Malta is tiny but we left
with a big opinion of this wonderful island
I would like to pass on to you some of our lovely experiences, so here goes.
The view of the fortified Three Cities – Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea – from the port is truly breathtaking and one of many highlights of our short break to this Mediterranean island. Our first day had already started well, with a walk through the walled city to the Barrakka Gardens, to watch from the shade of the palm trees as the little fishing boats returned with their morning catches.
From here we meandered through Valletta, down Republic Street where we stopped for a snack and espresso in one of the city’s best coffee bars.
Fortified, we began our descent to Valletta’s waterfront, admiring numerous palatial churches and boutique gelato shops on the way. Ahead of us, standing proud above the clear water the Three Cities – a term first used during the French occupation of Malta.
Given the veneration of St. Paul in these parts we thought it apt that our first visit was to the nearby eponymous Church of the Shipwreck. The interior is Baroque ornate with beautiful marble columns, paintings and numerous treasures.
Walking around the gorgeous streetscapes it was interesting to see the ubiquitous colorful wooden balconies. We are very interested in architecture, viewing it as a form of public art and Valletta is a fabulous exemplar. We took in the Lower Barracca Gardens and the road around Fort St Elmo.
Our second day starts with our early morning walk with anexpresso and pastry at CaffeCordina, with its marvelous indoor seating with the decorative Bibliotheca building in the background of its entrance. It was lovely to sit and watch the streets awakening.. Then we walked to the bus station and took a nice and easy bus ride to Mdina, the island’s first capital. In the Second World War Malta was awarded the George Cross after a two year and five month siege and it’s a source of great pride to this day. During the siege, 80% of the island’s buildings were damaged yet the ancient architecture of Mdina – known as the silent city – was largely untouched, making it one of the most authentic, interesting and enchanting places on the island.We availed of the lovely sunshine and visited Mdina, which from entering through the fine gate we thought absolutely gorgeous. The yellow hue of the architectural stone was dazzling in the bright sunshine and everywhere was pristine clean. We entered the Carmelite Church and gazed at its wonderful dome and interior. We continued to Bastion Square for panoramic clear views over much of Malta.
We visited the Grand Master’s Palace. We do not usually frequent war-theme museums, but found this particular Armory museum absorbing. The State Apartments are wonderful, with the flamboyantly decorative Corridor of the Knights leading to the other ornate rooms.Had a fine walk admiring the blue sea with Sliema and Fort Manoel opposite and the massive bastions on our left, with their strategically placed watchtowers. We marveled at the bulk of the bastions, particularly striking when walking to the area where renovations are underway. It was interesting to see a little religious grotto hewn out of the rock and almost hidden within the walls.
We visited the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral, beyond the lovely façade; the whole interior including the floor design is fabulous.. We visited the incomparable St. John’s Cathedral. The high Baroque is superlative. We found the museum very interesting with the great collections of choral books, vestments and tapestries. We admired the famous Caravaggio.
We had a most enjoyable time on Gozo Island. After lunch at Independence Square surrounded by the open air market we explored the marvelous Citadel. First stop was the impressive Cathedral whose façade was substantially under scaffolding. The interior is wonderful, including the convincing trompe l'oeil of a great dome.
We Spenta day in the Three Cities, took bus No 2 to last stop Richie. Entering Birgu/Vittoriosa through the impressive Gate of Provence, we found it delightful, quiet and sedate.We had a grand walk along the marina waterfront marveling at the super yachts. Work was underway at Fort St Angelo. I enquired whether a visit was possible to be told that restoration work is scheduled to finish in 2015 when it re-opens as a visitor center. The gorgeous St Lawrence’s Church was open and we admired its interior.We decided to take bus to the pretty seaside village of Marsaskala, and saw further typical Maltese countryside.
Comino Island and the blue lagoon: Wow this place is incredible and the sea so
blue, the turquoise waters call you in however this place is absolutely heaving
with tourists and you need mountain goat skills to be able to get around.Beach
is mainly rocky foreshore with minimal stretch of sand. Very busy in summer
especially when the your boats arrive, large area for swimming but space to sit etc. at a premium. Sun lounges & beach umbrella
are available for hire luckily as there is no shade. Numerous vans sell cold
drinks, ice creams & hot food at reasonable prices especially as it's a
captive audience. Life guards are on duty & they assess the current between
Comino & Cominotto and advise whether it's safe to swim to the small islet.
You can read a Brief History of the islands of Malta in the following site: http://www.maltamigration.com/about/malta.shtml#top
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