The area which today bears the name of Bormla (Città Cospicua) was already inhabited during megalithic times. Three megalithic structures were found together with many shards, tools and flints.
During the Phoenicians, Bormla served as a refuge for their ships. Burial places were found in the valley of Għajn Dwieli and by the sides of the hills of Ta’ Ġerman and the hills of Ta’ Kordin.
During the Carthaginian and Roman occupation of the island, the Harbour facilities of the creek had been enhanced and exploited, but this time activity shifted to the other bay of Bormla, Dockyard Creek at the foot of the valleys between St. Margerita, Tal-Ġonna and Ta’ Ġerman. Legends say that St. Paul had left the island in 61 A.D from this Creek.
During these days some caves in the area served as places of gathering, prayer and worship. A rock-cut chapel dating from the early Christian or Byzantine era is dug in the cliff side of the present Dockyard Creek, formerly a cosy sandy bay. A chapel was rediscovered while removing debris of World War II.