Living in Mtarfa, Malta — Area Guide for Buyers

Key facts

Location: Central-west Malta, next to Rabat and Mdina
History: British barracks and military hospital
Landmark: Clock tower (1890s)
Homes: Terraced houses, apartments, maisonettes

Mtarfa occupies a hill just north of Mdina and Rabat. In 1890 the British began building barracks here, and later a large military hospital, completed around 1920 — today converted into a state school. Much of the former barracks became housing after the British left.

Landmarks

The clock tower, built in the 1890s as part of the barracks, visible across the plateau.
Views towards Mdina and the countryside of the centre and north.

Property in Mtarfa

Terraced houses and former military housing.
Apartments and maisonettes.

Who it suits

Buyers who want quiet, views and value close to Mdina and Rabat. See Mdina and Rabat.

Questions & answers

What is the clock tower in Mtarfa?

A tall clock tower built in the 1890s as part of the British military barracks on the hill; it is a landmark visible across the area.

What happened to the old military hospital?

The hospital built during the First World War was later converted into a state secondary school.

Can foreigners buy property in Mtarfa?

Yes. EU citizens buying their main residence need no permit; non-EU buyers, and EU citizens buying a second home, normally need an AIP permit unless the property is in a Special Designated Area. See our AIP permit guide.

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