Sliema
Sliema (Maltese: Tas-Sliema Maltese pronunciation: [tɐsˈslɪː.mɐ]) is a town located on the northeast coast of Malta in the Northern Harbour District. It is a major residential and commercial area and a centre for shopping, bars, dining, and café life. It is also the most densely populated town on the island.
Sliema
Tas-Sliema | |
|---|---|
From top: Skyline in the Strand and Tigné Point, Fort Tigné, Lombard Bank building, Stella Maris Church, skyline in Tower Road | |
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Flag Coat of arms | |
| Nickname: Tax-xelin | |
| Motto: Celer Ad Oras Surgo | |
| Coordinates: 35°54′44″N 14°30′15″E | |
| Country | Malta |
| Region | Central Region |
| District | Northern Harbour District |
| Borders | Gżira, St. Julian's |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | John Pillow (PN) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.3 km2 (0.5 sq mi) |
| Population (Jan. 2019) | |
| • Total | 22,591 |
| • Density | 17,000/km2 (45,000/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Slimiż (m), Slimiża (f), Slimiżi (pl) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | SLM |
| Dialing code | 356 |
| ISO 3166 code | MT-56 |
| Patron saint | Our Lady, Star of the Sea |
| Day of festa | First Sunday after 18 August |
| Website | sliemalocalcouncil |
Lining the coastline is a promenade known as the Sliema Front that has become the ideal spot for joggers and walkers as well as a prolific meeting place for locals during the summer season. Sliema is also known for its numerous rocky beaches, water sports and hotels. The Strand in Sliema is a popular viewing spot for fireworks displays that take place in August.
Sliema, which means 'peace, comfort', was once a quiet fishing village on the peninsula across Marsamxett Harbour from Valletta and has views of the capital city. The population began to grow in 1853 and the town was declared a parish in 1878. Now Sliema and the coastline up to neighbouring St. Julian's constitutes Malta's main coastal resort.
Sliema is considered a desirable place to live and is relatively affluent, with extremely high property prices compared to the national average. Historically, stylish villas and traditional Maltese townhouses lined the streets of Sliema. Sliema has now been ringed with modern apartment blocks, some of which are amongst the tallest buildings in Malta. This has resulted in significant traffic, parking and construction-related noise pollution issues.
Residents of Sliema are stereotypically known for their usage of English as a first language, although this is changing in the 21st century due to demographic shifts. Maltese people from Sliema are referred to as Slimiżi.