The island of Malta is centrally located in the Mediterranean and lies roughly ninety kilometres south of Sicily. Today, the archipelago enjoys a dense population that thrives under its own independent flag, but historically Malta has been a strategic base for empires throughout the ages including the Phoenicians, Romans, and British. Malta offers some of the best diving in the Mediterranean and historic sites abound on land.
Valetta is the capital of the archipelago and is itself an important destination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s Grand Master Palace is one of its most important sites. This palace, built between 1573 and 1578, is the seat of the country’s parliament. However, historically it was the seat of power for the Grand Master of the Order of Knights of St. John. Consequently, the palace contains hundreds of years of weaponry and other relics of bygone ages. Travelers will delight in the Corridors of the Knights that are lavishly decorated with suits of armor and painted portraits. Historic tapestries can be viewed throughout the palace and the courtyard featuring Neptune’s statue should not be missed.
Valetta also boasts St. John’s Co-Cathedral that was built by the Knights of Malta and consecrated in 1578. This masterpiece looks somewhat imposing on the outside, but within it is a most illustrious treasure trove containing marble flooring, frescoes, and paintings by Rubens, Poussin, and Caravaggio. The impressive structure contains eight chapels that are devoted to various patron saints. Visitors will want to view the cathedral’s museum as it contains some of the most important art work and cathedral relics.
While Valetta is possibly the most important stop on a visit to Malta, the city of Mdina is often considered the nation’s most beautiful. This medieval town was walled off by Arabs and transformed in a fortress. Yet, somehow over the centuries the town has undergone few changes. The town’s main street, Triq Villegaigon, boasts many illustrious palaces where some of Malta’s most ancient families still reside. The town of Rabat spreads out beyond Mdina’s walls and also offers fine sites to visit such as the cave where Saint Paul is believed to have stayed.
The fishing town of Marsaxlokk is also noted for its picturesque charm. Set on a beautiful bay, Marsaxlokk is praised for its maintenance of old ways despite an influx of considerable tourism. Visitors will be enchanted by the town’s legendry Sunday fish market and delight in the traditional fish restaurants. But the luzzus, painted boats that dot the seascape, are certainly at the heart of the town’s charm. The boat designs harken back to the time of Phoenicians and the fisherman work the sea has they have done for centuries.
When visiting Malta, it is impossible to forget the island’s vast history. One site in particular, Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum near the town of Paola, reflects the island’s ancient past. In fact, this is the underground temple is the only one dating from the prehistoric world. Fashioned out of rock around 3600 BC, this necropolis studded with extraordinary chambers and unique carvings. Archeology enthusiasts will not to miss this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to secure a ticket well in advance of your visit as only eighty people per day are allowed entrance underground.
The neighboring island of Gozo, also part of the republic, offers some of the most windswept and breathtaking places in the Mediterranean. Gozo’s stretch of coast known as Dwejra is filled with natural landmarks like Azure Window, Blue Hole, and Fungus Rock. The rock formations are enchanting, but the watering spots offer divers some of the most celebrated areas in the entire sea. During the summer the island draws many visitors who prize the calm azure sea there, but the winter and its waves makes for dramatic site seeing nonetheless.
While much smaller than Gozo, the island of Comino also makes for a lovely excursion. Noted for the cumin that grows there, the island can be viewed in about a day, but staying there offers some enchantments. The Blue Lagoon boasts clear and sheltered waters that put one in mind of paradise. Visitors come to bird watch and enjoy the pristine waters and shoreline. Malta has some smaller still and uninhabited islands that may be viewed by charter. To visit them is to step back in time and see the natural world as it must have appeared to the Romans as they sailed there.
It’s not surprising that some have considered Malta to be the lost Atlantis. Its extraordinary natural beauty, its world heritage sites, and its friendly people make it well worth visiting today. The nation’s official languages are Maltese and English, but like elsewhere in the Mediterranean, it is not surprising that other languages can be heard. Before visiting be sure to read up on the island’s long history as any research will provide a great introduction to the important sites there. There are many fine accommodations on Malta and restaurants boasting local cuisine favorites abound.