The track below is entitled Viva Malta and is performed by the Maltese singer Freddie Portelli. As well as writing songs and performing in a number of bands, Freddie represented his country at Waterpolo. The song is a patriotic one, written on his return to the island after a worldwide tour. The lyrics sing of the bravery of the people. Of course the island was awarded the George Cross to “bear witness to the heroism and devotion of its people” by King George VI.
Malta comprises of a series of islands of which only three, Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited. They lie in the Central Mediterranean about 50 miles from Italy and 176 miles east of Tunisia. It’s so close to Africa you could almost say you were there. Certainly, weather wise you will notice the benefits of being so far south. The Maltese tourist board advertises it as an all year round destination. The winters are mild and the summers hot. Valletta – the capital of Malta has the warmest winters in Europe and you get the bonus of an extra couple of hours of daylight compared to London.
Whilst Malta is clearly a sun destination, there are over 7000 years of history to discover. Its location at the centre point of the Mediterranean means that at one time or another, Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Aragonese, the Knights of St. John, French, and British have influenced the country’s culture.
A good starting point is a trip to the old capital of Mdina. According to tradition it was here that in 60 A.D. that the Apostle St. Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the Islands. The city is famous for its dominating fortifications and its narrow streets and alleyways due to space being so limited.
Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city and extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture. You will find a number of enticing cafes and restaurants during your wanderings around the narrow streets and alleyways. Don’t miss out St Paul’s Cathedral, its museum and the city walls which will get you fantastic views over the island and spectacular views of the sunset.
Next door is Rabat, where you will find the largest underground Roman cemetery in Malta, the St Paul’s catacombs. Located between Rabat and Mdina is “Domvs Romana” a museum housing the ruins of a traditional Roman villa. While little remains of the villa itself, there is an impressive collection of excellently preserved mosaics and other Roman antiquities that have been found by archaeologists throughout Malta. The site is also the location of an 11th century Muslim cemetery.
Whilst in Malta, you must seek out the Mosta Dome. Officially, the church is The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady since it was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by the Vatican in July 2018. This neo-classical style church is dedicated to St Mary and its dome at 220 feet high, is bigger than that of St Paul’s in London. Giorgio Grognet de Vassé (a Maltese architect) based on the Roman Pantheon. Replacing a much smaller church it was built in just 28 years, between 1833 and the early 1860s. Much of the inside is decorated in gilt and the floors are paved with marble.
On 9th April 1942, a group of around 300 worshippers was gathered in the church for the evening when a 1,000 lbs German bomb pierced through the ceiling and smashed a hole into the floor below. Luckily, no one was hurt or killed as the bomb did not detonate. At the time it was declared be a miracle and a sign of divine intervention from God who was protecting the nation during the Second World War. In total, three bombs were dropped on the church – two deflected without exploding, and one went through the ceiling.
If the Second World War is of special interest to you then head for the Lascaris War Rooms, an underground complex of tunnels and chambers in Valletta, that housed the War Headquarters from where the defence of the island was conducted during the Second World War. They are located below the Upper Barrakka Gardens which are worth a visit on their own account offering super views across the island.
In the time we have, we have only touched on a minute part of what Malta has to offer, and remember that there are 3 islands to visit. Contact Maggie today and find out more about your trip to Malta.
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