Student File
Timeline
Prehistory
5200 B.C Arrival of man on Malta
3200 B.C. Building of megalithic temples
2000 B.C. Invasion of Bronze Age peoples
800 B.C. Phoenician colonisation
Ancient Civilisations
900 B.C The start of the iron Age
480 B.C. Carthaginian domination
218 B.C. Roman domination after the Punic Wars
60 A.D. St Paul shipwrecked on Malta
Arabs
395 Byzantine domination of Malta
870 Arabs occupy Malta
1090
1194
1266
1283
1350
1397
1485
Normans and Middle Ages
Normans occupation
Swabian occupation
Angevins occupation
Aragonese occupation
Establishment of a Maltese nobility
Establishment of the Universita
Death of Peter Caxaro
1530
1561
1565
1566
Knights of St. John
Order of the Knights of St John arrive in Malta
Inquisition established
The Great Siege of Malta by the Ottoman Turks
The Founding of Valletta
1798
1799
1800
1802
French
Napoleon Bonaparte takes Malta from the Knights.
Britain takes Malta
The French surrender
Peace of Amiens
British
1814 Malta becomes a British Crown Colony
1914-18 First World War
1919 Sette Giugno riots against British rule
1921 Amery-Milner constitution granting self-government
1930-39 Turbulent period of intermittent self government
1939-45 Second World War
1947 Restoration of self government
1964
1974
1979
2004
2008
Malta Today
Malta Independence within the British Commonwealth
Malta becomes a Republic
Last British services leave Malta
Malta membership of the European Union
Euro currency in Malta
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The Maltese Islands
Megaliths, medieval dungeons and Calypso's Cave – The Maltese Islands are positively mythic.
The narrow meandering streets of their towns and villages are crowded with Renaissance cathedrals and Baroque
palaces. As the countryside is dotted with the oldest known human structures in the world, the Islands have rightly
been described as an open-air museum.
The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, with Malta 93km south of Sicily and 288km
north of Africa. The archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of 400,000
inhabitants over an area of 316sq km and a coastline of 196.8km (not including 56.01 km for the island of Gozo).
Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre.
Gozo is the second largest island and is more rural, characterised by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture while
Comino is largely uninhabited.
With superbly sunny weather, expansive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a
great deal to see and do.
The world famous Hypogeum selected as a place of World Heritage by UNESCO, prehistoric temples and grand
palaces are but a few.
The long relationship between the Islanders and the various nationalities that occupied Malta over the centuries has
created a marriage of styles and traditions, giving the Islands a fascinating eclectic culture.
Culture and Heritage
With 7,000 years of history, the Maltese Islands are steeped in culture and heritage. The Islands went through a
golden Neolithic period, the remains of which are the mysterious megalithic temples dedicated to the goddess of
fertility. Later on, the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans and the Byzantines, all left their traces on the
Islands.
In 60 A.D. St. Paul was shipwrecked on the island while on his way to Rome and brought Christianity to Malta. The
Arabs conquered the islands in 870 A.D. and left an important mark on the language of the Maltese. Until 1530 Malta
was an extension of Sicily, the Normans, the Aragonese and other conquerors who ruled over Sicily also governed the
Maltese Islands. It was Charles V who bequeathed Malta to the Sovereign Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem who
ruled over Malta from 1530 to 1798. The Knights took Malta through a new golden age making it a key player in the
cultural arena of 17th and 18th century Europe. The artistic and cultural lives of the islands were injected with the
presence of artists such as Caravaggio, Mattia Preti and Favray (amongst many others) who were commissioned by
the Knights to embellish churches, palaces and auberges.
In 1798 Bonaparte, on his way to Egypt, took over Malta from the Knights. The French presence on the islands was
short lived as the English, who were requested by the Maltese to help them against the French, blockaded the islands
in 1800. British rule in Malta lasted until 1964 when Malta became independent. The Maltese adapted the British
system of administration, education and legislation. Malta became a Republic in 1974 and a member state of the
European Union in May 2004.
This legacy, unique in the Mediterranean, is reflected in the country’s national architecture and collections. There are
so many areas of heritage and culture to be explored – the 16th century masterpiece Grandmasters’ Palace, which is
now parliament, the “Sacra Infermeria”, which is now a fully equipped conference centre, the St. James Centre for
Creativity – a superbly restored fortification where contemporary works of art are exhibited against the original roughtextured walls and rediscovered spaces. With these buildings, past and present blend into an enduring and admirable
lesson in the art of living.
The arts have always played a large role in Maltese culture and continue to do so with cultural events occurring
frequently. The National Museum of Fine Arts, housed in an exuberant Rococo building dating from the 1570’s, exhibits
some magnificent art, ranging from the early Renaissance to modern times.
Both present day established and budding artists are encouraged through support and exhibitions in public areas to
celebrate their efforts. There is almost always an exhibition of some kind running.
Theatre and music are also very popular in the Islands. A variety of theatres and open-air venues offer an enormous
ensemble of plays, musicals, operas and both classical and modern music concerts.
World Heritage Sites
The Maltese Islands have three sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These are the City of Valletta,
the Megalithic Temples and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.
In all, seven megalithic temples are found on the islands of Malta and Gozo, each the result of an individual
development. The two temples of Ggantija on the island of Gozo are notable for their gigantic Bronze Age structures.
The Ggantija Temples are the oldest, free-standing monuments in the world and are a testament to the Island's
inhabitation for at least 1,000 years before the famous Egyptian pyramids of Giza were constructed.
On the island of Malta, the temples of Hagar Qim, Mnajdra and Tarxien are unique architectural masterpieces,
given the limited resources available to their builders. The Ta' Hagrat and Skorba complexes show how the tradition of
temple-building was handed down in Malta.
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These temples were inscribed on the World Heritage List as a group and represent a unique architectural tradition that
flourished on the Maltese Islands between 3600 and 2500BC.
The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is a rock-cut underground complex that was used both as a sanctuary as well as for
burial purposes by the temple builders. It was discovered during construction works in 1902. The three underground
levels date from around 3600 to 2400 B.C. The monument is considered one of the essential prehistoric monuments
in the world.
The capital of Malta, Valletta, is inextricably linked to the history of the military and charitable Order of St John of
Jerusalem. It was ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the
Order of the Knights of St John. Valletta’s 320 monuments, all within an area of 55 hectares, make it one of the most
concentrated historic areas in the world.
City of Valletta
Valletta, The Fortress City, Citta' Umilissima, “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen” is Malta's capital city: a living,
working city, the administrative and commercial heart of the Islands.
Valletta is named after its founder, the respected Grand Master of the Order of St John, Jean Parisot de la Valette.
The magnificent fortress city grew on the arid rock of Mount Sceberras peninsula, which rises steeply from two deep
harbours, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour.
Started in 1566, Valletta was completed, with its impressive bastions, forts and cathedral, in the astonishingly short
time of 15 years.
Valletta has many titles, all recalling its rich historical past. It is the “modern” city built by the Knights of St John; a
masterpiece of the Baroque; a European Art City and a World Heritage City.
The city is busy by day, yet retains a timeless atmosphere. The grid of narrow streets boasts some of Europe's finest
art works, churches and palaces.
Hosting a vast cultural programme, walking around Valletta you’ll come across an intriguing historical site around
every corner: votive statues, niches, fountains and coats of arms high up on parapets. Narrow side streets are full of
tiny, quaint, shops and cafés, while Valletta’s main streets are lined with larger international branded shops for
fashion, music, jewellery and much more.
History of Valletta : History of a Baroque City
Valletta is named after its founder, the respected Grand Master of the Order of St John, Jean Parisot de la Valette, but
the city really owes its birth to his arch enemy, Grand Turk Suleiman the Magnificent.
When the Knights arrived in Malta in 1530, they had settled in the small village of Birgu (Vittoriosa), which was
protected by Fort St Angelo. They managed to enlarge the old St Elmo watchtower on the Sceberras Peninsula
opposite, but their defences were still weak. The strategic importance of Mount Sceberras was to become all too
evident during the Great Siege.
Valletta had been planned before the siege. But the plans could only be executed once a grateful Christendom had
lavished riches on the Knights for their defeat of Suleiman. Pope Pius V and King Philip of Spain gave financial aid and
loaned the services of an outstanding military engineer, the Italian, Francesco Laparelli.
The magnificent fortress city grew on the arid rock of Mount Sceberras peninsula, which rises steeply from two deep
harbours, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour.
A Modern City
Laparelli had a unique opportunity to create the perfect city. Valletta may not strike you as a modern city, but it is one
of the first examples of town planning based on a grid pattern of streets.
The city catered well for all strata of society, from the Knights to their servants and trades people. Laparelli's design
provided for fresh water to be piped in, and for sanitation; both advanced concepts for the time. The grid of streets
allowed for fresh air from the two harbours to circulate easily in the narrow streets – a kind of city-scale airconditioning.
Valletta is a fine example of a planned, 16th century city: unusual for the times, since urban centres mostly evolved
from earlier settlements. The rocky Mount Sceberras on which it was built was not an easy location: it took
considerable levelling before construction could begin. La Valette died in 1568, before the city was completed. By
1571, enough of the city was built to allow the Knights to transfer from Birgu.
Laparelli left Malta in 1570, but his work was continued by the Maltese Architect Gerolamo Cassar. Cassar was
responsible for most of the major early buildings from the Cathedral of St John to the Sacra Infermeria, the Auberges
or Inns of Residence of the Knights and the Magisterial Palace.
By the turn of the 16th century, Valletta was a sizeable city. People from across the Islands came to live within the
safety of its bastions.
Valletta was soon pre-eminent in the life of the Order and the Islands.
However, the Three Cities (Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa), across the harbour, the first home to the Knights,
retained economic importance because of their docks.
Mdina, the old medieval capital lost its role and became a backwater. It remained home to the Maltese nobility,
descendents of the Sicilian and Spanish overlords.
World War II brought havoc to Malta. Valletta was badly destroyed by bombardment, but the city managed to
withstand the war with many of its treasures, such as the Knights' masterpiece, St John's Cathedral, intact.
Today Valletta has a smaller population than before the war, but it is a bustling place as the Islands' main business
centre and the seat of government.
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Museums
In Malta, discovering 7,000 years is easier than you think. The Islands themselves are really one big heritage park.
There are open-air museums and indoor museums for every era from prehistory to the story of Malta in World War
II. With the Knights of St John patrons of the arts for over 250 years, you’ll find cultural masterpieces in museums,
palaces and churches across the Islands.
The Islands' museums have something for everyone, whether you're browsing for leisure or wish to deepen a special
interest. The magnificent Baroque architecture and religious treasures as well as evidence of the many wars and
battles, offer the visitor a glimpse into the spectacular history of the Islands.
Valletta
Casa Rocca Piccola
Museum of Archaeology
Museum of Fine Arts
National War Museum
Palace Armoury
St. John's Cathedral and Museum
The Three Cities
Mdina
Palazzo Falson
The Cathedral & its Museum
Rabat
Citadel, Gozo
Cathedral Museum
Folklore Museum
Museum of Archaeology
The Old Prison
Natural Science Musuem
Archaeology
The sheer number of archaeological sites on the Islands sets their history apart from that of other Mediterranean
destinations.
There are megalithic monuments, Bronze Age dolmens, Punic tombs, remains of Roman Villas and traces of prehistoric
man, which defy explanation, such as the mysterious ‘cart’ tracks. For three millennia, from around 5200 B.C., the
archipelago was home to a unique, temple-building civilisation. Malta and Gozo’s temples are thought to be the oldest
free-standing buildings known to man. One site above all others is special to Malta – the Hypogeum, a labyrinth of
underground chambers probably used as both a burial site and a temple. The Islands’ temples qualify as UNESCO
World Heritage Sites and are open to the public. A good place to start your tour is at the National Museum of
Archaeology, Valletta or the Hypogeum itself.
Stone Age
Għar Dalam
Skorba
Copper Age
Ġgantija
Fertility Goddess Cult
Ħaġar Qim
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
Mnajdra
Tarxien Temples
Catacombs
St. Agatha's Catacombs
St. Paul's Catacombs
Stone Age
Between around 5500 and 4500 years ago, the Maltese Islands were inhabited by an extraordinary society, one both
intelligent and resourceful. The Islands witnessed a unique, megalithic, building phenomenon.
The lives and beliefs of these early Maltese Islanders are shrouded in mystery, but they left us an indication of their
lifestyle and their level of sophistication through an impressive number of elaborate structures, which are still standing
today.
The temples in Ġgantija, Gozo, are considered the oldest, surviving, freestanding monuments in the world. They predate the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt and Stonehenge in southern Britain by around 1000 years.
A labyrinth of passageways and chambers dug out of the rock, the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola is an outstanding
feat of prehistoric engineering. It is the only underground temple and burial place of its kind in the world.
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Għar Dalam
Għar Dalam Cave is a highly important site as it was here that the earliest evidence of human settlement on Malta,
some 7,400 years ago, was discovered.
The display area consists of two parts: the cave and the museum, which exhibits a remarkable wealth of finds from
animal bones to human artefacts. An overlaying river running at right angles formed the cave. It is some 144 metres
deep, but only the first fifty metres are open to visitors.
The lowermost layers, more than 500,000 years old, contained the fossil bones of dwarf elephants, hippopotami,
micro-mammals and birds. Above the pebble layer that follows is the so-called ‘deer’ layer, dated to around 18,000
years ago. The top layer dates to less than 10,000 years and holds evidence of the first humans on the Island.
Fortifications and Towers
Malta is known as the Fortress Island for its great mass of defensive architecture.
The Islands were singled out by Mediterranean powers from Phoenician times onwards for their natural defences and
deep, safe harbours.
The fortifications can be divided into two periods: those of the Knights and those of the British era. These imposing
reminders of the Islands’ wartime past, fascinate not only because they are a feat of military engineering, but also
because they are reminiscent of an age of chivalry, crusading, heroism and legendary battles.
Indoors, start at museums such as the Maritime Museum, Vittoriosa, and the National War Museum and the Armoury,
both in Valletta. Outdoors, tour the Victoria Lines fortifications running along the Great Fault east to west across Malta
and stroll along Valletta’s bastions. Wherever you go, you’ll find remnants of war, from 17th century forts and watch
towers to WWII pillboxes.
Churches and Religious Sites
Home to those early defenders of Christendom, the Hospitaller Knights of St John, the Islands are rich in religious
history.
The Maltese Islanders are among the oldest Christian peoples in the world. St Paul, shipwrecked as a captive on route
to Rome in A.D. 60, brought Christianity to Malta. His steps can be retraced in the shrines, grottos and catacombs of
Rabat and in the ancient capital Mdina.
There are 365 churches and chapels scattered throughout the Islands and you can usually find the centre of any town
or village by driving towards the parish church, although many usually have two or more churches and chapels. You
can’t help but notice the Islands’ Baroque churches, their red or silver painted domes in relief against the skyline.
They form an integral part of the Islands’ countryside, dominate village squares and are at the heart of Maltese social
and cultural life.
The festa in honour of the parish patron saint is celebrated as strongly as ever.
Each church is an architectural masterpiece with its own distinct style and each has its own history and houses unique
relics and treasures. Marble and crystal chandeliers, paintings, frescos, and tapestries are very common in older
churches. Statues of saints and the Virgin Mary are also very prominent in most churches.
As the limestone is soft and easy to work with, Maltese sculptors, architects, builders and artisans have been able to
create adornments with intricate sculptures inside and out of the churches of Malta and Gozo.
Perhaps most intriguing of all religious sites are the small, wayside chapels. Some are excavated in the rock; others
cling to cliffs. All are places of quiet contemplation.
History & Architecture
The Knights of St John brought much-needed funds to the Islands and the impetus to build more elaborate churches.
Many of the older, simple medieval chapels were pulled down or developed in the baroque parish churches we see
today.
Although the Knights arrived in 1530, it was around half century before they began to build the parish churches we
see today. Their first concern had been to fortify the Islands against further Saracen attacks and to build Valletta.
The Golden Age of peace and prosperity that followed the Great Siege in 1565, saw riches from Europe flow into Malta
to build and endow Malta’s churches.
St John’s Cathedral is the highlight of the Maltese Islands. Home to two of Caravaggio's most impressive work "St.
Jerome" and "The Beheading of St. John Baptist", this cathedral of the Knights of St John is a must to visit. The
austere facade is reminiscent of the fortifications of Valletta, the fortress city in which it stands; while the exuberant
and lavish baroque interior shows the Knights’ deep appreciation and patronage of culture and the arts.
The main period of church building was from the 17th – 18th centuries when Italian baroque style flourished. The main
architect of the time was Lorenzo Gafa', a Maltese trained in Rome.
Gafa’ was to design some of Malta’s most impressive Baroque churches. His favoured style of elegant domes and
majestic exteriors is the symbol of Maltese baroque. Among his finest are the Mdina Cathedral and Gozo Cathedral, as
well as the church of St. Lawrence in Vittoriosa.
The 19th and 20th centuries also saw considerable additions to existing Baroque churches and the building of neogothic churches, such as the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes at Mgarr, Gozo.
A major church built in the late 19th century is the rotunda: the Church of St Mary in Mosta, also known as “The
Mosta Dome” (the 3rd biggest dome in Europe).
Some important churches are: St. John's Co-Cathedral; Church of Our Lady of Victories; Collegiate Parish Church of
St. Paul's Shipwreck; Mdina Cathedral; Mosta Dome; St. George's Basilica, Gozo; The Cathedral, Gozo; St. Lawrence
Church; Ta' Pinu Basilica, Gozo.
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Island Attractions
Malta has had such a rich history that the country is practically saturated with attractions and places of interest.
The capital city of Valletta host to regular plays and concerts, as well as scores of exhibitions and street events. The
Museum of Archaeology in Valletta houses an exceptionally rich collection of prehistoric artefacts. The War Museum at
Fort St. Elmo is home to a Sunday military parade in period costumes re-enactment and the capital also possesses the
impressive Grand Master’s Palace and St. John’s Co-cathedral.
With 7,000 years of history, the sites to visit are endless – the Megalithic Temples (including Ggantija, the oldest
freestanding temple in the world), the underground St Paul’s and St. Agatha’s catacombs, The Knights of St. John’s
significant sites, such as Fort St Angelo and Fort Rinella (home to the world’s largest canon). WWII significant sites,
such as the Mgarr war shelter, Mtarfa ex-British military buildings, The Armoury and the Maritime Museum in
Vittoriosa are not to be missed.
The Museum of Roman Antiquities (commonly referred to as “The Roman Villa”) and various catacombs are to be
found in Rabat. In the fortified medieval city of Mdina, visitors will come across everything from Napoleonic troops to
flower festivals. The Cathedral and its museum are not to be missed, as well as the torturous Mdina dungeons and the
Mdina Experience. For a romantic stroll like no other, wander the lamp lit streets of Mdina at night. Don’t miss the
renowned chocolate cake at Fontanella Tea rooms, situated right on the bastion with a spectacular view.
For those who love art, the possibilities are endless – visit the impressive artistic collection at the National Museum of
Fine Arts, see the Caravaggio’s Beheading of St. John at St. John’s co-Cathedral and visit medieval Palazzo Falzon,
which houses a large collection of antiques, in Mdina. To view more contemporary work, walk around the exhibits at
the St Johns Cavalier Art Centre.
For fanciful fun, highlights are the passionate carnival and open-air concerts. Not to be missed is the Nadur carnival in
Gozo and the parade in Valletta. Children will enjoy activity and fun parks, which include the old film set of Popeye
Village.
For those who love the water, scuba diving is an avid sport on the Islands. A harbour cruise, swimming at Blue Grotto
in Comino and St Peters Pool in Marsascala, renting a jet-ski, chartering a yacht, visiting Mgarr Ix-Xini cove in Gozo
and par kiting from one of the sandy beaches to get a birds eye view of Malta are all absolute water lover must-do’s.
The rural side of the Islands is fascinating, with charming villages & captivating folklore. With 365 spectacular
churches, there are more than a few highlights - visit the Mosta church famous for its large dome (third largest dome
in Europe). Visit the church of St. Nicholas in the village of Siggiewi.
Visit the three cities in Cottonera, have an evening walk on the Sliema or Bugibba promenade and visit the fortified
Citadel in Gozo.
On Sunday morning go to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk market, the open-air market outside Valletta or the It-Tokk
Victoria market in Gozo.
The Islands must be visited at festa time for an insight into local life with all its colour and passions.
Activity & Fun
The Islands hold a variety of attractions for the whole family, including the children, who can often get bored visiting
cultural and historical sites.
For crafts, the Islands hold two main villages, one in Gozo and one in Malta. Visitors can see craftsmen making lace,
silver filigree, pottery, fabrics, knitwear, baskets and clocks. Also fascinating to watch are the glass blowers; cased
behind a sheet of glass, visitors are encouraged to witness the craftsmen making the unique Maltese blown glass by
hand.
Besides the beaches and pools, there is a marine and water park available for water fun. Not to be missed by the kids
is the Sweethaven Village - the film set of the 1980 Musical Production "Popeye".
Beaches and Bays
Malta has beaches for everyone, from windsurfers to sunbathers. Choose from golden sand, red sand, rocks, blue
lagoons and even inland seas. Some beaches and rocky shores are off the beaten track, but worth seeking out for
their seclusion. Do not miss a boat trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon for the ultimate in azure water. On larger beaches,
you will find cafes or snack bars open during the summer season. With Malta’s climate, beach life lasts well into
October. Enjoy water sports and activities like windsurfing, jet and water skiing, parakiting and fun rides. You can hire
equipment from beach cafes or shops nearby.
The main coastal resorts and larger sandy beaches are in northern part of Malta. Malta’s most popular beaches are
Mellieha Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden Bay. For smaller, quieter beaches, try those at the tip of Malta, overlooking
Gozo – Paradise Bay and Armier. In Gozo, the most beautiful beach is Ramla I-Hamra, a large beach of unusual red
sand nestling by countryside. Gozo and Comino offer plenty of out-of-the-way rocky inlets with clear waters and
perfect snorkelling.
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Local Crafts
Crafts have undergone a revival here in recent years. Not solely because they make interesting souvenirs but also
because of their high cultural value to the Islands. Some crafts, such as knitwear, basketware and lace, have a long
history.
Other craft forms, such as weaving and pottery, date back to prehistoric times. The ‘Sleeping Lady’ found in the
Hypogeum is a clay figurine of exquisite workmanship. A symbol of the nation's extraordinary heritage, the figurine is
deeply ingrained in the Maltese sense of identity. In the Tarxien temples, archaeologist also found fragments of reddyed, flax textiles. These fabrics showed that the prehistoric islanders had considerable skills in weaving.
The Arabs introduced cotton into Malta from around 870 and brought also their expertise in weaving and dyes. Cotton
production became a major rural industry from medieval times up to the early 19th century. During the time of the
Knights, Gozitan cotton linen was highly-prized in mainland Europe.
Weaving, embroidery and lace-making were encouraged, often by the Church. Life in Gozo and much of rural Malta
was relatively harsh and craft industries became a main source of income for rural families. Such was the
worksmanship of these textiles during the 17th century, that various Grand Masters prohibited the wearing of
embroidered and fancy garments considering them frivolous and out of keeping with the Order's religious calling.
A craft that really flourished under the Knights was gold and silver ware. Malta’s most precious production is filigree
and jewellery. Today, Maltese goldsmiths are thriving, their work often exported to major cities abroad.
Natural Attractions
The deep blue Mediterranean Sea, which surrounds the Maltese Islands, is full of natural wonders and distinctive
beauty. Whether visitors are under or above the water, there are various sites that can be visited and appreciated for
all that they are.
The strong topographic structures of the Maltese Islands also continue underwater, so visitors can find a most bizarre
underwater landscape of the Mediterranean, with an abundance of caves, holes and grottos (the most famous ones:
Blue Grotto; Calypso's Cave; Dingli Cliffs). Caves that equal in size to a large sports hall are not unusual and there
are some wrecks of ships and aircraft around Malta, which also have become the home to a multitude of underwater
life.
Towns and Villages
There is modern, urban living at its fastest with cafés, nightlife, clubs and restaurants. Then there are unique baroque
towns and cities, sleepy villages and bustling fishing ports.
There are places in which to live it up, or while away time. In Malta you can enjoy life at its simplest one day and at
its most cosmopolitan the next. However short your stay, it's possible to have a taste of Island life from traditional
villages to urban resorts.
Malta's capital, the World Heritage City Valletta, and the medieval fortified towns of Mdina and Cittadella, Gozo, are
the Islands' historical highlights. Sliema, Bugibba, Qawra and St Julian's in Malta and Marsalforn and Xlendi in Gozo
are the main resorts. They bustle with activity, and not just in summer.
Valletta is a cornucopia of European art and architecture. This city of the Knights remains virtually intact. Its streets
flanked by palaces and tiny, old-world shops. Across Grand Harbour lie the Three Cities of Senglea, Cospicua and
Vittoriosa. Older than Valletta, they offer a fascinating insight into the Islands' maritime fortunes.
The southern fishing village of Marsaxlokk and neighbouring resort town of Marsascala are also worth a visit.
With little effort, just a desire to explore, you'll find inland towns and villages with character and treasures of their
own. Churches reveal masterpieces by the artists to the Knights while each village square is a slice of history, its cafébar the hub of rural life.
Holiday Ideas
The Maltese Islands offer an exhilarating contrast of colours: the azure of the Mediterranean, the mellow honeycoloured limestone which characterises the architecture, and clear skies. The Islands are a feast for the
senses.Everywhere you go, a unique historic sight awaits. Temples, palaces, cathedrals, and forts provide a living
history you can almost touch. Sound plays an important part in the life of the Islands. The mix of fireworks and
village band marches transforms a summer night into a special memory. The advantage of a stay on the Maltese
Islands is that you can experience several holidays in one.Cuisine here is a taste of the Islands' multicultural heritage.
Local restaurants offer a creative selection of tempting fare. After dinner, night clubs, wine bars and casinos beckon
with their own brand of excitement. To experience all this, you won't have to travel far. Just a few hours flying time
away from most European cities, the Islands are serviced by direct scheduled flights operated by the national carrier
and major international airlines.
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Enjoy the Nightlife
Typical of the Mediterranean lifestyle, the Islanders’ approach to life is to enjoy and celebrate it as much as possible.
Nightlife on the Islands is always bustling – there are always scores of clubs to visit, excellent wine bars and first-rate
restaurants to try.
The Islands have an effervescent calendar of cultural events to see, such as the Summer Malta Arts Festival, the
Valletta Baroque Festival, the Opera Festival, the Choir Festival and the International Jazz Festival held in July.
Major music concerts (Sting, Roger Waters, Sir Bob Geldof, Elton John) are held all summer long by individual
organisers, attracting massive crowds of both tourists and locals alike.
The Maltese Islands have also become a hub for the clubbing scene. Internationally renowned DJs appear (Paul
Oakenfold, Erick Morillo, Magda, Tiesto, Van Heill) for guest weekends throughout the year.
The main nightlife clubbing action is in Paceville, on the coast near St. Julians, where the clubs and bars are in
abundance.
Classical music is very popular on the Islands and organ recitals take place regularly in Baroque churches. Regular
orchestral, soloist concerts and operas take place in some stunning historic venues.
Band music is one of the most popular traditions on the Islands. Every town and village has at least one band club.
Band music is taken seriously on the Islands and the highlight of the year for band clubs is the parish festa.
Very unique to the Islands are the lively summer village parish festas. Saints, fireworks, food and fun are all part of
this cultural phenomenon – try and catch one as they’re not to be missed.Theatre is a lively and well-represented part
of the local cultural scene. The Baroque 18th century National Theatre makes a wonderful venue for the performing
arts. The open-air Shakespeare performed in the Baroque Gardens of San Anton Palace in July is one of the many
theatrical highlights. For some fun and great kids’ entertainment, try the Christmas Pantomime.

Extra-tip
: If you want to know more surf the net on:
www.visitmalta.com (the Malta Tourism Authority website)
http://www.101malta.com
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