Malta, formally known as the Republic of Malta, is a Southern European island country consisting of an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the largest of the 3 main islands which compose the Maltese Islands. The other two are Gozo and Comino. Malta lies 50 miles south of Italy, 176 miles east of Tunisia and 207 miles north of Libya. It has a population of 515,000 and a land mass of 122 square miles. Malta is the 10th smallest country in area and is the 4th most densely populated. Its capital, Valletta, is the smallest capital in the European Union occupying only .24 square miles. The official and national language of Malta is Maltese, which is descended from Sicilian Arabic, which developed during the Emirate of Sicily rule. English is the second language. Italian and Sicilian served as the official and cultural language for centuries with Italian still understood by the majority of the population. Malta has been inhabited since 5900 BCE and its location in the middle of the Mediterranean has historically given it great importance as a naval base with a succession of powers having ruled the country. Malta has been occupied by a multitude of countries including Phoenicia (800-700 BCE), Carthage, Rome, Greece, Byzantine (4th to 9th century AD) Arabic, Norman, Knights of Malta, French and British among others.
Most of these foreign influences have left a mark on the culture of the island. Malta became a British colony in 1813 serving as a way station for ships and the headquarters for the British Mediterranean fleet. It was besieged by the Axis powers in World War II and was an important base for the allied powers for their campaigns in North Africa and the Mediterranean. The British Parliament passed the Malta Independence Act in 1964. The country became an independent republic in 1974 and joined the European Union in 2004. Malta has had Christians since early Christianity but has been predominantly Muslim while under Arab rule. Muslim rule ended with the Norman invasion in 1091. Today, Catholicism is the state religion but the constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all. Malta is a tourist destination with its warm climate, numerous recreational areas and architectural and historical monuments including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Valletta, and the seven megalithic temples which are some of the oldest free standing structures in the world. The population is 79% Maltese and 83% Roman Catholic. The political structure is a Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Republic.
The visit to Malta can easily be combined with a trip to Sicily: Virtu Ferries operates 2 routes, Catania to Valletta runs 5 times per week & Pozzallo, near Syracuse, to Valletta about 14 times weekly.
Indigenous species include the Maltese Wall Lizard, Maltese Ruby Tiger Moth, Maltese Freshwater Crab, Sicilian Shrew, Esther’s Gecko Mite, Indigenous Maltese Goat, Maltese Black Rooster and Maltese Honeybee. There is a wide diversity of trees and plants. The most common trees are the Olive, Carob, Fig, Holm Oak, and Pine. Endemic plants include the national flower the Widnet il-bahar, the sempreviva la Malta and the Zigland.
Malta’s climate is a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Rain mainly falls in the autumn and winter with summers generally dry. Malta consists of three main occupied islands which are Malta, Gozo and Comino. There are 18 uninhabited small islands. Numerous bays are along the indented coasts offering good harbors. There are no permanent lakes or rivers on Malta. The two large urban areas dominating the country are known as Valletta and are on the main islands of Malta and Gozo. They cover the entire main land with a population of about 400,000. 95% of the island of Malta is urban.
The culture of Malta reflects the various cultures of its conquerors and neighboring Mediterranean neighbors. Maltese music today is mostly western, but traditional Maltese music includes what is known as Ghano. This consists of background folk guitar music. The aim of the lyrics, which are improvised, is to create a friendly yet challenging creative atmosphere. Documented Maltese literature is 2000 years old. Malta followed a Romantic literary tradition. Maltese architecture has been influenced by many different Mediterranean cultures and British architecture. The Neolithic temple builders (3800-2500 BCE) endowed the numerous temples of Malta and Gozo with intricate bas relief designs, including spirals evocative of the tree of life and animal portraits, and designs painted in red ochre. There are ceramics and a vast collection of human form sculptures, particularly the Venus of Malta. Toward the end of the 15th century, Maltese artists came under the influence of the School of Antonello de Messina , which introduced Renaissance ideas and concepts to the decorative arts of Malta. Caravaggio painted seven works during his 15 month stay in Malta.
Soppa tal-armla widow’s soup
Torta tal-lampuki mahi-mahi fish
Timpana macaroni in pasta
Pastizzi flaky pastry stuffed with ricotta or mushy peas.
Fenkata Rabbit stew
Honey RingBread Pudding
Christmas Log
Kwarezimal biscuit with almond, honey and spices
Kannoli ricotta filled cornets
Valletta-The Capital
Valletta is on the northern tip of the island. It has cobbled streets, forts and churches. It is more than 400 years old and is a reflection of the Renaissance era. Walk through its streets to see Baroque architecture dating from the 14th century and discover the secrets of the ancient knights of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John. Valletta is perfect for those who love culture and tradition.
Tourist Attractions
Saint John’s Cathedral a church with a discreet façade which hides beautifully decorated altars and works by Caravaggio.
Fort of San Telmo which protected the city from the Great Siege by the Turks in 1565.
Museums, gardens, theaters, monuments and ports shape a city that UNESCO declared a World Heritage Site in 1980.
Mdina
Mdina Is on a hill in central Malta about 10 miles northwest of Valletta. It is one of the best preserved walled cities in Europe. Founded in 700 BCE, you will find cream-colored limestone buildings. Explore them through cobbled streets. The city looks more like a fairytale place. Tranquility prevails and the city is known as the “City of Silence”.
Tourist Attractions:
The Cathedral of Mdina
Palazzo Falson
Game of Throne fans will love that Mdina’s well-preserved medieval-style buildings were used as the recording set for some scenes.
Fontanella Tea Garden
The Catacombs
St. Julian’s
St. Julian’s is 5 miles from Valletta on the coast. It is the most touristy of the cities of Malta. It was built after the expansion of settlers from Valletta who used to visit the old chapel of St. Julian. Now this city has become the heart of nightlife in Malta. It has one of the few sandy beaches in the entire country at St. George Bay. Tourists celebrate at its hotels, bars and restaurants surrounded by buildings of high historical value, with a Renaissance touch, something that few cities in the world can offer.
Tourist Attractions:
Restaurants, bars, night clubs
Spinola Bay
Street Art
Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is serene and a great place to enjoy gastronomy. It is known as the “Fisherman’s Village”. It is a picturesque village decorated by the famous Luzzu and colorful gondolas, protected by the eye of Osiris, are used for fishing. The town’s piers, streets and the sounds of waves crashing against the coast create an atmosphere of serenity. It is recognized in Malta as a place that lives for food.
Tourist Attractions :
The food
St. Peter’s Pool
Marsaxlokk Bay
St. Lucian Tower built by the Knights of Malta
The three Cities in Malta: Senglea, Cospicua, Vittoriosa
The lifestyle is local and they are one league from Valletta. They are three small towns located in the area known as La Cottonera, just in front of Valletta. These three cities were built by the Knights of the Order of Malta and the cities served as a place of refuge. They defended the country from foreign invasions. These three towns, little frequented by tourists, are perfect for adventurers. Cospicua is the largest of the three. Senglea and Cospicua have impeccably preserved architecture despite invasions and wars. The towns have forts, churches and some museums with a fraction of the commercial activity of the capital.
Rabat
Rabat is one of the major cities in Malta. It is about 8 miles from Valletta and was built on a Roman constructed villa with a long history. The city itself is not too big however and it has quiet places to enjoy. Rabat stands out for its simple and unhurried life.
Tourist Attractions:
Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Chellah
Wignacourt Museum
Palazzo Berna
Dingli Cliffs
Catacombs of San Pablo
Island of Gozo
Gozo is very hilly and less developed than Malta. Its famous landmark named “The Azure Window” was a perfect arch of a unique and remarkable natural formation but it collapsed recently on March 8, 2017. … Gozo is appreciated as a centre for water sports and is considered one of the top diving destinations in the Mediterranean sea.
Island of Comino
Midway between Gozo and Malta is the small and very peaceful island of Comino also known as Kemmuna in maltese. It is a wildlife sanctuary with very few inhabitants. It is mostly visited by tourists and Maltese people taking a day excursion to hike across the island. The land is full of Cumin which gave its name to the island and other wild herb.
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