Malta (Part I)
When I first visited Malta, I was reminded of all those medieval movies with knights, dragons and looming castles. Sure enough, I later learned that this is a frequent destination for Hollywood movies and has included such greats as Troy and Gladiator! For several decades its main source of movie fame was another classic: Midnight Express.
Malta is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, dating as far back as 5,000 B.C. Throughout the centuries, navigators as well as invaders have been attracted to Malta due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea. The island’s harbor provided a sheltered base for naval fleets while the island itself, at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, enabled its colonizing powers to exercise control over shipping in this vast and turbulent sea. Originally colonized by the Phoenicians between 800 and 200 B.C., Malta later became part of the Roman Empire. St. Paul is said to have converted the island to Christianity in 60 A.D. after having been shipwrecked on the island while en route to prison in Rome.
Malta may not be big, and it may not have the swarmy, breezy feel of other Mediterranean destinations, but the feelings that exude when you enter the harbor and tour the surrounding group of islands gives one a sense of a remote, less touristy escape. Below are some pictures which include Fort St. Angelo.
The deep blue water with brightly painted fishing boats buzzing around honey-colored stone buildings reminded me of a less touristy Venice.
A mix of cultures from Rome to Britain has influenced these five little islands over the centuries, so you’ll find Italian baroque architecture and an English accent combined with the Maltese gusto for life. Add good restaurants, friendly people and the remains of an ancient culture, and you’ll begin to understand Malta’s appeal.
Malta’s capital, the minicity of Valletta on the island of Malta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-color limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching.
The three cities area of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, across the Grand Harbor from Valletta, has its old-world charms, while Malta’s southern and eastern areas have prehistoric sites, as well as the stunning cliffs and waters around the Blue Grotto.
The ancient and silent walled city of Mdina rises out of the center of the island. The island of Gozo, northwest of Malta, is a place to relax. Its capital, Victoria, is a charming old city with warrens of narrow streets, a hilltop Cittadella, and two main squares. The island has some superb restaurants, and local bakeries turn out tasty, crusty round loaves. Lace making is practiced here by a diminishing number of older women. At the same time, diving has become increasingly popular, especially at Xlendi Bay.
The 3-square-km (1-square-mi) island of Comino, between Malta and Gozo, is populated by a handful of people year-round. Day-trippers walk the dirt paths and swim in the beautiful but overcrowded Blue Lagoon.
