As a fascinating bridge between the past and the future, Malta’s wealth of historical sites and monuments survived hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of years, the remnants of a history spanning 7,000 years. Archeological ruins, palaces, churches, gardens, castles, fortresses… Since the dawn of history, Malta has been a coveted possession to the dominant nations of the region, and the structures, buildings and monuments they left behind are witnesses to the long and colorful history of Malta dating back to the dawn of civilization.
Valletta
With a population of less than 10,000, Valletta is the smallest capital city in Europe. It takes its name from a Knight of Malta, Jean Parisot de Valette. The city – featuring Baroque palaces, gardens and churches, along with neo-classical and modern structures – was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 1980. In addition to being one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Valetta has an artistic and dynamic texture and lively nightlife, and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
Among Valletta’s most prominent historical structures is the 16th-century St. John’s Co-Cathedral – according to maltauncovered.com, it is “a Co-cathedral since it shares the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Malta together with the older Cathedral of Saint Paul in Mdina”. A magnificent example of Baroque architecture, the interior features soaring arched ceilings, as well as priceless icons and artworks, including original paintings by Caravaggio!
Other sites to visit in Valletta include the city’s first church, dedicated to Our Lady of Victories and built over the foundation stone of Valletta in 1566, as well as the Lascaris War Rooms Museum, the Baroque-style Grandmaster’s Palace and the Ħaġar Qim megalithic temple complex (about an hour’s drive from Valetta). The National Archaeological Museum features the most important artefacts of Malta, from the Neolithic period to today, while the gorgeous 18th-century Manoel Theatre, the Toy Museum, the Postal Museum and the four-day long Valetta Carnival also provide a wonderful perspective into the city.
Grandmaster’s Palace
Set in the city center, the Grandmaster’s Palace is used as the Presidential Palace today. Construction on the palace began in 1574 but it underwent significant changes over the centuries. In the 18th century, the Palace’s ceilings were decorated with frescoes and its structure altered with arrangements such as opening a second main entrance and building a clock tower in one of the courtyards.
Today, the Palace’s arsenal and some other sections are part of a museum under Heritage Malta.
Tarxien Temples
A small town located in southeast Malta, Tarxien is known for the Tarxien Temple Complex, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Dating from 3150 BC, the complex includes three interconnected temples. The middle temple features a three-apse structure, unique for its period. Rich and intricate stonework in the form of altars and carved reliefs depict life in the era. Some of the decorations and reliefs from the Temples are now exhibited in the Archeology Museum in Valetta.
The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua)
Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, with a total population of 11,000 are known as the Three Cities. The Maltese call this area Cottonera and the cities are sometimes referred to as Birgu, Isla and Bormla, respectively.
The oldest of the Three Cities is Vittoriosa, where the Knights of the Order of St John settled in 1530. Vittoriosa is one of Malta’s most frequently visited places and especially beloved by history buffs. The ancient fortress and many other structures are beautifully preserved; the Malta Maritime Museum, the War Shelter, the War Museum, the Inquisitor’s Palace and the Roman-Baroque St Lawrence Church are well worth a visit.
Set directly opposite the Grand Harbor in Valetta, these picturesque towns are also accessible via boat.
Mdina
Tiny Mdina was established in the 8th century BC by Phoenician settlers. As an important religious center throughout history, Paul the Apostle was allegedly shipwrecked here. The cave where he is believed to have taken refuge is known as St. Paul’s Grotto, and is now one of the most visited faith centers in Mdina. The St. Agatha and St. Nicholas chapels are also popular sites.
Mdina’s narrow streets are ideal for walking; except for those with special permits, vehicles are not permitted – thus Mdina’s nickname, “Silent City”. Quaint cafes, tea gardens and restaurants, beautiful views and palaces such as the Vilhena, the Falson, the Gatto Murina and the Santa Sofia ensure that visitors are well entertained. And, in addition to its religious and cultural richness, Mdina has a place in popular culture: the television series, Game of Thrones, used Mdina as the setting for King’s Landing during the show’s first season.
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum – in Greek, hypogeum means ‘underground’ – is a Neolithic underground complex in the city of Paola. Dated to 3300-3000 BC, the magnificent structure was accidentally discovered in 1902 during an excavation. Archeologists believe this complex was a faith center and also a necropolis, as human bones were discovered there. Comprehensive conservation work began in 1991 and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is one of the most important historical monuments of its period and of Malta. It was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 1980.
The underground complex has been open to visitors since 2017. As one of the most popular sites in Malta, a limited number of visitors are permitted daily and ticket reservations are required. If you want to visit the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, we recommend that you get tickets well in advance.
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra
Overlooking the sea in southern Malta, the clifftop Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are megalithic temple complexes. Believed to date from about 3600-3200 BC, the two complexes – about 500 meters apart – are among the world’s oldest known religious complexes. They were defined as unique architectural masterpieces by the World Heritage Committee, which determined the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List, and were included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List in 1992.
Ħaġar Qim was built as a single temple. The columned altar and the altar with two plates are among the temple’s most important historical remains. Statues of voluptuous women, most likely representing fertility and regeneration, and a number of decorated bowls from Ħaġar Qim are exhibited today in the National Archeology Museum.
With three temples made of hard limestone, the Mnajdra complex is believed to be among the oldest surviving free-standing structures in the world – older even than the Egyptian pyramids. Illuminated during the spring and fall equinoxes, the southern temple functioned as a solar observatory; this discovery and others in the complex have offered great insight on the island’s Neolithic inhabitants.
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