Village of St.Julians

Saint Julian's, or San Ġiljan in Maltese, is a coastal town in the Central Region of Malta, with a population of 13,792 as of 2020. It is known for its tourism-focused establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs concentrated in the Paceville area. Named after its patron saint, Saint Julian, the town celebrates his feast on February 12, with an additional celebration on the last Sunday of August. Unique traditions include the ġostra competition, where participants climb a greased pole suspended above the sea to grab flags representing prizes, and Musketterija, a tradition involving firing blank cartridges during the feast.

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Situated on Malta's east coast, north of Valletta, and neighboring Sliema, Saint Julian's is divided into informal districts like Paceville, Ta' Ġiorni, Tal-Għoqod, and St Andrew's. Notable areas include St George's Bay, Spinola Bay, Balluta Bay, and Il-Qaliet cliffs, making it a popular tourist destination, particularly in the summer.

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The town's history dates back to the construction of the Old Parish Church in 1580, dedicated to Saint Julian. In 1854, residents sought parish status, which was initially denied but granted in 1891. The parish church, designed by architect Arturo Zammit, was inaugurated in 1968. Additionally, Spinola Palace, built in 1688, played a crucial role in the coastal development of San Ġiljan, with further expansion in 1733. The French occupation in 1798 marked a historical event, as St Julian's became the first town in Malta to be conquered by French troops, led by General Claude Henri Vaubois into Spinola Bay.