Bidnija

Bidnija: a small village, home of the best olive oil in Malta

Bidnija is the second smallest village in Malta, after Mdina, with only 308 inhabitants covering an area of 6.4 km². Bidnija is located in the central northern part of Malta between two valleys, 'Wied Tal-Pwales' and 'Wied Qannotta' and surrounded by fields. The majority of the inhabitants are farmers who own fields around the tiny village. The farmers have been building their own houses for years, which are inherited by their grandchildren.

The “Bidni” olive trees that are found in this village date back 5,000 years, giving the name Bidnija to the village which today has a protected status. These trees produce good olive oil till this day. Apart from the ancient olive groves there are also cart ruts in Bidnija showing that this village was active thousands of years ago.

Bidnija: Things to do and see

Bidnija Horse Riding Tours: These tours bring you to explore the unspoiled countryside in Malta on well trained horses, always accompanied by qualified instructors.

Clay Pigeon Shooting: This pastime is gaining popularity in Malta thanks to the much-welcomed new awareness against hunting.

Bidnija Church: Bidnija has one church that the residents built themselves. It was designed by master mason Salvu Zahra, with the foundation stone laid in 1920 and the construction finished two years later. The small village of Bidnija celebrates the festa dedicated to the Holy Family Feast with the procession, marches and fireworks, every third Sunday of July. This church is dedicated to the Holy Family of Nazareth and now serves the community in its religious needs. The titular painting is the work of Ganni Vella (1885-1977) and the titular statue of the Holy Family is the work of Wistin Camilleri (1885-1979).