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Sites of History and Culture in Malta
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Auberge de Castille

Founded by Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette, and built on a grid pattern as designed by Francesco Laparelli in 1566, Valletta is Malta's capital and serves as the islands' main hub of social, cultural, economic and administrative activities. The whole town has been identified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and contains numerous monuments that should not be missed.

St.John's Cathedral

St John's Co-Cathedral is certainly Malta's most important andartistic historical monument, built by the Knights of the Order of St John as their conventual church in 1573-1578. From within the Cathedral one   can gain access to the Oratory which the Knights built for their novices. This was constructed in 1602 and was later to be embellished by Caravaggio's painting The Beheading of St John. St John's Co-Cathedral Museum. is reached via the Oratory. It contains an interesting exhibition of Flemish tapestries, church vestments as well as other objects d'art.

Said to be the oldest church in Valletta, Our Lady of Victory Church was rebuilt in its baroque architectural style in the mid-18th century. It was built with its back to St James Cavalier and was dedicated to the Virgin Mother as a child - il-Bambina. As the feast is celebrated on September 8, the same date that the Knights emerged victorious from the Great Siege laid by the Ottomans in 1565, it is known as our Lady of Victory Church.

St Paul's Shipwreck Church is considered to be the most important church in Valletta after St John's Co-Cathedral. This church celebrates the feast of St Paul's Shipwreck on February 10. The wooden statue of St. Paul which is carried in procession is the work of the 17th-century sculptor Melchiorre Gafa`. One can also see a silver monstrance with a bone relic of St Paul, as well as the silver column brought from Rome in 1960.

The Armoury

The Grand Master's Palace, built as the official residence of the Grand Master of the Knights of St John, later served as the British Governor's residence and administrative offices. Today the Palace houses Parliament and also serves as the Office of the President of Malta. One may visit the State Rooms. The Palace Armoury may also be visited daily.

The Auberges
Of the many ornate facades in Valletta, perhaps the most imposing is that of the Auberge de Castille. This was one of the many communal residences built for the Knights in Valletta. The building was commissioned by Grand Master Manoel Pinto de Fonseca and designed by Andrea Belli. Today this fine building serves as the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta. The Auberge d'Italie, situated in the upper part of Merchants Street and in front of another notable building, Palazzo Parisio, has a fine facade designed by Romano Carapecchia. The bust in bronze on the facade portrays Grand Master Gregorio Carafa. The Auberge de Baviere, built for the Bavarian knights, overlooks Marsamxett Harbour and currently used by the Ministry for Housing.

 Housed inside the Auberge de Provence in Republic Street is the National Museum of Archaeology, containing numerous megalithic architectural elements as well as a display of prehistoric art objects that were found during excavations at various archaeological sites in Malta and Gozo.                                                                            

The National Museum of Fine Arts, originally built as a residence for one of the higher dignitaries of the Order of St John, today houses a rich collection of art, especially paintings, dating from the 13th century until the present. Among the more famous painters represented are Guido Reni, Favray and Matthias Stomer, together with the largest collection of works by Mattia Preti.

 The War Museum is situated within the precincts of Fort St Elmo. The small museum is packed with a vast hoard of militaria from the entire British period. There is also a pictorial documentary of the Second World War. Among the exhibits is the George Cross.

Casa Rocca Piccola at 74 Republic Sreet, Valletta. This magnificent 16th-century palace is the private family house of the ninth Marquis de Piro, containing exquisite furniture and paintings. There are unique collections of costumes and even the family's World War II air-raid shelters. Open weekdays.

Manoel Theatre

The Manoel Theatre was built in 1731 and is one of the oldest to be found in Europe. It is a small but quaint theatre that provides ever-changing entertainment by the performing arts. Adjacent to it is a small museum, open Mondays to Saturdays.

 St James Cavalier, originally built for war, has been totally renovated from inside and opened to the public in September 2000 as a Centre for Creativity - the primary arts centre where Maltese contemporary art in all its forms may be presented. It is the intention of this centre to establish itself as a catalyst for all forms of artistic expression.

 Fort St Elmo, situated at the tip of Valletta, has for centuries defended the two harbours. Its heroic defence can best be documented in the Great Siege of 1565 as well as in World War II. Open Saturdays afternoon and Sundays all day. On certain Sundays special historical re-enactments related to the fort's history are held.

The Bibliotheca

The National Library is situated behind Republic  Square's cafeterias.  The Bibliotheca holds a vast collection of books and documents from the Knights' period. Built in the late 18th century, it is frequented daily by researchers of history. Open Mondays to Saturdays.

The old building of the Sacra lnfermeria served as the hospital o! the Knights, but was also used by the British as a military hospital. The building with its numerous halls and corridors is nowadays used as the Mediterranean Conference Centre, exhibition hall and theatre.

The Malta Experience is a multi-visual show highlighting Malta's 7,000-year-old history. The show is screened in one of the halls of the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

The Great Siege of Malta Show, situated beneath the National Library, is a spectacular walk-through experience that recounts in diorama form the story of the Knights from their origin in Jerusalem until their glorious 2 68 years in Malta.

The World War II Siege Memorial, situated right below the Lower. Barrakka Garden, takes the shape of a Greek round temple in which a bell hangs, and a catafalque perched on the fortification walls of Valletta.

Fort St.Angelo from Upper Barrakka Garden

Upper Barrakka Garden, overlooking Grand Harbour, this garden was designed as a place of recreation for the Italian knights. It has numerous monuments dedicated to British and Maltese personalities.

Lower Barrakka Garden is another green oasis in the capital that affords a different splendid view of Grand Harbour. A cenotaph in the form of a Greek temple commemorates the death of Alexander Ball, Britain's first Commissioner and Governor in Malta in 1800.

Hastings Garden, situated on the left of Valletta's main fortifications, It provides a panoramic view of Marsamxett Harbour and the northern side of the island.

MDINA

St.Paul's Cathedral, Mdina

The town served as Malta's ancient capital from Roman timesuntil the arrival of the Knights of St John in Malta in 1530. It derives its name from the Arab period (870-1224). Today its architecture reflects especially the baroque period and may be admired by all those who really want to experience Malta's past. The small town has a tiny population of some 300. More than private residences, the most conspicuous buildings are the numerous palaces, churches and museums.

The magnificent Cathedral was built by Lorenzo Gafa' in 1702 after the older one was damaged by an earthquake in 1693. It is dedicated to the Conversion of St Paul but celebrates the feast of St Peter and St Paul on June 29 under the title of L-Imnarja. Open Mondays to Saturdays.

On the right of the Cathedral is the Cathedral Museum, built in the 18th century as a seminary for priests. Among the mainly-ecclesiastical exhibits there are works of art from mediaeval to more recent times. Noteworthy among these is the collection of etchings by Durer as well as paintings by numerous other 17th-and 18th- century artists.

Also impressive in its architecture is the Magisterial Palace or Vilhena Palace, situated right behind the main gate of Mdina. The old palace currently houses the Natural History Museum.

The Norman House or Palazzo Falzon is so called because of its Sicilian style of Norman architecture. The palazzino houses an interesting collection of antique furniture. Open Mondays to Fridays.

RABAT

Adjacent to Mdina, this suburban town with its mostly-narrow winding streets is full of old houses, churches and convents. Just outside Mdina's fortification walls and on the periphery of Rabat is the Roman Villa with its small museum.   The fine mosaic floor and the smaller mosaics displayed on its walls date back to the 1st century AD.

St. Agatha's Catacombs

Beneath St Paul's parish church the small cave and chapel known as St Paul's Grotto. It is believed that St Paul was held prisoner here when shipwrecked in Malta in AD 60. St Paul's Catacombs and St Agatha's Catacombs are the largest of several hundred other catacombs that were found all over the Maltese archipelago. Situated in St Agatha Street and dating back to the 4th- 7th centuries AD, both catacombs consist of a series of very narrow corridors flanked by walls with hundreds of rock-cut tombs.

Dingli Cliffs are found outside the village of Dingli. The cliffs mark the highest point of the island- some 230 metres above sea level. From the edge of these cliffs one may enjoy a panoramic view of the terraced fields

The Isle of Filfla

below as well as a view of the island of Filfla, lying some 5 km off the coast. From this point the view inland will reach the northern side of the island.

Buskett Garden lies a few hundred metres from Dingli Cliffs. overlooking the garden is Verdala Castle, built by Grand Master Hughes Loubenx de Verdalle in the late 16th century. It now serves as the summer residence for Malta's President and his guests.

San Anton palace and Garden serves as a green oasis in the middle of the built-up Attard/Balzan area. The palace served as the residence of Antoine de Paule, who later became a Grand Master. The palace also served as the residence of the British Governors.

MOSTA

Mosta Dome

The Rotunda at Mosta is one of the most conspicuous churches in Malta. The church, in the form of the Pantheon in Rome, was designed by George Grognet De Vasse and constructed in 1833-1860. During World War II this church miraculously survived an aerial attack when a bomb pierced the dome and ricocheted inside the church without exploding.

Visit Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar - unique 19th century Maltese palace, home of the Scicluna family, with one of the finest gardens in Malta.

COTTONERA

The Three Cities. Birgu, Bormla, l-Isla.

All three towns are situated within the Grand Harbour. The towns are also alternatively known as Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. Vittoriosa (Birgu) is the oldest of the three and was Malta's maritime town. Here one can visit the Maritime Museum and the Inquisitor's Palace.   

At its tip is Fort St Angelo, which since mediaeval times until World War II saw many sea battles take place around its shores. The fort became the first seat of the Order of St John when it took up residence in Malta. The British Royal Navy adopted Fort St Angelo as its naval headquarters in the Mediterranean.

Senglea Point

Senglea  (L-isla) is the peninsular town that, like Birgu, faces Valletta. It was built by Grand Master Claude de la Sengle in 1555. At its tip is a small garden, Gnien il- Gardjola, with a stupendous view of Grand Harbour. A sentry post displays the eye, ear and crane bird as symbols of watchfulness.

Cospicua (Bormla) grew fast in commercial importance due to the development of the ship repair yards in the 19th century. The feast of the Immaculate Conception, is celebrated on December 8.

Fort Rinella, a late 19th century coastal fort, limits of Kalkara, was built for a single 100-ton gun in Newcastle. Fort Rinella is undergoing active preservation by the Malta heritage Trust. Victorian military re- enactments are held every Saturday between 2 and 4.30 p.m.

TARXIEN

The Hypogeum is an underground burial place that was used prehistoric times and contemporarily with the Maltese megalithic temples.

The Neolithic Temples are among the most refined prehistoric temples that still maintain a good representation of prehistoric art in the form of bas relief’s, sculpture and pottery.

Ghar Dalam Prehistoric Cave is situated outside the town of Birzebbuga. To reach the cave from the road one first enters a museum housing a vast collection of skeletal remains of elephants, hippopotami and deer which were found inside the cave and which abounded Malta during the Glacial Periods.

The Blue Grotto

Ghar Hasan is situated on the edge of a sheer cliff in the vicinity of Birzebbuga's Free Port. According to legend a Turk called Hasan abducted a Maltese girl and kept her inside the cave. When discovered by the locals he preferred to kill the girl and commit suicide.   

Marsaxlokk is Malta's main fishing village situated the southeastern harbour of the island (hence its name). This fishing village has the largest fishing fleet of luzzu boats. On Sundays a sizeable street market is open throughout the day.

Just as famous as the one in Capri, but larger and more beautiful, Malta's Blue Grotto is situated below the cliffs of Wied iz-Zurrieq.  Boat trips are held regularly from the small bay (weather permitting). . The turquoise blue colour of the seabed can best be appreciated in the morning Iight.

Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples are among the most impressive of the prehistoric sites and are situated a few scores of metres away from the southern cliffs of Malta, in the proximity of the Blue Grotto.

Spinola Bay, St.Julian's

SLIEMA, ST JULIAN'S and PACEVILLE

This area is the pleasure centre of Malta. There are hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, discos, cinemas, a bowling centre, a casino in a fairytale palace as well as Bay Street, a family entertainment complex. It is a lively part of Malta all the year round.

BUGIBBA, QAWRA, ST PAUL‘S BAY

These are essentially summer resorts, although many people live there all the year round. There are hotels and restaurants, flats as well as fun places where you can have an enjoyable night out. Almost everywhere you wander in this part of Malta, there is the Mediterranean Sea ready to seduce you.

SANDY BEACHES

Ghajn Tuffieha

These are largely concentrated in the northwest of Malta. Among the most popular are Ghajn Tuffieha, Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Paradise Bay and Armier Bay.

GOZO AND COMINO

Mgarr Harbour

Gozo is just four miles away to the northwest across a clear blue and very deep channel. The two Islands are connected by regular car and passenger ferry and a helicopter service. Gozo is where Ulysses is said to have been held captive entranced by the nymph Calypso. This sister island is almost entirely agricultural, and life is simple but comfortable. It is an island of farmers and fishermen, and their way of life dominates the character of Gozo.

If you arrive by sea, Mgarr Harbour is picturesque with all kinds of sea craft. The neo-Gothic Lourdes Sanctuary, built in 1888, watches over it. In Victoria, the capital, go up to the Citadel or Gran Castello and walk around and breathe the ancient atmosphere. This was the fortified refuge of the Gozitans when the island was attacked by the Turks or pirates. The late-medieval houses in this area are unique in the Maltese Islands. There is the magnificent Cathedral and various museums. The tree-lined square in Victoria, known as it-Tokk (meaning the point of rendezvous), is the hub of Gozitan life. There is a market from 7 a.m. until 1

p.m. The market is best known for remnants or pieces of discarded cloth bought in bulk from fashion houses abroad.  The majestic Basilica of St. George dominates the square behind it-Tokk.  Built in 1673, the church is also called “The Golden Basilica” because of its richly-gilded interior and the dominant bronze canopy centrepiece, imitating that of Bernini at St Peter's in Rome. This is the only church in Gozo portraying two altar paintings by renowned Italian artist Mattia Preti (1613- 1699).

Ggantija Temples

Ta' Pinu Sanctaury

Ggantija Prehistoric Temples date from between 3600 and3000 BC-one thousand years before the Pyramids at Giza, in Egypt (2600 BC). They are the greatest undertaking of the pre-Phoenician Gozitans. These temples are so named as early historians in the 16th century thought that they were the homes of Malta's first settlers, a mythical race of giants. They are the best preserved of all the temple sites on the islands. The Guinness Book of Records recognises these as the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

Ta' Pinu Sanctuary dominates the countryside. The most conspicuous way in which the people of Gozo demonstrate their faith is the building of churches and chapels in honour of the Blessed Virgin and the saints. Ta' Pinu was consecrated on December 13,1931, after Our Lady, is said to have appeared to a country woman here in 1883. On May 26, 1990 Pope John Paul II celebrated Holy Mass on the parvis of the sanctuary and later placed a halo of five stars on the head of the Blessed Virgin.

Lunzjata Valley is the island's green heart and one of the greenest places all the year round. It served as a hunting ground for the Knights. It runs between the eastern tip of the higher ground on which the town is

situated and the village of Kercem, and abounds with natural springs.

lr-Ramla l-Hamra the Red Sandy Bay, is the most unspoilt beach in Malta and Gozo. Once there, the visitor can get an idea of the beauty of the island's beaches centuries ago. Ramla Bay was perfect for an invader's

landing. Hence after 1715, the Knights built a battery on either side of the entrance to the bay.

Marsalforn is an important fishing village and the most popular resort on the island with both locals and tourists. Here one can find a good number of hotels, a large variety of restaurants and several water sports clubs.

Xlendi Bay

Xlendi is one of the three main fishing villages and a popular summer resort. Wedged between majestic cliffs in the southeast of Gozo, it is definitely one of the most picturesque and romantic spots on the island.

The whole island of Gozo is a showplace of the life and customs of a typical Mediterranean community, but it also prides itself with several typical museums. These include the Museum of Archaeology, the Citadel Armoury, the Folklore Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Cathedral Museum, all within the Citadel; a folklore museum at Gharb, Ta' Kola Windmill in Xaghra, a Maritime Museum at Nadur, and the 6ozo Heritage at Ghajnsielem.

COMINO

The Blue Lagoon

With its many caves the rugged coastline of Comino renders it a haven to modern sea craft. Marauding crews from the 13th century onwards found them equally inviting: so much so that in 1411 Comino was described as a pirates' den. In 1618 Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt decided to finance the construction of a watchtower. Saint Mary Tower, as it was called after the dedication of the chapel in Comino, is manned to this day by a unit of the Armed Forces of Malta.

The Blue Lagoon is among the clearest areas of sea in the Mediterranean.  Water skiing, for those with access to powerful boats, is a firm favourite.

The area around Comino, including Santa Marija Bay, provides some of the finest spots on the islands for snorkeling and swimming, with several spectacular caves to explore.

Optional Tours

MONDAYS:

HALFDAY VALLETTA AND MALTA EXPERIENCE

Departure from hotel in coach accompanied by guide to Valletta – The Capital City of  Malta , the City built by the Knights of St. John.  During our walking tour of the city, we will first visit the Upper Barracca Gardens which enjoy a wonderful view of the Grand Harbour and the Three Historical Cities .  We then visit St. John’s Co Cathedral which is historically and artistically one of the most important monuments on the island.  The beginning of the building of this Conventual church started in 1573 by Grandmaster La Cassiere.  Four hundred memorial slabs cover the floor and the cathedral is full of beautiful paintings.  Finally, we visit the Grandmaster’s Palace which has two lovely courtyards.  In the Tapestry Chambers, one can see the priceless Gobelein Tapestries.We will finally walk down Republic Street to Fort St. Elmo and we will view “The Malta Experience Show” which is an excellent multivision show (ca. 45minutes), which introduces visitors to Malta and its people. Afternoon at leisure.

FULLDAY MDINA

Departure from hotel in coach and we transfer to Mosta to visit the parish church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.  This church was built in the classical style and based on that of the Pantheon in Rome .  It is said that the dome of this church is the third largest in Europe .  We then proceed with our tour and we visit Ta’ Qali handicrafts village where we will be able to watch local artisans at their work such as filigree and ceramic making and glass blowing etc., etc.  We then drive to Rabat and we visit the catacombs of St. Paul , which are typical underground Christian  cemeteries, which were common in the 4th century AD.  Finally  we walk to Mdina – the Old Capital City of Malta and we visit the cathedral which was built on plans by Lorenzo Gafà.  We walk around the narrow and winding streets and enjoy the panoramic view of Malta from the historic bastions.

TUESDAY:

OR

HALFDAY MDINA

Departure from hotel in coach and we transfer to Mosta to visit the parish church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.  This church was built in the classical style and based on that of the Pantheon in Rome .  It is said that the dome of this church is the third largest in Europe .  We then drive to Rabat and we visit the catacombs of St. Catald, which are typical underground Christian  cemeteries, which were common in the 4th century AD.  Finally  we walk to Mdina – the Old Capital City of Malta and we visit the cathedral which was built on plans by Lorenzo Gafà.  We walk around the narrow and winding streets and enjoy the panoramic view of Malta from the historic bastions.

Afternoon at leisure.

WEDNESDAY

HALFDAY THREE CITIES

Departure from hotel in coach accompanied by guide to visit the Three Historical Cities of SENGLEA, COSPICUA and VITTORIOSA.  When the Knights first arrived in Malta , they chose as their home Vittoriosa (Birgu) because of its vicinity to Fort St. Angelo.  In Cospicua (Bormla) one can admire The Cottonera Lines, the Santa Margherita Lines, Verdala Fort & Barracks and the magnificent Collegiate Parish Church and its artistic Oratory.  In Vittoriosa we will be able to visit the church dedicated to St. Lawrence and the Maritime Museum  

OR

 
Afternoon:

HALFDAY HARBOUR CRUISE

Departure from hotel by coach and accompanied by a fully licensed guide to Sliema Ferries.  We embark on a pleasure boat to visit the natural ports of Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour whose natural creeks make this port one of the most beautiful in Europe .  The view of the fortifications from the seaward side are unique and a treasure for photographers.

THURSDAY

(FULLDAY GOZO EXPERIENCE)

Departure from hotel in coach and we transfer to Cirkewwa for ferry boat crossing to Mgarr - GOZO.  The short trip from Malta to Gozo is in itself a pleasant experience especially on a fine day.  Mgarr Harbour is picturesque with all kinds of seacraft. We proceed to DWEJRA BAY which is famous for its hanging window. We then proceed to VICTORIA which is in the centre of the island as well as being the centre of commerce.  THE CITADEL is a medieval fortified town with massive bastions that date back to the 17th century. In the afternoon we continue with our tour, visiting XLENDI BAY which has sheer Cliffs and clean water and is in itself a very picturesque little village and then finally to the Gozo Heritage.

FRIDAY

HALF DAY BLUE GROTTO HALFDAY

Departure from hotel in coach accompanied by guide and we drive to Wied Iz-Zurrieq which is also a small fishing village.  Subject to weather permitting we may take a small fishing boat to visit the BLUE GROTTO cave which can be reached only by sea.  The cave is 40 metres in circumference and reaches a depth of 26 metres.  The Blue Grotto faces east and it is at its best in the morning because the sunrays floodlight the entire grotto revealing its beauty. (boat price not included – weather permitting). We finally drive to MARSAXLOKK fishing village which is Malta 's largest fishing village.  Here one will be able to watch the fishermen mending their nets or painting their boats but above all admire this quaint village full of the typical colourful fishing boats. 

FULLDAY BLUE GROTTO AND TEMPLES

Departure from hotel in coach accompanied by guide and we transfer to the drive to Wied Iz-Zurrieq which is also a small fishing village.  Subject to weather permitting we may take a small fishing boat to visit the BLUE GROTTO cave which can be reached only by sea. The Blue Grotto faces the east and is at its best in the morning because the sunrays floodlight the entire grotto revealing its beauty. (boat price not included – weather permitting). Lunch is served inone of the picturesque village. Then we go and visit the Tarxien Temples and finally we drive to Birzebbuga to visit GHAR DALAM which is a 144 metre long natural cave. 

SATURDAY

FULLDAY GOZO

Departure from hotel in coach and we transfer to Cirkewwa for ferry boat crossing to Mgarr - GOZO.  The short trip from Malta to Gozo is in itself a pleasant experience especially on a fine day.  Mgarr Harbour is picturesque with all kinds of seacraft.  During this tour we will visit GGANTIJA TEMPLES in Xaghra which were built and developed between 3600 and 2400 BC, making them among the earliest architectural planned facades in the world.  We then proceed to VICTORIA which is in the centre of the island as well as being the centre of commerce.  THE CITADEL is a medieval fortified town with massive bastions that date back to the 17th century. In the afternoon we continue with our tour, visiting XLENDI BAY which has sheer Cliffs and clean water and is in itself a very picturesque little village. 

SUNDAY

HALFDAY BLUE GROTTO, LIMESTONE HERITAGE AND MARSAXLOKK MARKET

Excursion to the south of the island. We commence our tour with a visit to the Blue Grotto and the other grottoes from closeby. (boat price not included – weather permitting).

We proceed our tour with a visit to an insight of Maltese history. Bringing old and new together enjoy an extensive featue witin a modernized quarry that explains one of Malta’s foremost trades of quarrying together with farmhouse building and stone decoration always using the limestone that gives its name to this spectacle called “the Limestone Heritage”

Lastly we will visit the main fisihing village off Marsaxlokk whose water front is lined with “luzzuz” painted in traditional reds, blues and yellows that add colour to this peaceful bay once the site of the first Turkish landing during the great siege of 1565 where you will be given free time to spend browsing around the local market stalls.