Manoel Island Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Manoel Island
Geography
Aerial view of Manoel Island
Map of Manoel Island within Marsamxett Harbour
Location	Marsamxett Harbour, Malta, south of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea
Coordinates	35°54′14″N 14°30′07″E / 35.904°N 14.502°E / 35.904; 14.502
Archipelago	Maltese islands
Area	0.3 km² (0.12 sq mi)
Administration
Malta

Manoel Island (Maltese: Il-Gżira Manoel) is a small, flat island that is part of Gżira in Marsamxett Harbour, Malta. It got its name from a Portuguese Grand Master named António Manoel de Vilhena.

This island is shaped a bit like a leaf and is connected to the main island of Malta by a bridge. You can see the whole island clearly from the old walls of Malta's capital city, Valletta.

Discovering Manoel Island
Images for kids
See also

Discovering Manoel Island

Manoel Island is a fascinating place with a rich history, even though it's quite small. It has played important roles in Malta's past, from defending the harbour to helping people recover from illnesses. Today, it's a mix of history and modern life.

A Unique Location

Manoel Island is located right in the middle of Marsamxett Harbour, which is a large natural harbour in Malta. Its position made it very important for protecting the nearby cities, especially Valletta and Floriana. The island is very flat and covers an area of about 0.3 square kilometers.

Fort Manoel: A Stronghold

One of the most famous landmarks on Manoel Island is Fort Manoel. This impressive fort was built to protect Malta from attacks by sea.

Building the Fort

Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena ordered the building of Fort Manoel in the 1720s. It was designed by a French engineer named Charles François de Mondion. The fort was built in the shape of a star, which was a common design for strong forts back then. It was finished in 1734.

Fort's Role in History

Fort Manoel was very important for defending Marsamxett Harbour. It helped protect the ships and people inside the harbour from enemy attacks. The fort was used for military purposes for many years, even during World War II. After the war, it was left empty for a long time before being restored.

The Lazzaretto: A Place of Healing

Another important building on Manoel Island is the Lazzaretto. This building has a long and interesting history, serving different purposes over the centuries.

What Was the Lazzaretto?

A Lazzaretto is a special hospital or quarantine station. It was a place where people arriving from other countries, especially those who might have been sick, had to stay for a while. This was to make sure they didn't bring diseases like the plague into Malta.

Its Long History

The Lazzaretto on Manoel Island was first built in 1643. Over the years, it was expanded and rebuilt many times. It served as a quarantine hospital for centuries, helping to keep Malta safe from epidemics. Later, it was used as a military hospital and even as a stable for animals.

Modern Manoel Island

Today, Manoel Island is not just about old forts and hospitals. It also has modern facilities and even a unique home for ducks!

The Yacht Marina

A large part of Manoel Island is now home to a busy yacht marina. Many boats and yachts are docked here, making it a lively place, especially in the summer. It's a popular spot for people who love sailing and the sea.

The Famous Duck Village

One of the most charming and unusual spots on Manoel Island is the "Duck Village." This is a small, unofficial sanctuary for ducks, geese, and other birds. People often visit to feed the birds, making it a fun and peaceful place for families.