Village of Attard

Attard, known as Ħ'Attard in Maltese, is a town in the Central Region of Malta, forming part of the "Three Villages" with Balzan and Lija. Inhabited since the Classical Period, Attard's population reached 12,268 in 2021. Its traditional Latin motto, Florigera rosis halo, reflects the abundance of flower gardens and citrus orchards, and residents are known as saraċini.

The origin of the name 'Attard' is uncertain, with suggestions of meanings like blossoms, akin to the Arabic 'Attar' for fresh flower oil or 'Atr' for perfume. Another possibility links it to the Italian town of "Atti" in Bologna.

Established as a municipality in 1994, Attard covers about seven square kilometers, including the modern Misraħ Kola estate. Notable features include Ta' Qali to the North, Tal-Idward, Misraħ Kola, and various valleys to the West and East, and Wied is-Sewda to the West.

Architect Tommaso Dingli, an Attard native, played a key role in the town's architecture, constructing the 17th Century Parish Church of St. Mary. The Sant'Anton Quarter, to the South, houses San Anton Palace, the president of Malta's official residence, and its botanic gardens.

In the 1980s, Attard underwent significant development, with extensive construction around the village center. The church area and Sant'Anton Quarter still feature converted farmhouses and residences from the Knights of St John era.

Triq il-Pitkalija and the village center have seen increased commercial activity, catering to residents. Sundays are vibrant, especially during the Assumption of Mary feast on August 15, a national holiday.

Attard is notable for San Anton Palace, the president's residence, and residents like Gerald Strickland at Villa Bologna. It also hosts the U.S. Ambassador's official residence, the Tunisian embassy, and the St Catherine Nursing Home, one of the largest in the Maltese Islands.