Malta - knights, history and a turquoise sea
General information
In the middle of the Mediterranean, between Europe and North Africa, lies Malta - a small island nation that packs more history, architecture and cultural influences into a relatively small area than you might expect. The archipelago consists of three inhabited islands - Malta, Gozo and Comino - with the main island of Malta being the political, economic and tourist centre of the country.
Malta lies south of Sicily and relatively close to Tunisia and Libya. Its geographical position has made the islands a strategic place in the Mediterranean for thousands of years. Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Knights of the Order of St John, the French and the British all left their mark on the islands. Today this past is not just part of museum exhibitions - it can be seen in the streets, fortresses, churches and architecture. Malta has more than 7,000 years of history and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The capital, Valletta, is one of the country's most recognisable symbols. The city was built in the 16th century by the Knights of the Order of St John after the Great Siege of 1565 and bears the name of Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette. Unlike many European capitals, Valletta is compact and can be explored on foot, with almost every street revealing a view of the sea, fortress walls, Baroque façades or one of Malta's characteristic balconies.
Climate
Malta has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The summer months are ideal for the sea and the beach, but the heat and strong sun can make long city walks more tiring. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant for combining cultural sights, walks and nature, while winter is relatively mild and good for travel if your main interest is history and architecture.
The sea is one of the big reasons to visit Malta. Around the islands there are many bays, rocky shores and swimming spots, and the clear waters also make the archipelago a popular diving destination.
Culture and history
Malta's history began long before the Romans and the knights. The islands are home to some of the oldest free-standing stone temples in the world. The Megalithic Temples of Malta and Gozo were built in the 4th and 3rd millennia BC and bear witness to a highly organised prehistoric society. Among them are Ġgantija on Gozo, Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra and Tarxien. Today they are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Particularly impressive is Ġgantija on the island of Gozo - a complex of two huge prehistoric temples built from massive stone blocks. The name comes from the word for "giant", linked to local legends according to which such enormous structures could only have been built by giants.
Even more unusual is the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum - an underground complex carved into the rock about 6,000 years ago. It was used as an underground cemetery and ritual space, and some of its chambers are shaped to resemble the architecture of the temples above ground. Finds from the site include the famous "Sleeping Lady" figurine. The Hypogeum is one of the most important prehistoric monuments in Europe and is also on the UNESCO list.
After the many civilisations that passed through the islands, one of the most important periods began in the 16th century with the arrival of the Knights of the Order of St John. They left one of the strongest marks on Malta's modern appearance. After the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, construction began on Valletta - a fortified city conceived as the new capital and defensive centre of the Order.
Today Valletta is a true open-air museum. The golden limestone from which many of its buildings are made gives the city its distinctive colour, and its streets are full of Baroque churches, palaces and fortifications. One of the most impressive places is St John's Co-Cathedral, whose richly decorated interiors are among the finest examples of Baroque art on the island. It also houses Caravaggio's famous painting "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist".
Opposite Valletta, on the other side of the Grand Harbour, lie the Three Cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. They are closely tied to the history of the knights and the defence of the island and offer a different perspective on the capital. From their waterfronts there are some of the most beautiful views of Valletta and its fortifications.
If Valletta is the city of the knights, Mdina shows the older, quieter face of Malta. Nestled behind massive walls, the former capital is often called "the Silent City". Narrow streets, stone houses, palaces and small squares create an atmosphere that has barely changed over the centuries. A walk here is especially pleasant in the late afternoon, when the town grows quieter and the walls offer sweeping views across the island.
Gozo, the second-largest island, has an even more different rhythm. The landscape is greener, the villages smaller and the atmosphere calmer. Among its main sights is the Citadel in Victoria, which rises above the island and combines history, fortifications and panoramic views.
Malta also has a strong connection with the sea. Rocky shores, underwater caves and good visibility make the islands a popular diving spot. Comino is best known for its Blue Lagoon - one of the most recognisable places for swimming and boat trips in the archipelago.
Maltese culture is a distinctive mix of Mediterranean influences. The official languages are Maltese and English, and Italian influence is also noticeable. Maltese is especially interesting, as it is the only Semitic language that is an official language of the European Union, yet it is written in the Latin alphabet. The local cuisine also reflects the islands' location and history - traditional dishes include rabbit, pastizzi and various fish and seafood dishes.
