Malta

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Malta - Paradise in the Mediterranean

A November 2005 trip to Malta by mre16

Hagar Qim Archeological ParkMore Photos

Malta is a beautiful gem in the Mediterranean. The history is intriguing and the sights are breathtaking virtually everywhere you look.

  • 6 reviews
  • 1 story/tip
  • 18 photos

Malta - Paradise in the MediterraneanBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Malta
The beautiful harbors, the complex history of the island, the unforgettable architecture, and the quiet beauty of the residential streets in medieval Mdina.

Quick Tips:

Unless you're British and/or used to driving on the opposite side of the road, I woudn't attempt the rental car. Some of the streets are so narrow that there are nicks in the sides of the buildings where they've been hit. Maltese are about as crazy about driving as Italians are and coupled with the opposite factor you would have to be a brave soul to take them on.

Best Way To Get Around:

Maltese Bus - plentiful and colorful

Il FornBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Il Forn is located in the medieval City of Vittoriosa. It is a wine bar and gallery adorned with colorful art everywhere you look. The clientele seem very local, and the service was excellent. The menu consists of lite fare. We had a lovely selection of dips, excellent breads and an antipasto platter, not to mention a fantastic wine. (Their wine lists boasts over 80 varieties.) We absolutely loved everything about Il Forn and would highly recommend it.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by mre16 on June 19, 2006

Il Forn
26/27 Triqit-Tramuntana Birgu, Malta
+356 21-820-379

Hagar Qim / Mnajdra Archeological ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Hagar Qim/Mnajdra Archeological Park"

Hagar Qim Archeological Park
This religious temple dates back to c.3200-2500BC - that's about 500 years before the pyramids in Egypt were built. It's the Stonehenge of Malta and quite an awesome sight. The view is breathtaking overlooking the sea and the islet of Fifla - especially when taken in at sunset, which we did.

The huge limestone blocks that were used to construct these temples are incredible to consider, especially thinking that the people who built them did not have any of our modern tools and equipment. Some of the megalithic slabs tower above you, and you have to wonder how they managed to move them and stand them upright. Some of these slabs are over twenty feet high and weigh several tons. It's very humbling and quite beautiful.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by mre16 on December 1, 2005

Hagar Qim / Mnajdra Archeological Park
2km Southwest of Qrendi Valletta, Malta

St. Johns CathedralBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

St. Johns Cathedral, ceiling frescoes
All but four of the churches on the island are Catholic. We toured St. John’s Cathedral, which houses two Caravaggio paintings and the only Caravaggio in existence that was signed by the artist. "The Beheading of St. John the Baptist." It is truly one of the most awesome works of art I’ve ever seen. I could have lingered there for the day if I didn’t have to give way to others wishing to be in the presence of this masterful piece of art. The church itself was so beautiful and so ornate that it brought tears to my eyes.

The carved stone walls and painted vaulted ceilings are a tribute to the life of St. John and designed by the artist Mattia Preti. This cathedral also houses the tomb of the founder of Valletta, Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Vallette

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by mre16 on June 16, 2006

St. Johns Cathedral
Valletta, Malta

Upper Barracca GardensBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Upper Barracca Gardens
Our Maltese friend drove us to up to the beautiful Upper Barracca Gardens in the evening where we took photos of the harbor all lit up at night. There was a grand cruise ship just leaving the harbor as we walked up the ramp and the lights from all the buildings sparkled like diamonds. In the daytime, it’s hard not to admire the Birds of Paradise and pistachio trees to name a few of the botanical treasures. This is a popular meeting place in Malta and a must-stop for some of the best photo opportunities on the island.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by mre16 on June 17, 2006

St. Julians HarborBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Malta
St. Julians is a beautiful, quiet harbor in Malta. The water is dotted with brightly colored boats, many of which are adorned with painted eyes to ward off evil. We walked around in the early morning and had the opportunity to observe a fisherman repairing his nets for the day while cats milled about hoping for a nibble of fish. There are many bistros and cafes cropping up all around the waterfront—a perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of Maltese wine in the evening.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by mre16 on June 19, 2006

VallettaBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Valletta, Malta
The ancient architecture of Valletta provides a spectacular backdrop influenced by the Knights of St. John and the Catholic Church. It is a delight to shop in or just take a casual stroll. The narrow side streets are full of tiny shops selling apparel, antiques, maps, books, prints, and jewelry. Around every corner there is something even more intriguing—a votive statue, a niche, a fountain, or a coat of arms built high on parapets. In the evening we visited, the streets were bustling with shoppers and churchgoers. On Saturday we were treated to an open-air market.

About the Writer

mre16
mre16
Easton, Maryland

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