in 1499 according to notary contract of J Sabbara as Attard. In 1537 notary Gerolamo Cumbo showed it as Rachal Tardo, while as Casal Tard by another notarial contract filed by Anthony Cassar in 1556. Others state that as a term Attard has its origins in Sicily; from Actardo or Attardo meaning “atha”; noble and “hardu”; strong and courageous. Others also tend to find an Eastern origin for Attard, as “attar” means essence of roses in Persain, whereas the Arabic “Attar” means an aroma of blossoms. So one can conclude that the name Attard can also mean ‘a perfume of blossoms’.Meanwhile the most popular theory links the name to a Sicilian family that owned vast lands in Malta which were in close proximity to the village. In fact G.F. Abela wrote that a Sicilian family from Licata owned the region. Adding to it, Sammut in his book wrote that a noble family that lived in Haż Zebbuġ owned vast lands in the village region, thus the inhabitants took the name of the family Attardo.