There are three Maltese sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List:
-Megalithic Temples
-City of Valletta
-ฤฆal Saflieni Hypogeum.
All sites are worth visiting, especially the temples and hypogeum. ๐
Currently, on the UNESCO list, there are 6 Megalithic temples (ฤ gantija, ฤฆaฤกar Qim, Mnajdra, Skorba, Taโ ฤฆaฤกrat and Tarxien). However, there are more Megalithic temples existing on Malta. Maybe one day, the UNESCO list will be extended?
How do Megalithic temples look like?
-Well, it depends which site. In general you’ll be able to “explore” the interiors of the Megalithic structures; reconstructions of e.g., doorway; examples of prehistoric art; large prehistoric statues and of course lots of stones (very, very, very old stones).
The statue presented today comes from Tarxien Temples, that’s located just outside Valletta.
When I was visiting Malta, I had a chance to visit a few Megalithic temples.
Each site was very interesting. Everywhere, I met friendly people, proud of their culture and place they work. I also liked the way some Megalithic temples (not all of them) are protected, e.g., with a “tent”.
And in general, it’s a very unique experience to be in such an old place, even if their age is not so precisely estimated, they are still impressive!
I’ve already mentioned, that Megalithic temples are the most interesting sites of Malta.
They are considered as one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world! First of them were built around 3600 BC (some sources even say 5500 BC). They are really unique sites, and when you’re in Malta – it’s a must to visit at least one or two Megalithic temples. ๐
The Blue Grotto is one of tourist attractions on Malta Island.
It’s mostly popular for boat trips to visit the caves, snorkeling or scuba diving, and even rock climbing.
I saw the Blue Grotto from the top. It’s nice, but other nearby rock formations are also very nice, especially on sunny day. So today, I’m not showing you the Blue Grotto, but a very nearby place. ๐
Valletta is the capital city of Malta.
It’s named after its founder – Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette.
Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and definitely you should visit the city while being in Malta. Take a walk in the center, visit St. John’s Co Cathedral, explore the city walls and Maltaโs Grand Harbor. And simply, take your time, don’t hurry. ๐
Since 2004, Malta is a member of the European Union.
In 2008, Malta joined the eurozone.
Search for 1 euro and 2 euro coins, you’ll see there the Maltese Cross. ๐
While being in Malta, you may often see the so-called Maltese Cross (visible in today’s photo).
The eight-pointed Maltese Cross was given to Malta by the Knights.
“The Maltese Cross was officially adopted by the Order of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John in 1126. Its eight points denote the eight obligations of the knights, namely “to live in truth, have faith, repent one’s sins, give proof of humility, love justice, be merciful, be sincere and whole-hearted, and to endure persecution”.” – This information was taken from Visit Malta.
The Maltese Cross is not the same as the George Cross, that’s presented on the Maltese flag.
When you’re visiting Malta, you may still feel there was a British influence.
First, English is one of the official languages (after Maltese language).
Second, Malta is the country with left-hand traffic.
And from time to time, you can find these cute red telephone booths (as seen in today’s picture). ๐
Malta has a long history, with “complicated relations” with different nations (e.g., Italy, Spain, France), but the most known is the “British period”.
For 150 years, Malta was a British Colony, until it became and independent country in 1964.
What’s interesting, Malta is still a member state of the Commonwealth of Nations.
(Wikipedia: The Commonwealth of Nations is an intergovernmental organization of 52 member states that are mostly former territories of the British Empire.)
I think, spring or fall are the best periods to visit Malta.
Summer may be too hot and too crowded, however, it still can be very pleasant.
I was in Malta in winter, in February. A few Maltese people said that it’s usually colder in February, so I guess, I was lucky with the weather. However, there were some cloudy moments. In general, there is much more rain in winter, but during my trip, it wasn’t raining at all.
Malta is a popular tourist destination, I think, it’s even getting more and more popular.
But is Malta worth visiting?
-Absolutely, it is!
What’s so special about Malta?
-Megalithic temples are the most interesting sites of Malta! They are considered as one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
Malta is a nice place for holidays, especially during the shoulder or low season, then you can enjoy everything without crowds.
I think, all islands have kind of unique cuisine. In Malta, you’ll find lots of fish and sea food. You can go to the local fresh market or simply to a restaurant and enjoy what you like. ๐
It’s always nice to meet cute creatures on your way, especially while traveling. Then, the given place stays in our minds as e.g., “a place of hummingbirds”, etc. In Malta, I met some nice cats, one of them is shown in today’s picture. ๐
Comino Island (Kemmuna, Ephaestia) is the smallest from the three Malta’s inhabited islands. It’s called as an inhabited island, however there are only a few people living there! What’s interesting, there is even a hotel in Comino Island, so you can stay overnight.
I haven’t been to Comino Island during my trip to Malta, maybe one dayโฆ
Have you been there?
Gozo Island (Gฤงawdex, Gaulos) is one of the three Malta’s inhabited islands.
It’s about 4 times smaller than Malta Islands. It’s also calmer, less touristic and less developed than Malta Island; well, it’s just different!
Many people go to Gozo Island by their own boat, or by boat from Malta Island.
Malta Island is the largest of Malta’s three islands.
It’s the most populous. The capital of Malta is located here, as well the international airport.
So, it’s more touristic than other Maltese islands, but definitely it’s worth visiting!
The Republic of Malta is an archipelago; actually, it’s one of the smallest archipelagos in the world.
Only the three largest Maltese islands are inhabited, i.e., Malta Island, Gozo Island and Comino Island.
Malta (officially, the Republic of Malta) is an island country, located in the Southern Europe (quite close to Italy), surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.
Welcome to Malta!
Let’s “spend” September in a nice, warm, small, European island. ๐
Have you been to Malta?
Recently, I often hear that someone is going to spend holidays on Malta. I scheduled Malta for September 2017, already some time ago – I guess it was a good coincidence. ๐