Malta was a real surprise. Its strategic fortress-like location in the central Mediterranean has ensured a turbulent history over the millenia, during which it was ruled in turn by disparate civilizations. The result today is a rich culture with magnificent historical architecture, and lots to see and do. Why isn’t it better known on the tourist scene, we were left thinking.
My daughter Jane and I spent a few days exploring the undulating streets of the capital Valletta, and nearby Sliema where we were staying. The view from our hotel across the water to the Valletta skyline was a knockout. After viewing the informative Malta Experience at Fort St Elmo, we took a boat trip around the various harbours before inspecting the astonishing interior of St John’s Cathedral in central Valletta, commissioned in 1572 for the Knights of the Order of St John. Back on the street we chanced upon a Christmas parade, and later a free Christmas concert by a great band with a very talented violinist as its front man. The crowd of several hundred braved the cold air and sang and clapped along with the performers.
On Saturday I took a bus to the ancient small city of Mdina, one-time capital of Malta. The carved stone buildings were beautiful, as were the pieces for sale in the local Phoenician and Malta glass works.
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