At the arrival of the Order of St John in Malta, a particular cultivated garden was among the few places observed. A vital spring for the Grand Harbour was located on site. It is thought a foundry of the Order may have been located at Marsa. During the Great Siege of Malta of 1565, Marsa was used as a camp by troops of the Ottoman Empire. Following their defeat, Marsa became a barony containing a number of vineyards. A noteworthy bridge was located in Marsa which facilitated the road from Birgu to the area of Valletta and vice versa.