St Paul's Island facts for kids
View of Saint Paul's Islands
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | off Malta, south of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea |
| Coordinates | 35°57′55″N 14°24′2″E / 35.96528°N 14.40056°E |
| Archipelago | Maltese islands |
| Area | 0.101 km2 (0.039 sq mi) |
| Coastline | 0.9 km (0.56 mi) |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
St Paul's Island, also called Selmunett, is a small island near the main island of Malta. It is located off the coast of Selmun, in the north-east part of Malta. Sometimes, this island looks like two separate islands, which is why it is also known as St Paul's Islands.
This island has been empty, with no people living on it, since World War II. It is the second largest island in Malta that is not lived on. St Paul's Island covers an area of about 0.1 square kilometers.
Contents
What is St Paul's Island Like?
St Paul's Island is a small piece of land in the Mediterranean Sea. It is part of the Maltese islands. The island is mostly rocky and has cliffs, especially on its northern side. Because it is uninhabited, nature thrives there without much human disturbance.
Why is it Called St Paul's Island?
The island gets its name from a famous story. It is believed that Saint Paul, an important figure in Christianity, was shipwrecked here. This happened around the year 60 AD. He was on his way to Rome when his ship was caught in a big storm. This event is mentioned in the Bible, in the Book of Acts.
The Shipwreck of Saint Paul
According to the story, Saint Paul and everyone on his ship survived the shipwreck. They found safety on this island. This event is a very important part of Malta's history and its connection to Christianity. Many people visit the island because of this historical event.
Are There Any Buildings on the Island?
There are no permanent homes on St Paul's Island today. However, there are some ruins. These include the remains of a farmhouse called Ta' Bajdafin. This farmhouse was once a working farm but is now in ruins. There is also a statue of Saint Paul on the island, which was put there to remember his shipwreck.
The Statue of Saint Paul
The statue of Saint Paul stands tall on the island. It reminds visitors of the ancient shipwreck. People often visit the statue by boat. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists who are interested in history and religion.
Nature and Environment
St Paul's Island is home to various types of plants and animals. Even though it is small, it has its own unique ecosystem. The island's rocky shores and cliffs provide homes for different kinds of birds and marine life.
Marine Life Around the Island
The waters around St Paul's Island are clear and clean. They are home to many fish and other sea creatures. This makes the area popular for activities like snorkeling and diving. People can explore the underwater world near the island.
Plants and Animals on the Island
On the island itself, you can find hardy plants that can survive in the rocky, dry conditions. Birds often use the cliffs for nesting. The island's untouched nature makes it a special place for wildlife.
Visiting St Paul's Island
Even though no one lives on St Paul's Island, it is a place that many people visit. Boats often take tourists to the island. It's a great spot for a day trip to explore nature and history.
What Can You Do There?
Visitors can walk around the island and see the statue of Saint Paul. They can also enjoy the quiet natural surroundings. Some people like to swim in the clear waters around the island. It's a peaceful escape from busy areas.
Shipwrecks Around the Island
Because of its location, there have been many shipwrecks near St Paul's Island over the centuries. These shipwrecks are now underwater. They are interesting sites for divers who want to explore history beneath the waves.
Images for kids
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View of Saint Paul's Island in 1861
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Model of Ta' Bajdafin Farmhouse, at the National Museum of Natural History
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Cliffs on the northern side of the main island.
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See also
In Spanish: Islas de San Pablo (Malta) para niños
