DESTINATION:
Malta and Gozo
Malta, crossroads of the Mediterranean, offers 7,000 years of history to explore, with an astonishing array of things to discover, and wherever you go, the island’s scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop. The colours are striking: honey-coloured stone against the deepest of Mediterranean blues. What makes the island unique is that so much of its past is visible today. Malta has known many rulers during its history, from Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines to Islamic Saracens and Norman kings of Sicily to Bonaparte and the British. King George VI awarded the Maltese Islands the ‘George Cross’ for the heroism shown during the Second World War. Maltese, a Semitic language, has survived the influence of Romance languages for hundreds of years, though it bears traces of all its previous rulers. Malta is noted for its wealth of art and architecture and its fine crafts – particularly its handmade lace, handwoven fabrics, blown glass and silver filigree.
Recommended duration – 5 nights/6 days
KEY VISITS (Recommended)
- UPPER BARRAKKA GARDENS – located on the upper tier of St Peter and Paul Bastion they afford splendid views of the Grand Harbour.
- ST. PAUL’S SHIPWRECK CHURCH – containing paintings by Antoine de Favray, Filippo Paladini and Artilio Palombi.
- ST. JOHN’S CO-CATHEDRAL – housing the tombs of hundreds of knights of the order of St. John. Its lavish interior has a side chapel with Caravaggio’s ‘Beheading of St John’.
- PALACE OF THE GRAND MASTERS – a lavish palace that is today the official office of the President.
- MANOEL THEATRE – claimed to be the oldest theatre in Europe still in daily use.
- CASA ROCCA PICCOLA – the home of the De Piro family housing fine collections of furniture, silverware and paintings.
- MDINA – known as the silent city, it was the island’s capital until Valletta was built in 1571, and one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city.
- CATHEDRAL OF ST PAUL – designed by Maltese architect, Lorenzo Gafà, it lies at the heart of the city and dates back to the turn of the 18th century. The façade is imposing and the cathedral is easily recognised by its magnificent dome. The interior is equally ornate, and houses works by Mattia Preti and tombstones of the former bishops of Mdina are inlaid in the marble floor. The Cathedral museum displays a rare collection of silverware and coins.
- NORMAN HOUSE (Palazzo Falson) – the best-preserved medieval building in the city, dating back to 1495.
- CATACOMBS OF ST PAUL (Rabat) – a fascinating labyrinth of underground burial chambers dating from AD50.
- CASA BERNARD – a restored 16th century palazzo with spectacular architecture and sumptuous interior.
- PALAZZO PARISIO (Naxxar) – a perfect example of Italian 19th century interior décor in one of Malta’s oldest villages.
- MOSTA DOME – reputedly the fourth largest dome in the world, dedicated to the Madonna.
- VILLA BOLOGNA – a fine example of Baroque architecture, and a garden featuring a substantial variety of flora.
- CHURCH OF ST LAWRENCE – Malta’s oldest church. The original church was greatly embellished and expanded by the Knight’s of St. John and houses a wonderful canvas by Mattia Preti depicting the martyrdom of St. Lawrence.
- THE THREE CITIES (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua) – including the Auberge D’Angleterre, Fort St Angelo, and the Inquisitor’s Palace.
- NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY – containing important finds from many prehistoric sites across the island.
- MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS – housing a wide collection of art from prominent Italian, Dutch and Spanish artists, and a fine collection of majolica.
- BOAT CRUISE – using traditional Maltese boats, we will enjoy a cruise of Valetta’s Grand Harbour.
We would strongly recommend that you include Gozo if visiting Malta.
GOZO
- GGANTIJA MEGALITHIC TEMPLES – perhaps the finest preserved temples of both islands.
- VICTORIA (also called Rabat) and its Citadella and Cathedral.
- XLENDI – a small fishing village.
- TA’PINU SHRINE – an important pilgrimage site set in an imposing isolated position near Gharb.
- DWERJRA and the large Fungus Rock guarding the bay’s entrance.