Topography  Hal-Balzan is situated in the center of Malta. It is in the lee of the Naxxar and Rabat road. This village borders on the villages of H`Attard and Hal-Lija on one side and Birkirkara on the other side.  Hal-Balzan is 50m above sea level.

 Distances

 The distance of Balzan from Valletta ( the Island `s capital city) is 5 km and 4.5 km from Mdina.

 The Name of Hal-Balzan

 Some say that the word “ Balzan “ is derived from the word “ Balsamo “ which means “ balsam “ (perfume), the sweet smell which comes from the blooming orange trees this village is known for.

 ( The prefix “ Hal “ is a shortened version of “ Rahal “ which is derived from  “ Merhla “ – a flock of sheep. Shepherds used to stop at places where today one finds towns and villages.)

 Others say that “ Balzan “ is derived from “ Balsan ” – a tax collector. Also one finds others that say this name comes from the name of certain Maltese family.

 The Location of Hal-Balzan in the Maltese Islands

 Hal-Balzan is in the center of the Island, having good, arable land and protected from the cold, northerly winds by Naxxar, Iklin and an area known as “ tal-balal “.

 If the village plan is studied one observes that valleys which today have been filled and are used as roads surround Hal-Balzan. These are: one side the valley that starts near Lija cemetery and turns into “ Valley  Road “ ( as the road is still named), passes in front of the village cemetery and keeps going to Birkirkara Valley. On other side we find another valley which starts from H`Attard passes if of San Anton Gardens and meets at the end the valley previously mentioned.

 Hal-Balzan’s Heraldic arm