Diving from high cliffs, an azure sea, and red beaches. That’s what people generally think about Malta. And that’s okay because it’s true! But there are some exceptional facts about Malta, and we would like to take a closer look at them in this news item.
Malta is not an island
Does that surprise you? Malta is not one but three islands. Malta is an archipelago and the main island really has everything to offer to tourists. It is a busy island full of entertainment and many hotels. This contrasts with its sister island, Gozo. Gozo is rustic, with less traffic and sleepy villages. The streets in Gozo are always empty. Comino takes the crown with only three inhabitants. Comino is known for its lagoons!
Prehistoric megalithic temples in Malta | Malta & Gozo
The temples on Malta and Gozo are Hagar Qim, Tarxien and GGANTIJA on Gozo. Around 5200 BC the first inhabitants arrived in Malta, and they started building the temples. If you compare the Maltese temples to Stonehenge in England you will see that the Maltese temples are almost 2500 years older. How unique is that!
Inside the temples, you will find pots and urns, hieroglyphics, and the goddess of fertility.
The Malta Sightseeing buses will easily drive you past these Stone Age relics. The red route of the Malta Sightseeing Bus combines all the temples in Malta. Many relics from the temples can be found in the archaeological museum in Valletta, the capital of Malta.
Valletta, the smallest capital in Europe
The capital Valletta is a peninsula. This beautiful city is the smallest in Europe (as a capital) but you won’t get bored. The beautiful coloured balconies and steep stairs make Valletta a city of unparalleled beauty. The staircases turn into bars in the evening, and you’ll find many live bands on small bridges.
Hollywood loves Malta
Malta looks medieval. The rugged cliffs, historical remains, and yellow limestone are attractive to many film producers. Brad Pitt visited the Islands with three films, and the series Game of Thrones series was shot in Gozo. Even the James Bond production touched down with its cameras on these unique islands..
UNESCO world heritage list
Three places in Malta have made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Valletta capital
- Hagar Qim Temples
- Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
The last attraction is popular. It is advisable to order tickets online weeks in advance for this. This under-earth city of the dead is 5000 years old and was discovered in 1902. There are 7000 people buried in this subterranean city. It is also known for the unique drawings on the ceilings and walls of the Hypogeum.
The Knighthood of St. John
All over Malta, you can find remnants of the order of the knights. In the 16th century, the Knights were offered Malta. Malta has flourished and grown since then, and its culture became even more amazing. Social life in Malta also became a lot more fun, until Napoleon invaded! Malta was then taken over by the English, and they helped chase away the French. Currently, a film about Napoleon is being shot in Malta and Gozo. It wasn’t until 1964 that Malta became an independent country, though it still drives on the left.
Car-free city of Mdina
Mdina is called the silent city and there it is forbidden to drive cars. Only the people who live there may drive, and then only on certain streets. There are high fines for ignoring this ban. The occasional tourist, who is not aware of it and still accidentally drives in it, often gets stuck in the narrow streets.
Did you know that Mdina is haunted after 8 pm? Please don’t hesitate to walk in around that time and creep into narrow alleys where lights flicker and the wind always howls through the streets.
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