Top Things to Do in Malta" Greek, Roman and Arab Influences Are Evident from the Many Historical Structures That Find Home in This Island Nation

"Top Things To Do in Malta" Greek, Roman and Arab influences are evident from the many historical structures that find home in this island nation. Surrounded by azure waters,

Malta is blessed with both natural and cultural beauty. The country has also emerged as a destination for medical tourism.

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National Museum of Archaeology "Rich Display Of Maltese History"

Owned and managed by the Heritage Malta foundation and located in the beautiful coastal city of Valletta, the National Museum of Archaeology is a popular attraction among tourists and locals alike for its rich variety of displays on Maltese history. It is housed in the historic Auberge de Provence building which is worth visiting in itself with its remarkable by Jvdc Baroque architecture, fine wall paintings and wooden ceiling. A number of prehistoric artifacts can be seen here, from Neolithic statues, ornaments, figurines, tombs, altars and some medieval pieces from China, Italy and France. The museum also hosts many exhibitions on other aspects of Maltese history.

+356 21 221 623 heritagemalta.org/museu [email protected] Republic Street, Valletta ms-sites/national-museum- of-archaeology/

Hypal Hypogée de Saflieni "A UUNESCO World Heritage Site"

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a fascinating underground burial site. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it offers insight into the cultural, religious and technological development of the Saflieni period in Malta's prehistory from 3300 to 3000 BCE. The structure comprises of three stories and was a place of burial and worship. The only prehistoric by xiquinhosilva underground temple discovered, it offers a unique opportunity to glean an understanding of Malta's rich prehistory. Several important artifacts have been recovered from the site including the 'sleeping lady'. With each chamber being carved only of flint and stone tools, it's a true architectural marvel. Red ocher paintings are still visible on some walls. The remains of over 7000 people have been recovered from this site.

+356 21 80 5019 heritagemalta.org/museums- Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Paola sites/hal-saflieni-hypogeum/

St. John's Co-Cathedral

"World Famous Baroque Cathderal"

A visit to the city of Valletta is incomplete without seeing the St. John's Co- Cathedral, considered by many to be one of the best examples of Baroque architecture and the most beautiful cathedral in the whole world. Constructed in the late 16th Century by the Knights of Malta, it features some of the most stunning interior decorations and wall frescoes in all of by Radoneme at English Europe, painted by renowned medieval artists, including the Grand Master Wikipedia Caravaggio. As you walk in, the sheer grandeur and opulence of the church are sure to take your breath away with a delicate tomb laid marble floor, gold-gilded decorations and fantastic altar designed by the great Maltese sculptor, Melchiorre Cafà. An in house museum showcasing sacred silk vestments of saints, Flemish tapestries, vintage choral books and other treasured artworks. Seven chapels are located inside the cathedral dedicated to eight different saints of the Knights and do not require an entry fee to visit if you just want to pray. As the fabric of the church is delicate and has to be constantly maintained by the heritage foundation, a limited number of tourists are allowed to visit at a time and women are advised not to wear sharp heels in order to avoid damage to the marble floors. Free audio guides are available to visitors in six different languages.

+356 2248 0400 www.stjohnscocathedral.com/ Triq San Gwann, Valletta

San Anton Palace "Grand Palace in Malta"

Occupying a vast space of land in the village of Attard, the San Anton Palace mirrors the region's sunlit demeanor in its yellow-stoned structure. The exquisite palace forms the formal residence of the President of Malta, although it was historically built as a country villa for Antoine de Paule, a knight of the Order of St. John. In the later years, it would be used as the by Berthold Werner abode of the Grand Masters of the order. During the Maltese Uprising, the palace was also the official place of meeting for the National Assembly. Expanded several times during its occupation by the Grand Masters, the palace holds within its confines two chapels, each of them consigned to Our Lady of Pilar and St. Anthony. The stunning limestone palace sits amid lovely gardens that are counted amid the city's prized spectacles, replete with walkways and aviary features. Ornamental ponds and splendidly carved sculptures dot the garden's expanse and a graceful canopy of palm, cypress, jacaranda and araucarias trees provide ample shelter from the bright sun.

Lord Strickland, Attard

National Museum of Natural History

"History Revisited"

The National Museum of Natural History is located in Malta and was founded in 1973. The museum focuses on the local ecosystem and features a wide array of collection of minerals, insects, reptiles, fish and by Tony Hisgett from fossils. The theft of the Goodwill Moon rock from this museum in 2004, Birmingham, UK brought the museum in the limelight. It is currently under the administration of Heritage Malta.

+356 21 45 5951 heritagemalta.org/museums-sites/n Triq Inguanez, Mdina ational-museum-of-natural-history/

St. Paul's Cathedral "Stunning Baroque Architecture Church"

Situated in the center of the beautiful city of Mdina, St. Paul's Cathedral is a Baroque-style architectural masterpiece that dates back to the 17th Century. This church is said to be located right on the spot where Roman governor Publius converted his faith to Christianity under St. Paul. For those who love art, this church is a gem, with several intricate paintings by Frank Vincentz covering the massive interiors.

+356 2145 6620 www.malta.com/en/attraction/cultur Triq Santu Rokku, Mdina e/church/st-paul-s-cathedral by Väsk retouched by Arch2all Rotunda of Mosta

"Impressive Dome"

Rotunda of Mosta or the Mosta Dome is a beautiful structure and prominent landmark in the city of Mosta. The dome is the prime attraction and is touted to be among the biggest unsupported domes in the world. It was created at the site of a former church in the 19th Century CE. Created by famous architect Giorgio Grognet de Vassé, the church has a circular shape inspired by the Roman pantheon. In 1942, during World War II, it is said that a bomb ricocheted off its dome and did not explode, saving the devotees that had arrived for evening mass.

+356 2143 3826 mostachurch.com/ [email protected] Triq Il-Parrocca, Mosta

Fort Rinella "World's Oldest Mechanical Buttress"

Constructed in the year 1878, Fort Rinella is one of the most striking landmarks of Malta. More than just a remnant of the English colonial reign in Malta, Fort Rinella is also the world's oldest mechanical fortress that allowed its battalion to use a gigantic 100- tonne armor every few minutes. Jules Verne, acclaimed French novelist visited Fort Rinella in the by Frank Vincentz year 1889 and described the fort as " a marvel of the industrial age which would render Malta safe for ever". It is also believed that it was his visit to Fort Rinella which inspired him to pen Voyage to the Moon, a famous novel.

+356 2180 0992 www.fortrinella.com/ [email protected] Triq Santu Rokku, Kalkara

Blue Grotto "Azure Beauty"

Cobalt blue waters sway serenely against a colossal arch-shaped cave, revealing hypnotic swirls of flora that lie within its depths. One of the most visited attractions in Malta, the Blue Grotto takes after its mesmerizing counterpart in Capri, the Grotta Azzurra di Capri. This magical grotto finds itself in the village of Qrendi near Wied iz-zurrieq, a quiet fishing town on by un.cloned Malta's south coast. Here, as the midday sun hits its denim waters, its surface reveals a miraculous sheen of phosphorescence, reflecting its underwater fauna. Tourists visit from near and far to witness this sight that can be viewed anytime between sunrise and one in the afternoon. The Blue Grotto and its cavernous arches are also famous sites for boating, snorkeling and rock-climbing.

Blue Grotto, Il Qrendi, Żurrieq

Maltese Catacomb Complexes "Hewn Cemeteries"

The Maltese Catacomb Complexes were carved out of live rock and are located below the modern town of Rabat which was the ancient Roman town of Melite. During the Roman times, burials in the city premises were forbidden, hence an intricate burial system was developed. The complexes comprise the whole of St. Paul's and St. Augusta's complex by Azylber and have more than 1,000 tombs. These catacombs played an important role in Malta's early Christianity. It also gives a glimpse of the early Christian burial rituals. These interconnected, subterranean Roman cemeteries are a fine example of the Maltese underground architecture. If you love architecture and history, then a visit to this site will be engrossing.

Bajjada Triq Sant Agata, Rabat REJOIGNEZ-NOUS A: cityseeker.com