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{{for|the surname|Attard (surname)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Attard
| native_name        = Ħ'Attard
| native_name_lang   = mt
| official_name      = 
| other_name         = Casal Attard
| settlement_type    = [[Local councils of Malta|Local council]]
| image_skyline      = Parish-church-attard.jpg
| image_caption      = [[Parish Church of St. Mary, Attard]]
| image_flag         = Flag of Attard.svg
| image_shield       = Attard coa.svg
| etymology          = 
| nickname           = 
| motto              = ''Florigera rosis halo''<br /><small>(I perfume the air with my blossoms)</small>{{force singular}}
| image_map          = Attard in Malta.svg
| map_caption        = 
| coordinates        = {{coord|35|53|34|N|14|26|18|E|type:city_region:MT|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_footnotes = 
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|Malta}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[Regions of Malta|Region]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Northern Region, Malta|Northern Region]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[Districts of Malta|District]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Districts of Malta#Western District|Western District]]
| established_title  = 
| established_date   = 
| founder            = 
| parts_type         = Borders
| parts_style        = para
| p1                 = [[Balzan]], [[Lija]], [[Mdina]], [[Mosta]], [[Mtarfa]], [[Żebbuġ]], [[Qormi]]
| leader_title       = [[List of mayors of places in Malta|Mayor]]
| leader_name        = Stefan Cordina
| leader_party       = [[Nationalist Party (Malta)|PN]]
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_total_km2     = 6.6
| area_note          = 
| area_footnotes     = 
| elevation_m        = 
| elevation_footnotes = 
| population_total   = 11377<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.mt/en/Government/DOI/Government%20Gazette/Documents/2019/09/Government%20Gazette%20-%203rd%20September.pdf|title=The Malta Government Gazette|date=3 September 2019|access-date=2 October 2019}}</ref>
| population_as_of   = January 2019
| population_footnotes = 
| population_density_km2 = 1724
| population_note    = 
| population_demonym = Saraċini
| timezone1          = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset1        = +1
| timezone1_DST      = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| utc_offset1_DST    = +2
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal codes in Malta|Postal code]]
| postal_code        = ATD
| area_code_type     = [[List of country calling codes|Dialing code]]
| area_code          = 356
| iso_code           = MT-01
| blank_name_sec1    = [[Religion in Malta#Patron Saints|Patron saint]]
| blank_info_sec1    = [[Assumption of Mary]]
| blank1_name_sec1   = [[Public holidays in Malta#Traditional Feasts|Day of festa]]
| blank1_info_sec1   = 15 August
| website            = {{official website|URL=https://hattardlc.gov.mt/en/}}
| footnotes          = 
}}

{{Malta-Three-Villages}}

'''Attard''' ({{langx|mt|Ħ'Attard}}) is a locality in the [[Northern Region, Malta|Northern Region]] of [[Malta]]. Together with [[Balzan]] and [[Lija]], it forms part of the "[[Three Villages]]" ({{langx|mt|It-Tliet Irħula}}) and has been inhabited since the [[Classical antiquity|Classical Period]]. It has a population of 12,268 as of 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Census of Population and Housing 2021: Preliminary Report |url=https://nso.gov.mt/en/nso/Media/Salient-Points-of-Publications/Pages/2022/Census-of-Population-and-Housing-2021-Preliminary-Report.aspx |access-date=2022-12-07 |website=nso.gov.mt |language=en |archive-date=7 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207105826/https://nso.gov.mt/en/nso/Media/Salient-Points-of-Publications/Pages/2022/Census-of-Population-and-Housing-2021-Preliminary-Report.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> Attard's traditional [[Latin]] motto is ''Florigera rosis halo'' ("I perfume the air with my blossoms") due to its many [[flower garden]]s and citrus orchards. Attard is abundant in public gardens. The inhabitants of Attard are known as ''saraċini''.

==Etymology==
The name of 'Attard' is thought to have been derived from a [[Attard (surname)|surname]] assumed to belong to the first person who lived there. It is unclear what the word 'Attard' means. Some say it means blossoms as the word 'Attar' means fresh oil of the flowers or from the [[Arabic]] 'Atr', meaning perfume.

Another derivation for the surname is the Italian town of "Atti" in Bologna.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.surnamedb.com/surname.aspx?name=Attard|title=Surname Database: Attard Last Name Origin|website=The Internet Surname Database|access-date=14 April 2018}}</ref>

A few maps from the 1600s also show Attard listed as 'C. Attardo', which might show where the village name derives from.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uu.oldmapsonline.org/maps/4af91116-57a9-4b71-9fc7-a768acf4fae7/view?_gl=1*yay7gm*_ga*MTM3NjUxMDI0NC4xNzExMTI1Nzg0*_ga_W4NH1B56KN*MTcxMTE4MzQyNS4yLjEuMTcxMTE4NTQwNi4wLjAuMA..|title=1664 Map of Malta|website=Utrecht University|access-date=23 March 2024}}</ref>

The prefix {{Lang|mt|Ħ'}} is a contraction of the word {{Wikt-lang|mt|Ħal}}, itself a contraction of {{Lang|mt|raħal}} ({{translation|village}}).

==Municipality==
[[File:Casa Bonavita.jpg|thumb|Casa Bonavita, historic 18th-century house in Attard, Malta. Scheduled and cultural property.]]
As a municipality with its own local government structure since 1994, Attard covers a surface area of about seven square kilometers. Its population, including the modern estate of [[Misraħ Kola]] and surrounding environs, is around 10,000. It comprises to its North, facing the city of [[Mdina]], the flat expanse called [[Ta' Qali]]. Beneath it the area known as ''Tal-Idward'' joins with Misraħ Kola, across from Wied San Martin (''St Martin's Valley''), Wied Inċita (''Valley of Instigation'') and Wied Irmiedi (''Valley of Ashes''), on the [[Żebbuġ]] side.<ref name=frendo>{{cite web|url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/132619934.pdf|first=Henry|last=Frendo|date=1997|title=Attard: The Life of a Maltese Casale|publisher=Attard Local Council (Gutenberg Press)|location=6, Main Street, Attard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325193946/https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/132619934.pdf|archive-date=25 March 2019|pages=1–71}}</ref>

Its western front is bordered by Wied is-Sewda (''Black Valley''), on the [[Qormi]] side. To its east, up to Tal-Mirakli (''of the Miracles'') chapel on the [[Lija]] side, is a large zone called ''Ta' Fġieni'' bordering the village core and the 17th-century [[Parish Church of St. Mary, Attard|Parish Church of St. Mary]] at its centre, built by architect [[Tommaso Dingli]]. Dingli, born and bred in Attard, is best known for his work on the [[Wignacourt Aqueduct]], [[City Gate (Valletta)#Second City Gate|Porta Reale]] (the entrance into [[Valletta]]) and several churches. Of these, only Attard's parish church (with its idiosyncratic façade) and the [[Parish Church of St. Mary, Birkirkara|old parish church of Birkirkara]] remain unaltered. South of the village core is the Sant'Anton Quarter, named for [[San Anton Palace]] and the palace's botanic gardens, both built by the [[Knights Hospitaller|Knights]] between around 1600 and 1625. It is now the official residence of the president of Malta and has long been a symbol of Attard.<ref name=frendo/>

== Zones in Attard ==
*Misraħ Kola
*Hal-Warda
*[[Ta' Qali]]
**Robbu Tal-Ħemsija
**Ta' Ħemsija
**Ta' Qali ''Crafts Village''
**Ta' Sagħat
**Ta' Vnezja
**Tal-Madliena
**Tal-Madonna
**Tal-Maltija
*Ta' Qassati
*Il-Ħotob
*Il-Ħofor
*Santa Katerina
*Ta' Fġieni
*Ta' l-Idward
*Ta' Srina
*Ta' Vestru
*Tal-Fuklar
*Tal-Karri
*Tal-Mirakli
*Wied il-Ħemsija
*Wied Inċita
*Wied is-Sewda

==Development==
[[File:Vernacular housing in Attard.jpg|thumb|A vernacular 17th-century farmhouse in Attard<ref>{{cite news|work=New York Times|last=Zammit Lupi|first=Darrin|date=24 February 2016|title=House Hunting in ... Malta: A 17th-Century Farmhouse in Malta|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/28/realestate/real-estate-in-malta.html?action=click&contentCollection=Real%20Estate&pgtype=imageslideshow&module=RelatedArticleList&region=CaptionArea&version=SlideCard-2|access-date=31 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sql.com.mt/real-estate/property-details/house-of-character-in-attard-for-sale-4-bedrooms/19241?Back=%2Freal-estate%2Ffeatured-property%2Flifestyle-property%2F5 |title=House of Character in Attard for Sale ref 19241 - Selective Quality Letting Ltd |access-date=15 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315185456/http://www.sql.com.mt/real-estate/property-details/house-of-character-in-attard-for-sale-4-bedrooms/19241?Back=%2Freal-estate%2Ffeatured-property%2Flifestyle-property%2F5 |archive-date=15 March 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://homes-malta.com/p/house-of-character-for-sale-in-attard-central-sta/ |title=House of Character for Sale in Attard |website=homes-malta.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805212040/http://homes-malta.com/p/house-of-character-for-sale-in-attard-central-sta/ |archive-date=5 August 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>]]
During the 1980s Attard experienced a boost in development, reflected in the large-scale construction surrounding the village center. However the area surrounding the church and the Sant'Anton Quarter features a number of converted farmhouses (recognizable through their wooden doors and flat, rustic roofs) and residences built by the Knights of St John, surrounding the summer palace. Attard is also the location of the St Catherine Nursing Home, one of the largest in the Maltese Islands. The Attard Primary School serves as a polling station during elections and like all other localities in Malta, Attard Local Council elections are held every three years.<ref name=frendo/>

An increase in entertainment and commercial enterprise has seen development along ''Triq il-Pitkalija'' (Pitkalija Road) and near the village center, with various retail outlets catering to the village all within walking distance of St Mary's Parish Church. The village center is a hive of activity, especially on Sundays when residents of Attard mingle with fellow churchgoers.<ref name=frendo/>

Attard celebrates the feast of the [[Assumption of Mary]] on 15 August, which is a national holiday on the Maltese islands.<ref name=frendo/>

== Clubs and societies ==
The [[Malta Amateur Radio League]] club house is situated in Attard and is the representative body for [[amateur radio]] in [[Malta]]. Since MARL was established in 1922, its aim was to bring together people interested in amateur radio/[[electronics]] and discuss and defend amateur radio matters with the local authorities. It provides educational facilities for members with interest in amateur radio/electronics and also an equipped [[amateur radio station]]. MARL corresponds and expresses its ideas with local and foreign same-interest groups, providing its members the facilities of a two-way [[QSL card|QSL]] Bureau as well as financing and maintaining [[VHF]] & [[Analog television]] [[repeater]]s and [[beacons]].<ref name=frendo/>

The musical society of La Stella Levantina (''Eastern Star'') is the first of its kind in the village (formed in 1894). It organizes the major activities of the village feast held during 11–15 August, including band marches and feast decorations. It teaches music (at no cost) in its local club, situated in the center of the village.<ref name=frendo/>

==Notable residents==
The [[President of Malta|president's]] official residence, [[San Anton Palace]], is situated in Attard. Within walking distance of the president's residence is the official residence of the [[United States Ambassador to Malta]]. The Tunisian embassy to Malta is located in Attard.<ref name=frendo/>

[[Gerald Strickland]] was also a resident of Attard, at [[Villa Bologna]].<ref name=frendo/>

Attard is also home to [[Paul Cremona|Archbishop Paul Cremona]] and [[Tiffany Pisani]], the winner of [[Britain's Next Top Model]] season 6.

===San Anton Palace===
{{Main|San Anton Palace}}
Visitors to the palace have included the Grand Masters of the Order of St John, Queen [[Marie of Romania]], the Russian Empress [[Maria Feodorovna (Dagmar of Denmark)|Marie Feodorovna]], King [[Edward VII]], Queen [[Elizabeth II]], [[Napoleon]]'s younger brother [[Louis Bonaparte]] as a prisoner, and the poet [[Samuel Taylor Coleridge]].{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}

Governor Borton opened the botanic gardens to the public in 1882 for picnics and strolls. Fairs and competitions celebrating plants, flowers, animals and livestock take place there. A dramatic company used to put on a Shakespeare Festival every summer, and there are often music recitals.

During the [[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2005]], hosted by Malta, the President's Palace in Attard served as a residence for Queen Elizabeth II and [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Prince Philip]].

==Sport==
Attard is the home of [[Attard F.C.]],<ref name=frendo/> currently competing in the [[2025–26 Maltese National Amateur League|BOV Amateur League I]] (third tier).

==Twin towns – sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Malta}}

Attard is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web|title=Twinning|url=https://localgovernment.gov.mt/en/lc/Attard/Pages/Services/Twinning.aspx|website=localgovernment.gov.mt|publisher=Government of Malta|access-date=18 September 2019|archive-date=28 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228070557/https://localgovernment.gov.mt/en/lc/Attard/Pages/Services/Twinning.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Élancourt]], France
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Pieve Emanuele]], Italy

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Attard}}
* [https://localgovernment.gov.mt/en/lc/Attard/Pages/default.aspx Attard Local Council] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415120603/https://localgovernment.gov.mt/en/lc/Attard/Pages/default.aspx |date=15 April 2021 }}
* [http://attard-parish.org/ Attard Parish]

{{Malta-LocalCouncils}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Attard| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Malta]]
[[Category:Local councils of Malta]]