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Malta
is the largest in a group of five islands located just to the south of
Sicily (Italy) in the central Mediterranean. Its sister islands are
Gozo, located to the Northwest, Comino between them and two other
small, uninhabited islands of Cominotto and Filfla. There is much to explore on these islands with architecture that spans over 7000 years of history. The Maltese Islands are known for their world heritage sites - most prominently the Megalithic Temples. Located on the island of Gozo, the Temples are the oldest freestanding structures on Earth—older even than the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. One question remains unanswered: How did the people of that time (about 3600 BC) lift those huge blocks? It is believed that Malta was founded by European Knights, who had, in the 14th century, returned from their religious Crusades seeking a place to retire. The island was traded to them by the King of Sicily, Charles V of Spain. In 1530 this group became known as The Knights of Malta. To get a true flavour of what life was like in those times, visit Fort St. Elmo in Valletta (the capital of Malta) and catch the “In Guardia” - an historical re-enactment of full-scale military parades in period costume held throughout the year (except during peak summer months). Cannons are fired, marching music plays, soldiers are in formation, battle lines are drawn. Crowds are amazed. Malta is the island where the biblical apostle St. Paul was shipwrecked (about 60 A.D.) and it was on Malta that he lived out the rest of his days. This is considered the greatest event in Malta’s history. St. Paul’s Shipwreck Church (also in Valletta), honours the apostle. Amongst its treasured possessions is his right wristbone as well as part of the block where St. John was beheaded. These are prominently displayed for all to see. Signs at these exhibits describe these artefacts and state, “these items are believed to be...” Alas, picture taking is not allowed inside most of Malta’s churches and especially not inside this one. A short walk away is St. John’s Co-Cathedral. The church does not look like much from the outside, but step inside and you will see a ceiling lined with gold, paintings that rival the Sistine chapel, marvellous works of art and beautiful tapestries. The inlaid marble floor is considered to be the church’s most valued treasure. It's comprised of approximately 400 ornately decorated marble 'slabs' which are actually tombs. The Cathedral is a shrine to the Knights buried there who died between the 16th and 18th Centuries. Their intricate, marble-inlaid tombstones carry inscriptions relating the story of their lives and their valiant deeds. By far, the most photographed site on the island of Malta is The Grand Harbour, one of the finest natural deep-water harbours in the world. This, in my opinion, is the most picturesque place on the island. There are many lookout points that provide beautiful and breathtaking views. One of the most memorable experiences you'll take home with you is a ride across the Grand Harbour to one of the other walled villages on a Dghajsa (a water taxi, pronounced di-sa). Although there are very few of them still in operation, you may be lucky to run into Freddy, who has operated his Dghajsa for more than 60 years. He remembers when he used to row soldiers across the harbour during World War II many times a day. He loves his Dghajsa and is himself a humble and gentle man with a wealth of first-hand historical information that no book can provide. His Dghajsa is now motorized. Although the Dghajsa is an original Maltese icon, most people recognize the more colourful and larger Luzzu as symbolic of Malta. These fishing boats are painted in the traditional colours of red, blue, green, yellow, brown and have one distinguishing feature—the eyes of Osiris (the Egyptian god of the afterlife), painted or carved on the bow. Local fishermen are religious and superstitious at the same time. The eyes of Osiris are there to protect and guide them home in times of bad weather and to help them find fish. The Luzzu boats are clustered in and around a small fishing village named Marsaxlokk (pronounced Mar-sax-lock) located on the southeastern coast of Malta. Get there early enough to witness fishing nets spread out, fishermen mending nets, the local catch of the day being brought in, gift market vendors and bustling restaurants. This charming and colourful harbour alone is worth the visit. Along the southwest coast near the town of Zurrieq you’ll see The Blue Grotto (also known as “The Arch”), which is a spectacular natural sea cave standing about 43 meters high. The view of the Blue Grotto from the hillside is quite incredible, but take a boat tour and go into the cave and under the arch for a breathtaking experience. The waters are rough and the boat will be tossed around, but once inside, the cave sparkles with blue reflections of the sea as well as some orange, purple and green due to the various minerals present in the rocks. The fortified medieval town of Mdina (pronounced em-deena), one of the oldest cities in Europe is situated on a hill in the centre of the island. A walk along the city’s wall provides an incredible view of the island. Known as the silent city due to its very narrow quiet streets, only emergency vehicles, wedding cars and hearses are allowed within its walls. One enters Mdina by crossing a bridge (situated over a moat) that leads to the city gates. In the centre of Mdina is a magnificent cathedral (St. Paul’s) fronted by a large public square. You'll also find quaint little restaurants and a magnificent, but rather odd artistic attraction – the doorknockers. The natural temptation of tourists is to give these knockers a try, but because this has become a great aggravation to residents, most of the doorknockers are now screwed in place to prevent this annoyance. A short ferry ride from Malta (within 30 to 40 minutes) are the islands of Comino and Gozo. Comino, the smaller of the islands, is a paradise for swimming, snorkelling, diving and walking. The island is no more than 3.5 square km, car-free and only has one hotel. Apart from this, Comino is virtually uninhabited. Gozo, the second largest island, is very rural. Known for its scenic hills and nicknamed the Isle of Calypso, Greek mythology points out that the island was controlled by the nymph Calypso, who detained the hero Ulysses there as a prisoner of love for seven years (so why would he ever want to leave?). One of the most popular attractions is The Azure Window, a 50-metre high rock arch located on the northwest side of the island. Over thousands of years, the sea has carved a hole through the limestone rock to form a frame or "window" looking out on to the azure sea. Gozo is also home to the Ggantija temples (pronounced Gi-Gantia), known to be the world’s oldest freestanding structures. Touching and climbing some of the giant rocks that form this temple gives you a feeling of wonder that simply can't be described. The Maltese Islands are small, but provide an enormous collection of natural historical wonders, sites and treasures to be explored and experienced. It's a must on any travel list. GL |
Malta's Grand Harbour is the most
photographed spot in Malta and one of the finest deep-water harbours in
the world. Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village boasting a colourful harbour. Note the traditional Luzzu boats.  A magnificent sight to photograph: The Azure Window is one of Gozo’s must-see natural attractions. Falling rocks due to erosion now make it dangerous to climb and walk on the top.  Another view of the Azure Window.  There are so few opportunities in a lifetime to meet a true historian - an individual who has lived history, like Freddy. He operates his Dghajsa boat daily in The Grand Harbour.  The Maltese are noted for their delicious foods and wines. This is a small display outside enticing those who pass by.
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