Spinola Bay is the focal point of St Julian’s. Before 1800 there was practically nothing standing in this area except for Spinola Palace – a palace built in 1688 by the Italian Knight Admiral of the Order of St John Giovanni Spinola, the old church, and a few fishermen’s huts and farmers’ dwellings dotting the countryside. The palace still stands but is surrounded by modern buildings.St Julian's is now an extension of Sliema and is a major residential and tourist centre, and home to some of Malta's newest hotels. Spinola is 5 minutes’ walk away from Malta's main nightlife centre where there are clubs, casinos and numerous restaurants, cafes and bars. The bay is still used by fishermen whose traditional boats are housed just below the restaurants. The bay is particularly attractive at night and as a venue for open-air dining
