Il-Maqluba (limits of Qrendi)
Il-Maqluba consists of a deep, large-scale inland collapsed solution structure.
It is the best example within the Maltese Islands of a closed depression that is formed either by the solution of surface stones or by a collapse of underlying caves. This phenomenon makes it a unique area in the Maltese islands with a distinctive ecosystem.
The remains of rubble walls indicate that this Natura 2000 site was probably once used for agricultural purposes. Nowadays, il-Maqluba supports an important population of native tree communities, dominated by the Bay Laurel tree, which is locally rare, and including the National Tree, the Sandarac Gum Tree.
This site is also home to a number of other rare species of plants and fungi, such as the Maltese Salt Tree, which are found only in Malta.
This Natura 2000 site will be subject to the preparation of a management plan and/or legislation in the near future, as part of an EU funded project that Mepa is undertaking for the management planning all the terrestrial Natura 2000 sites of the Maltese Islands.
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Mr Joe Xuereb
Apr 21st 2011, 18:52
Ah! Tal-Maqluba. One of my earliest childhood memories and my father explaining the meaning of 'Non gode di immunita` ecclesiastica' on a plaque on the wall of the little chapel on the edge of the hollow.
I grew up and I travelled, and came across a similar natural wonder in Southern Turkey.
http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/med/kizkalesi/cennet-cehennem.html Heaven and Hell as they say!
There are a couple of 'collapsed' caves, a few minutes' distance from each other. One (Cehennem - Hell - pronounced ġeħennem) is very deep and one can only look down into what seems like a bottomless abyss. The other (Cehennet - Heaven - pronounced ġeħennet) is much larger and one can descend to the wet clay at the bottom - very slippery. Half way down are the ruins of a Byzantine church giving an idea of the cavern's dimensions...look up and it feels like a huge cathedral but much much higher. In the picture, the red hand points to the figure of a man, giving an idea of the enormity. The 'caves' are within driving distance of Alanya (and Kanlidivane and Kizkalesi - see separate link) in case anybody ventures thereabouts. It's worth the trip and the fish restaurants a` la Torka along the way.
http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/med/kizkalesi/kanlidivane.html
Thanks for reading. I just love sharing the world's wonders.
Mr David M. Schembri
Apr 21st 2011, 09:41
The “Maqluba” and “Maqluba l-bahar”
Adjacent to the chapel of San Mattew, situated on the road connecting the village to Wied iz-Zurrieq, one comes across another interesting feature quite unique to the village of Qrendi. An interesting “quarry like” feature formed by a depression in the land, filled with Maltese trees and shrubs is quite breath taking and truly impressive. A wild sanctuary for carob trees, where the Maltese National tree, the Gharghar (Sandarac Gum) can be found growing wild. A place where Laurel trees grow in harmony with bamboo cane and Ivy. A place where Pomegranate trees grow in great abundance.
This name Maqluba (Over turned) is the name given to two similar depressions found within the Qrendi boundaries and within two miles of each other, both having totally different characteristics from one another.
Behind the Maqluba magnificent views comes a legend equally as impressive. Handed down through the generations, we learn of bad people living together in a small village or hamlet (Hal-Lew). Almighty God warned the village, through a good woman living close by and often referred to as a nun, against their bad ways.
Unheeding these warnings, God decreed that the land swallow the village sparing none except the good woman. In turn, angels were dispatched to dispose of the “bad village” by dumping it at sea. Legend thus tells of the formation of the island of Filfla situated some three miles to the South West of the fishing port of Wied iz-Zurrieq.
source Qrendi - History & Beauty - Qrendi Scout Group - www.qrendiscouts.org
On the 23rd November 1343, Malta experienced one of it most severe winter storms in history, a tempest or possibly an earthquake. It was at this time that the formation of this phenomenon came about. The Maqluba is a natural conical depression formed by the collapse of the underlying limestone strata, commonly known in geological terms as a doline. It is a sinkhole collecting rainwater from as far as a three-mile radius, water much needed to cater to the needs of its thick vegetation whilst allowing its access supply to penetrate the rock formation helping to maintain our underground water supplies.
An equally spectacular site found on the coastline, just a stone throw away to the west of Wied iz-Zurrieq is known locally as Maqluba l-bahar or Ghar ix-Xaghra.
This “horse shoe” formation, formed through the sea erosion of the cliff face and open to the clear blue Mediterranean Sea, boasts of a magnificent marine environment. A place where the Damselfish dances within the colorful fauna. Underwater caves, tunnels and caverns mystified by the sun’s ray with water visibilities in access of thirty meters. Tranquility and serenity interrupted only by the musical sound of the gentle waves splashing against lose rock formation.