Small island set in the blue Mediterranean, lying in the shadow of Sicily, even 35 km long and just 15km wide. Radiant and busy of light, Malta envelops you with the fascination of an ultra-classical history, that of the Knights Templar and its invasions to which Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs and Spanishs have followed, and with its wild islands, Gozo and Comino, that when you see them you understand why Ulysses has been remained fascinated.
But what to see in Malta?
Valletta. cannot start from here, the capital of the Maltese archipelago. It’s a moment to get caught up and down the streets and alleys of Valletta that are intertwined with each other in a grid. It turns upside down looking at the baroque churches, the colorful Norman and Baroque palaces and peering behind the typical Arabian balconies - the gallarijia - from which the ladies are said to hide behind the lace curtains to observe passers but without being views.
Almost everywhere in Malta you can breathe the air of the Knights of the Order of San Giovanni and the Co-cathedral of San Giovanni, built by the Knights themselves, is a classic example. Its façade, almost anonymous, does not precede the exuberant baroque interior but once inside you will not know where to look: on the marble floor are the sumptuous tombstones of the Knights while the stone vault is painted with the trompe-l technique 'oeil creating intriguing perspective games.
But the cathedral holds another treasure to visit… better… two: the “St. Jerome writing” and “The takeoff of St. John the Baptists”, the largest painting and the only one signed by Caravaggio.
If then it’s the art that has attracted you to Malta I’m sure that among the more than 350 churches that busy the island you will find others that will leave you speechless… but it would take a lot to see all.
And then… there is the sea! From anywhere you are in Valletta is never too far away, it’s there waiting for you in the distance and when you reach it you open views like from “Upper Barrakka Gardens”. From this panoramic terrace you have a glance at the Three Cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua - and the Grand Harbor, as it’s called because a “Grand Harbor” is in effect: it’s the largest and deepest natural harbor of EU. To see its grandeur from another perspective, get off at the port of Vittoriosa and board a “dghajsa” for a ride in the tranquil waters of the Grand Harbor.
You should go to Vittoriosa to get lost in the alleys of the Citadel or even for the pastizzi by Kasino Birgu, one of those places that you’re almost afraid to reveal because the flavor so authentic and genuine that you do not want to vanish, but mother that pastizzi! Puff pastry stuffed with a mashed peas or goat cheese served still hot, are a delight that you enjoy early in the morning to accompany the aperitif or as a snack in the afternoon. But the real Maltese aperitif is made with Cisk (local beer) and snails, at any time in the morning!
Other? Climb on 53 bus from La Valetta terminal to visit Mdina, the “city of silence”, named for its serene and relaxed atmosphere. Ancient capital of Malta, it’s a quiet city of medieval origins characterized by narrow alleys that preserve this architecture that can be defined as a mix between Baroque and Medieval. And it’s just walking through its streets that you travel back in time and, in these moments, you start to feel the special atmosphere of this place, step by step.
Best to see is Palazzo Vilhena and St. Paolo’s Cathedral.
Palazzo Vilhena: entering from the city gate you will see this palace. Built in the 16th century and now a Museum of Natural History. In addition to being interesting for its collection, it is really very beautiful for its architecture and for the well-kept internal garden.
St. Paolo’s Cathedral: it is very close to Piazza S.Paolo, where you can see at 360° beautiful houses and marvellous palaces. But here is the Cathedral and already looking at it from the outside you perceive its majesty that is accentuated as soon as entered thanks to the interiors with high golden vaults; beautiful decorations on his floor.
And After visiting Mdina? Sliema! The contrast is evident: we move from peace and silence to one of the main commercial areas of the island. From a small fishing village, Sliema has turned into a city full of life, shops, restaurants and nightlife, shopping… lots of shopping! At sunset, it’s worth taking a stroll along the promenade, perfect for beautiful photos or simply admire the skyline of Valletta.
At the end… is difficult for me to choose photos among thousand I did… and there are many other things and places to visit that 4 days are not enough… I will return because it’s a place that remains in the heart, forever.
a presto e buona serata.
wish you serene day