Malta: recreation and attractions

You want a good and fun to relax on the Mediterranean sea?

Go to Malta — a beautiful blooming island, where you can always enjoy the wonderful weather, beautiful sea, beautiful nature and many interesting sights.

A nice bonus would be a great diving — in summer the average water temperature in the sea in Malta is held in the mark +23 °C, and in winter never drops below +14 °C.

Specially for travelers, who are attracted by the mysterious Maltese shores and the Sunny Mediterranean beaches, we have prepared a small guide to Malta — the most interesting sights and places definitely worth a visit.

What to see in Malta? Sights

Malta-a small country, so the pool here it is possible to see, if not all, very much, so for travelers is very popular not only weekly tours, in the format “breaks”.

Even for a few days trip you will have time to get acquainted with this amazing country and get a lot of pleasant experiences!

1. The Palace of the Grand masters of the order of Malta, La Valletta

Palace of the Grand master of Malta, which currently houses the official residence of the President and Parliament of the Republic, is the largest secular building in the country. For tourists is open only part of the premises of the Palace, including the Armoury chamber, the hall of the Great Council room and the Ambassador, there is also a Museum of weapons, which represents more than 6,000 exhibits from all over the world.

The Baroque style, luxurious interior, immaculately kept interiors, sophisticated murals, stucco, mosaics and bas-reliefs of the imagination and look as majestic and impressive as a few centuries ago.

2. St. Paul's Cathedral, Mdina

The Catholic St. Paul's Cathedral — a real architectural gem of Malta. The majestic architectural complex built in the late 17th century, is today one of the most popular and prestigious venues for the wedding, so it often hosts wedding ceremonies. The Church is connected with many legends and interesting events, for example, the story of the hoard discovered in the basement of the building during disassembly of the old Foundation. The Church was severely damaged during the earthquake of 1693, and when during the repair works at analysis of blockages found the cache of gold coins found gold, it was decided to spend on the restoration of the Cathedral. Because of this treasure among the Grand master, whose coat of arms was minted by the coins found, and the Bishop, a dispute arose, and as a result, the lighting of the Cathedral took place only in 1702.

For the Cathedral of St. Paul, which is also called quarter “absolute silence” — here is a working monastery of Benedictine nuns who keep a vow of silence.

3. The sanctuary Hal a holiday home, Paola

The sanctuary of Hal holiday home — the Hypogeum, which is the only almost completely preserved megalithic underground temple. His age is about 4 — 5 thousand years. The total area of the underground complex Hal holiday home is about 480 square meters, and the number of graves in the Hypogeum according to estimates of archaeologists is about 6-7 thousand.

Corridors, chambers, narrow passages carved into the rock, are the mysterious underground maze, to get to that, by the way, it is possible by appointment only — in the day here allowed no more than 80 people. One of the most interesting attractions of the Hal holiday home — this is the Room of the Oracle, the acoustics in which carries every word spoken low male voice, all over the Hypogeum, while any other sounds remain inaudible outside of the room.

4. Mdina

The ancient city of Mdina has about 4000 years of history, and for many centuries it had special status and privileges that have left their mark on the appearance of the city in which lived the most noble and influential family. Citta Notabile (City Aristocrat) still impresses with its grandeur, we are well preserved ancient architectural ensembles of palaces, churches and cathedrals, and quiet streets are always calm and serene. In Mdina, which is also called “city of peace”, restricted the number of entering vehicles, which allows to preserve the unique atmosphere, the beauty and grandeur of the ancient city.

Among the attractions of Mdina is worth paying attention to famous Main gate of Mdina, Palace, Hagia Sophia, Vilhena Palace, the Cathedral of St. Paul, Norman house, prison, and Archbishop's Palace. By the way, in Mdina filmed many scenes in the popular series ‘Game of Thrones”.

5. Tarsch

Another megalithic temple complex of Malta, which dates to around 2800 BC, is located in the small Maltese town of Tarxien-Tarxien temples. The complex of Islands consists of six unique stone temples, which in ancient times were used for different rituals, sacrifices and burials. Very interesting stone bas-reliefs depicting animals, screens and altars decorated with geometric figures and ornaments. Part of the archaeological finds (sculptures, bronze pieces, some blocks with ornaments etc) from “the Maltese Stonehenge” are kept in museums, but also in the complex is still many interesting and vivid impressions of a tour of ancient Tarxien visitors get in any case.

6. The crypt of St Agatha, Rabat

Under the streets of Rabat, the suburb of Mdina, lies the intricate underground labyrinths — Saint Agatha's Crypt and catacombs, which, according to legend, St. Agatha in a few months, took refuge from his pursuers. These catacombs are the largest in Malta — 900 metres of underground passageways, rooms, halls and niches located about 900 graves and tombs Dating back several millennia. There are even the remains of ancient paintings on the walls.

the Please note: the Catacombs of St. Agatha are very complicated, so tourists allowed here unless accompanied by tour guides! In any case keep up with the guide and do not attempt to scout them yourself — it may be dangerous!

7. Marsaxlokk

If you love seafood, be sure to visit the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, whose inhabitants for many centuries, provides fresh fish and seafood delicacies the whole of Malta. Many restaurants on the coast offering an abundance of seafood, and every Sunday in Marsaxlokk is a huge fish market where you can buy almost any seafood. Interestingly, all the fishing boats in this port town are in addition to the bright colors, very unusual item — they have eyes. Local residents have for many centuries only go to such a colorful "eyed" the courts, because they believe that it protects from the attack of the sirens, sea monsters and fog only such boats can find their way to the Harbor.