Siggiewi is situated on a plateau in the South Western part of Malta, a few kilometres away from Imdina, the ancient capital city of Malta, and 10 kilometres away from Valletta the capital city. It is the hometown of almost 7500 inhabitants who, up to several decades ago, worked mostly in the fields which surround the village. The meaning of the word "Siggiewi" is doubtful; some say that the place was named after the Sageyo's, rich family which had large estates in this area. Others argue that the Semitic roots of the word mean 'prosperous' or calm; two virtues which the villagers still cherish today. In fact the motto of Siggiewi is "Labore et Virtute" (Work and Virtue)

In its demographic and topographical constitution, Siggiewi followed a pattern common to other villages in Malta. Before the arrival of the Order of St John in 1530, there were other thriving hamlets in the area. Little by little Hal Xluq, Hal Kbir, Hal Niklusi and Hal Qdieri were absorbed in Siggiewi and today, only their secluded chapels remind us of their former existance.

Siggiewi was already established in the 14th century. On the 30th December 1797, after a formal request by Don Salvatore Curso, on behalf of his parishioners, Grand Master Ferdinand Von Hompesch instituted the village as a city calling it after his name, "Citta' Ferdinand".

The ruins of the former parish church, dedicated to St Nicholas of Bari are still visible today but the imposing baroque parish church, dedicated to the same saint, was erected out of the toils of the villagers who raised the necessary funds between the years 1676-1693. It was built on the design of the famous Maltese architect, Lorenzo Gafà but underwent some changes throughout the years. The portico and naves were added by Professor Nicola Zammit in the latter half of the 19th century.

The titular painting is by the renowned artist Mattia Preti. 'Il calabrese', who was also responsible for the painting on the vault of St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta. The wooden statue which is proudly carried in procession in the city feast day (the last Sunday of June) was sculptured by Pietro Felici in 1737. A few years earlier, in 1732, the same sculptor had produced the magnificent statue which still stands in the centre of the spacious square. On its pedestal there is a beautiful prayer in Latin which implores the saint to be merciful and bless the fields which the faithful laboriosly till.

Siggiewi has a lot to offer to the hundreds of tourist who visit it each year. The view from the Inquisitor's summer palace, built by inquisitor Onorato Visconti in 1625 and renovated by inquisitor Angelo Dorini in 1763, is impressive. Today is the Maltese Prime Ministers official residence. The huge iron cross on huge stone pedestal on the hilltop nearby (presumably the highest peak of the island) built at the turn of the century by Don Pawl Laferla (is-Salib ta' l-Gholja or Laferla Cross) is a well-known landmark. The palace of grand Master Verdalle is one of the residences of the Presidents of the Republic. Adjoining this palace one finds the famous Buskett, a small forest which Grand Masters such as La Vallette used as hunting grounds.

Siggiewi is also blessed with natural beauty. In the hot summer season, many flock to the picturesque bay of Ghar Lapsi to enjoy peaceful atmosphere in a place which has changed but a little since the dawn of creation. From here the islet of Filfla can be seen on the horizon.

There are countless niches in practically every corner of the old part of the city. Some date back to the middle of the 17th century and are a sign of devotion, a tangible manifestation of faith, as well as an architectural decoration. The narrow, winding streets, the alleys branching off from them, the churches and the friendly and helpful people which one encounters are the distinctive features of an old city with a lot to give.