One of Malta’s last traditional firilli has been saved
A traditional Maltese boat with more than a century of history has been brought back to life following over two years of careful restoration work.
The vessel, named Lion, is considered one of the last surviving firilli in Malta. The restoration was completed through a collaboration involving Marsaxlokk Heritage, Heritage Malta and the Malta Tourism Authority.
Rather than becoming another forgotten wooden hull, Lion will now be used for educational, tourism and research purposes.
What is a firilla?
The firilla is an early type of Maltese fishing boat that was traditionally used within harbours and close to the coast.
Lion measures around six metres and is believed to be approximately 100 years old. Its last owner was a Marsaxlokk fisherman known locally as Kallalu, whose family donated the vessel to Marsaxlokk Heritage in the hope that it could be saved.
The boat had been discarded and was in danger of being lost before the voluntary organisation stepped in.
Restored the traditional way
The work was carried out at the Kalkara Boatyard using materials and techniques associated with traditional Maltese wooden boatbuilding.
The project involved cleaning the vessel, stripping away layers of paint and identifying which original sections could be retained. Damaged timber and parts of the hull then had to be repaired or replaced carefully.
Lion’s traditional tarkija rig was also reconstructed. This sprit-sail arrangement was once a recognisable feature of the firilla but has largely disappeared from Maltese waters.
More than a restored boat
The initiative began through Marsaxlokk Heritage in 2021 before developing into a wider national collaboration.
Public workshops formed part of the project, helping to share knowledge about traditional boat construction and the skilled work required to preserve wooden vessels.
This is particularly important at a time when Malta’s traditional boats and the crafts connected to them are becoming increasingly rare.
Lion is heading back to Marsaxlokk
During the winter months, Lion is expected to be displayed along the Marsaxlokk waterfront.
Its presence will give residents and visitors the opportunity to see one of Malta’s historic boat types in the village where it spent much of its working life.
The restoration has not only saved one old boat. It has also preserved the work of past boatbuilders, fishermen and families whose lives were closely connected to Malta’s harbours.
