North of Pieta is Msida (pop. 6,000), with the University of Malta. Beside the fishing harbor is a fine church, St Joseph's. On both sides of Msida Creek, an inlet opening off Marsamxett Harbor, are moored many of the yachts, which give the harbor its characteristic atmosphere.
Mdisa is known for its new yacht-marina and sometimes treacherous roundabout traffic jams.
Fort Manoel, built in 1723, represents the zenith of fort design and construction. It was once described as the classic example of a Baroque fortress, bold yet precise, elegant yet a hard functional machine. The complex challenge for military engineers was to protect the besieged as well as to satisfy their paymasters aesthetically.
Tips: The fort is currently undergoing major restoration work expected to be completed in 2010.
This is the second marina in Msida and it got its name from the sealed locker, or lazaretto, on a ship. The bed of the creek was the safest place for the submarines of the Royal Navy's 10th Flotilla during the air raids of World War II.
Msida Creek is the most sheltered part of Marsamxett Harbor and was once a natural fishing settlement. It takes its name from mysada, the Arabic word for a fisherman's hut.
The new yacht marina was developed in 1989 and has been a tremendous success for yachtsmen and tourists alike.
In 1968 the university moved locations, from Valletta to Msida, where a more spacious campus was built. There are over 10,000 students following a full-time or part-time degree program.
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