Tourist Attractions & Monuments Malta

Its distinguishing feature is that it demonstrates the evolution of building techniques that is reflected in its architecture. It was excavated between 1915 and 1919, and it is thanks to the diligence of the excavation director, Sir Temi Zammit, that a wealth of information has been recovered from this site about the Neolithic of the Maltese Islands.

Access to the site is via the curved façade of the south building. Just before the entrance are some strange round stones which may have been used at the time of construction to transport and position the megalithic blocks chosen to erect the walls of the complex. The door to this building was restored in the 1950s, when a large number of megaliths were restored thanks to a grant from the Carnegie Association. Inside are carved friezes and animal reliefs, and a large statue of which only the feet and legs remain. Originally, this statue must have been almost 3 m high, making a very dramatic impression on anyone entering the building. In another part of the room is a stone block covered with spirals and surmounted by a niche. Animal bones were found in a hollow inside this block, which, along with other animal bones found in other parts of the complex, suggests that feasting took place in these buildings in the Neolithic period.

The south building leads to another building in the center of the complex. This is the largest, built later than the others. At its entrance are large blocks that originally housed a door or screen, beyond which is a central courtyard, in the middle of which is a fireplace. Fire was certainly important in these complexes, providing warmth and light, and probably used to cook shared food. In the inner chambers are large stones covered with beautiful spiral motifs. A small chamber also features reliefs of two cows or bulls and a sow with piglets.

An opening leads to the east building, beyond which the remains of the easternmost structure can be seen. The number of buildings, their size and the total extent of the complex, together with the discovery of other Neolithic remains in the vicinity of the Tarxien prehistoric complex, clearly show that the whole area was a center of activity in the Neolithic period.

Designed by Cassar, the Grand Masters' Palace was built between 1570 and 1580 as the official residence of the Grand Masters. Later, it was also used by English governors. Since 1921, the palace has housed the Chamber of Deputies and, since 1974, the office of the President of the Republic. Of its two inner courtyards, the largest is the Cour de Neptune, whose bronze statue was commissioned by the Grand Master, Alof de Wignacourt. It adorned the fish market until the English governor Le Marchand had it moved to the palace. A cloister of local stone surrounds the courtyard. Beautiful balustrades can be seen on the second floor, where the nobles lived. In the second courtyard, that of Prince Alfred, the clock indicating the hours, days, months and cycles of the Moon is a gift from the great Portuguese master, Manoel Pinto de Fonseca. Two bronze Moors chime the hours.
At the far right after the entrance, a commemorative plaque lists the names of the various Grand Masters of Malta, the first on the list being Philippe de Villiers de L'Isle-Adam. In the entrance corridor, paintings by Niccolo Nasoni evoke the naval battles between the Order's knights and the Turks. The rooms are decorated with portraits of the great masters and with armor. The floor was covered with marble on the initiative of the English governor Le Marchand in the ^19th century.
The Salle des Tapisseries displays a complete series of tapestries by the famous Gobelins manufactory, executed by order of King Louis XIV at the request of the Prince of Nassau. These "Indian hangings", commissioned by the great master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful and created in 1697, depict exotic fauna and flora, more or less imaginary.
These superb compositions of colorful, exuberant scenes, full of life and movement, were for the most part inspired by the Prince's travels. During his hunts in Africa or his campaigns in the Mediterranean, he was always accompanied by a painter. The painter produced "on-the-spot" sketches for the artisans at the Manufacture des Gobelins to draw inspiration from. Connoisseurs will appreciate the precision and meticulousness of the work: 256 threads per square inch, or around 6 cm², which is the mark of a particularly tight weave.
In the State Banquet Hall, you'll mainly find portraits of English sovereigns, notably those of Elizabeth II and George IV. Today, conferences are held here. In the Throne Room, a frieze of twelve frescoes by Matteo Perez d'Aleccio, a former pupil of Michelangelo, evokes the Great Siege of 1565. It features a particularly precise plan of Valletta, with the bay and the four promontories. In this beautiful gold-upholstered room, awards are presented to deserving Maltese. You'll also see the throne that was once occupied by the Grand Master, and later by the English governor.
The next salon is the Ambassadors' Salon, or Salon Rouge, because of the color of the damask that covers its walls. This is a red salon, in ^19th-century style, in which the President receives his visitors. A frieze here recalls the main events in the Order's history in Rhodes, just before its arrival in Malta.the public is not generally allowed access to this room, except in groups, if accompanied by a guide, or sometimes individually during a visit to the museum. It is here that ambassadors present their credentials. A painting by Antoine de Favray shows Villiers de L'Isle-Adam (first Grand Master of Malta) receiving the keys to the city of Mdina. Wignacourt, an apothecary with a clock brought back from the island, as well as a portrait of Louis XVI next to a more modest one of Louis XIV.
The Pages' waiting room, or Yellow Room, so named for the color of its walls, is adorned with a frieze by Matteo Pérez d'Aleccio evoking the history of the Order of St. John in the Holy Land in the ^13th century. It is interspersed with allegorical symbols. This room also features a portrait of the famous Grand Master Parisot de La Valette, painted by Antoine de Favray. Between the entrance corridor and the Chambre Jaune, pendants still evoke the Order's history through its maritime expeditions.
In the Grand Master's salon, you'll notice the portraits of popes on display. The Grand Master's private chapel, where paintings depict the life of St. John the Baptist, patron saint of the Order, is now the office of the Governor's secretariat.
The gardens add a touch of freshness to the building.

The Palace Armory. Part of the palace restoration work starting in 2019 involved reinstating this historic armory in its original location, the former Parliament Chamber. With 5,000 items, ranging from the ^16th to the ^18th century, it houses an impressive collection: armor, swords, daggers... A showcase for the opulence of the Order of St. John - fierce defenders of the Catholic faith against the attacks of the Ottoman Empire - it is considered one of the finest in the world, and also houses the armor of Grand Masters Alof de Wignacourt and Jean de Valette, as well as Ottoman armor and weapons.

Located on the waterfront above Grand Harbour, these gardens are colored by dozens of hibiscus that bloom in summer. While they may not offer as impressive a view as the one enjoyed from the Upper Barraca Gardens, they do offer a beautiful panorama. All this in a more family atmosphere where you don't have to struggle to sit on the right bench. The neo-classical monument in the form of a Greek temple dedicated to the vice-admiral, Alexander Ball, an Englishman sent by Admiral Nelson to organise the Maltese insurrection against the French in 1798 and which gives its name to the main artery of the posh Paceville district of Saint Julian's. Raised after Ball's death in 1809 and restored during the 19th century, it is the work of the Maltese artists Giorgio Pullicino and Salvatore Dimenech. During the visit you will also note the sculpture by Antonio Sciortino commemorating the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the fountain, the well-kept hedges, the many cats and the various commemorative plaques on the terrace such as the one referring to the fiftieth anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Not far away is the most modern building, the Siege Bell Memorial, inaugurated in 1992 by Elizabeth II to honour the courage of the Maltese people during the Second World War. From these gardens you can see the former Bighi Hospital and Fort Ricasoli.

This was the order's first conventual church, before the construction of St. John's co-cathedral. It stands on the site of a church built in 1090, during the reign of Roger ^I of Sicily.

With the arrival of the Order of St. John in 1530, it was enlarged, but burned down two years later. When the knights settled in Valletta in 1571, it became the church of the Inquisitors.

The present ^17th-century building was designed by Lorenzo Gafà.

Although the building suffered during the 1939-1945 war, it has been well restored. The façade features statues of St. Paul and St. Lorenzo, while the interior features paintings by Paladini. Above the altar is Mattia Preti'sMartyrdom of St. Lawrence, the largest painting he ever did. Saint Lawrence is celebrated on August 10.

Near Dwejra Point, it is the "Rock with mushroom" which is called by the Gozitans Il-Gebla Tal-Generalle, the "Rock of the General", because this famous mushroom was discovered by a general of the order of the Knights. A huge block of stone rising from the waters, 182 meters long, 61 meters high, the rock is covered in summer with flowers bearing a parasite, Fungus gaulitanus, endowed with rare healing properties for blood diseases and hemorrhages. This mushroom is practically unique in the world, and is used very sparingly, reserved for a few privileged people. The rock eventually became so famous that it had to be defended day and night against potential smugglers: anyone caught in an attempted robbery incurred a heavy penalty, if not immediately put to death. It is said that a man, in order to save his son, swam the 50 meters to the rock, grabbed hold of it and took a handful of these flowers. Arrested after having succeeded in bringing back his precious booty to his wife, he was sentenced to three years in the galley, which he endured with courage, knowing that his son was saved by his sacrifice. To retrieve the precious mushroom from the steep slope of the rock (whose surface was even polished to make it impossible to climb), the Knights built a funicular from the tower of Qawra, which can still be seen on the coast today. Nowadays, Fungus Rock has become a nature reserve.

In addition to the inn of the same name, the Prime Minister's office and the Cavalier Saint-Jacques (a sort of large tower), you'll see the statue of Borg Olivier, who led Malta to independence and was its Prime Minister. Opposite the Auberge de Castille stands the statue of Manwell Dimech and, next door, that of Paul Boffa, who was Prime Minister after the war and gave women the right to vote in 1945. And a new, more contemporary work, in scrap metal colors, has come to occupy the Place de Castille, this being a sculpture commemorating the November 2015 migration summit.

This museum was devoted to the life of the Maltese during the Second World War during which the bombing was particularly deadly on the island. It is housed in a British military bunkhouse in the th century in the city walls. Completely renovated, it has seen its collections in 9 galleries, each dedicated to a period of war, bringing together 10 000 objects, weapons, etc. You will discover an exhibition of military objects and daily daily life. You can also browse the parts and tunnels (a veritable 1 km labyrinth) dug by hand by men, women, but also children and old people. Hundreds of people réfugiaient when the bombs fell. You will learn how they were dug and installed (aeration system, etc.) and the life they were driving (objects, back-back sounds).

It is the first Protestant church built in Malta at the request of Queen Adelaide in 1838, and it is built on the site of the former hostel in Germany. Built under the direction of two English architects, the first of whom committed suicide as soon as structural problems arose, and completed in 1844, it can accommodate 1,500 people. Its portal with Ionic columns and its 60m spire, which contributes to the beauty of the urban profile of the capital, are particularly noteworthy.

You will already be able to enjoy its tiny sandy beach, with shallow waters, ideal for children and where you can take a dip after a drink or lunch in one of the surrounding restaurants. You can also go up the road to the left of the cliffs to find a privileged observation point on the rocks and take your place to attend one of the most beautiful shows on the island, the sunset being reflected on the small sailing boats that have come to anchor. A promenade is set up to enjoy the surroundings.

This is one of the obligatory passages for anyone travelling to Malta and, a fortiori, to Gozo. Ramla Bay known in Maltese as "Ramla I-Hamra", i.e. the red sandy beach and is one of the most beautiful unspoilt beaches on the island. It is reproduced on many postcards and is also the regular setting for many fashion magazine photos. Reddish sand and very soft, very wide beach allowing crowds to gather there in summer. Roman ruins are buried under the sand, and the Calypso Cave overlooks the west side of the beach. One has to go back to the Roman Empire to find traces of a marble and stucco decorated villa built on this site. Surrounded by hills on both sides, the sandy path on the east side of the hill leads to Calypso Cave, a natural cave that tradition associates with the capture of Ulysses during seven years in theOdyssey. Also visible is a statue of the Virgin Mary erected in 1881 in the middle of the bay.

Advice. It's best to wear special non-slip shoes if you want to enter the water because a good series of stones cover the first few meters. Toilets and showers are at your disposal, to the right of the cafés where you can have a drink and a bite to eat when you leave the beach.

During the summer, many musical events are organized on the wasteland overlooking the beach, even allowing festival-goers to camp there. An experience to be tried.

Located in Rabat, at the foot of the fortified city of Mdina, the monastery of Saint-Dominique served as the setting for a must-see sequence of season 1. The scene of the confrontation between Cersei Lannister and Ned Stark was shot in the gardens of the priory (ep. 7). It is here that the Hand of the King reveals to the Queen that she is aware of her incestuous relationship with her brother and that her children are not heirs to the Throne. Ned Stark then advises Cersei to run away with her children to avoid the wrath of King Robert, but the queen simply replies, "When you play the Game of Thrones, you either win or die. A nice way to sum up the whole series...

Built on a mound at the tip of the Birgu peninsula, this fortress dominates the Grand Harbour. A strategic position identified as far back as Antiquity, particularly after the Phoenicians colonized the area in the first millennium BC, who, according to legend, built a complex dedicated to Astarte, followed later by a Roman complex dedicated to Juno. But it was during the Middle Ages that the Castrum Maris (seaside castle) was built, consisting of two enclosures, to protect the interests of the foreign crown in the Maltese islands. After 1530, the Order of St. John radically transformed Castrum Maris, naming it Fort St. Angelo and making it its headquarters, which also served as the residence of the Grand Master between 1530 and 1558. The former medieval castle was transformed into a gunpowder fortress by the construction of a series of artillery platforms, which enabled it to play a major role in the great siege of 1565. In 1690, Fort St Angelo took on its current appearance as a stronghold capable of defending the coast. Under British rule, it became a Royal Navy shore establishment from 1912 to 1979, and was renamed HMS St Angelo in 1933. The tour not only reveals its history through exhibits, but also allows you to visualize the different architectural styles of this monument. And, of course, you can take in the panoramic view of the Grand Port and surrounding fortified towns.

The vertical block forming part of the entrance to the Skorba megalithic structure had been known since 1914. An exploratory excavation in 1937 revealed that the site deserved a thorough investigation, but as funds were not available at the time, this was postponed and finally carried out by David H. Trump between 1960 and 1963. The results of these excavations have proved very important for understanding the Neolithic of the Maltese islands. In addition to two megalithic structures, remains of domestic huts dating from different phases of the Neolithic were discovered. The earliest remains - an eleven-metre-long wall - date back to the Għar Dalam phase, circa 5,200 B.C. In addition, remains of domestic huts dating back to all Neolithic phases have been discovered, as well as remains dating back to the Early Bronze Age. Thus, the prehistoric sequence of the Maltese islands could be put on a solid footing. The remains associated with the Neolithic phases included sheep, goat and pig bones, as well as remains of wheat, lentils and barley. All of this provided a very interesting insight into the life of Neolithic communities.
Of the two megalithic structures, the one on the left is the older and consists of three semicircular rooms surrounding a central courtyard. The passageway to the courtyard is pierced by five holes cut into the rock. The purpose of these holes is unknown. On the step leading to the room on the right, you'll see a megalithic boulder with pitted decoration, similar to others found on other sites. The centerpiece of this structure was reused in the early Bronze Age, as materials from that period have been found here. The megalithic structure on the right was built later, and excavations revealed that a domestic hut had been removed to make room for this building.
At first glance, the prehistoric site of Skorba may appear small and unimpressive. However, the information this site has provided on the builders of the megalithic structures and their daily lives is ultimately very important. So much so that this site was inscribed on Unesco's World Heritage List in 1992, along with Ġgantija, Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Ta' Ħaġrat and Tarxien. Several objects from this site are on display at Valletta's National Museum of Archaeology.

One of Gozo's most secret bays. Whether you jump in or go down step by step, you'll enjoy a gentle swim in clear, deep water, ringed by rocks on either side of the landscape. At one time a refuge for the galleys of the Knights, at another a port of embarkation for Gozitans taken prisoner by the Ottoman Empire in 1551, Mġarr ix-Xini is steeped in history. Take advantage of the stroll to take a tour of the knights' watchtower, built in 1661 and open to the public. For lovers of the deep sea, come and admire not far from the surrounding cliffs and caves, the wreck (deliberately sunk) of the Xlendi ferry. For the record, almost the entirety of Angelina Jolie's 2015 film By the Sea, starring Brad Pitt, takes place here.

Driving down the brand-new road, the view over Comino is breathtaking, and the salt marsh coastline is picturesque. Hondoq Ir-Rummien, a small beach of sand and pebbles and crystal-clear sea, is one of Gozitans' best-kept secrets. Hondoq Ir-Rummien is also popular for snorkeling and exploring the many caves in the crystal-clear, clean water. The only drawback is that a car is required to visit this beach, which is accessible from the village of Qala.

From the Greek's Gate, by taking the gardens on the right, you reach the main gate of Mdina. It is necessary to park your vehicle before entering the walled city because cars are not allowed except for local residents. In the deserted streets, protected from the sun by the high blond walls, calm reigns. On the left, you reach the ramparts to discover, at the bottom, the old Rabat railway station, a vestige of the era of the railways in Malta (from 1914 to 1938), and today surrounded by vegetation.

To reach the main street, Villegaignon Street, you take a street on the right (Inguanez Street or Mesquita Street). Villegaignon is a Knight of the Order who organized the defense of the city during the Turkish attack of 1551.

At the corner of Villegaignon Street and Inguanez Street, the 14th century Inguanez House belonged to the oldest noble family in Malta. The Inguanez were often the heads of the Università, the assembly administering the town and part of the island.

In the "Mdina Experience" square, Mesquita Square, the Cremona Gallery is named after a Maltese artist who specialised in oil paintings of Maltese landscapes and who created the monument commemorating the 1990 Bush-Gorbachev meeting.

At the end of Mesquita Street , turn left into Villegaignon Street to reach the cathedral. Continuing along Villegaignon Street, you will reach the Carmelite Church, built between 1630 and 1690 to the design of Francesco Sammut and housing paintings by Stefano Erardi. The Maltese revolt against the French (1798) really began here, as the latter tried to seize the church's property.

Opposite, the Palazzo Costanzo, built in the 17th century, sketches a history of the Middle Ages through paintings of daily life, reconstructions of Maltese houses and life-size plaster statues. A few steps further on, the Norman House (or Palazzo Falzon), managed by the Gollcher Foundation, dates from the Middle Ages. Its Sicilian-Norman style is typical of the period of rule of the Norman Roger of Sicily.

You return to the fortifications on Bastion Square where a shop selling souvenirs and Maltese handicrafts may be of interest to enthusiasts. From the square, you can look out over St Paul's Bay, the Cupola of Mosta and, in the distance, Valletta. From the top of its ramparts, the impression of dominating the whole island is strong, and its title of capital becomes obvious. You can have fun recognizing all the places you visited the previous days.

Access via Xaghra: cross Il-Pergla above Ramla Bay, lost on a moor where acanthus, oleander and acacia blossom. From the small parking lot, go to the viewpoint at the entrance to the cave: the view over Ramla Bay and the valley is superb. The terraced crops, separated by low walls, form an immense mosaic with pieces of different patterns and colors. A 20-metre walk leads to the small, low, cold cavern, which is a real disappointment: a ten-metre gut that ends in a dead end. But it was here, in the bay of Ramla in the north of the island, that the poet Homer stranded Ulysses, who fell in love with the nymph Calypso, mistress of Ogygie (the name Homer gave to the island of Gozo). Calypso held her prisoner for many years, until Athena, moved by the hero's plight, dispatched Hermes to the island to convey Zeus' order to let Ulysses go. With a heavy heart, Calypso must comply. There are underwater remains of an ancient fort built by the knights in the ^18th century. By scanning the sea from the shore, you can make out the shape of the fort. The purpose of this strange construction was to block the progress of enemy ships, making it easier to attack them with mortars dug into the rock.

Located at the northern end of the city of Valletta, Fort Saint-Elme is one of the must-see sites when visiting Valletta. Today, it houses the National War Museum. Like similar fortifications of the same age in continental Europe, the fort was defended by a cavalryman on the seaward side and by bastions on the landward side. Around 1552, following an Ottoman attack in 1551, the Order of St. John decided to build the fort to protect the entrance to Valletta's two ports, and named it Fort Saint-Elme, in honor of the patron saint of sailors. They entrusted military engineer Pietro Pardo with the design and construction of the fort on the tip of Mount Sceberras, the peninsula where Valletta would later be built. When the dreaded Ottoman invasion took place in 1565, the stage was set for one of the most tragic moments in Malta's military history. The Ottomans realized that, in order to ensure safe anchorage for their fleet in one of the two ports on either side of the peninsula, they first had to neutralize Fort Saint-Elme. They launched a massive and desperate attack against this outpost, carrying out an uninterrupted siege lasting thirty days until the final surrender. By June 23, 1565, some 1,100 defenders of the fort had been slaughtered to the last man. The Ottomans lost a further 8,000 men. But while the Ottomans never turned the fort into a Turkish prison, the Americans did: the barracks were, in fact, used as the setting for the 1978 film Midnight Express. At the end of the Great Siege, Fort Saint-Elme was restored and, in 1687, a wall was built around it, linking it to the new town of Valletta. The fort again fell prey to destruction during the Second World War: the first casualties were reported during a bombardment on June 11, 1940, the day after Italy declared war. In July 1941, the fort was again in the firing line when its Maltese defenders bravely repelled an attack by 9 Italian assault boats. Fort Saint-Elme occasionally hosts the great In Guardia parade, a military parade retracing the inspection that the great commander carried out in his garrisons in the ^17th century, with over 80 actors in period costumes.

This tower was built in 1848 by the British for the telegraph line between the two islands. Restored and now boasting a futuristic silhouette, it sometimes hosts art exhibitions. A small garden has been laid out here, where you can discover endemic and indigenous plant species amid attractive stone walls. From the garden, the view over the south of the island, Comino and Malta is superb.

Its colorful, swaying boats, ducks and cats are the recurring themes of every tourist calendar in the country. You'll also notice the small statue of Saint Julian that gives the town its name. At the water's edge, still at the end of the bay, new modern buildings have recently appeared. You'll understand what they mean when their shadows on the ground form the word "Love". In Spinola Bay, the local brass band's bar makes sure you don't forget that the pleasure town was once a peaceful village. But it's not so easy to notice. Every facade, every building is occupied by restaurants. They all try to make their terraces look bigger or better than their neighbors', but they're all a good option if you're in the mood for a romantic dinner. This is a very lively area in the evenings, especially on weekends. The atmosphere is family-friendly and chic, and most of the restaurants are quite expensive. As you walk up rue Saint-George, you'll pass the Palazzo Spinola. Its name and that of the bay come from an Italian knight who had this beautiful residence built in 1688. Half a century later, his grand-nephew remodeled it to give it its current appearance, that of an interesting and graceful building that today houses a business center. It was this same Spinola who built the small Church of the Immaculate Conception, to provide a nearby place of worship.

This tower, erected in 1652, dominates the coast. It is made of the same stone whose main quarry is dug into the side of the cliff that slopes down to Dwejra Point. It was built and armed with three powder cannons by Grand Master Lascaris.

On the road to Cirkewwa, the ferry port to Gozo. Malta's largest white-sand beach, Mellieha (or Ghadira) Bay is ideally located in the heart of one of the most popular seaside resorts in the north. Perfect for family get-togethers, the sea is reputed to be calm, not exposed to currents and shallow, and there are plenty of stalls to enjoy an icy treat after a swim. Deckchairs are available for hire, as are numerous water sports (pedal boats, water-skiing, buoys, etc.). And you can end the evening in the pleasant village of Mellieha, always lively in the evening.

A way of discovering Malta and its sights in an open-air bus (don't forget to protect yourself from the sun). Audio in French. Choice of two routes:

Valletta and the northern route: Manoel Island, Valletta, San Anton Gardens, Mdina, Rabat, Ta Qali - aviation museum and craftsmen's village, Mosta, Mgarr, Golden Bay, St. Paul's Bay, Bugibba, St George's Bay, St Julian's, Sliema seafront.

Valletta and the southern route: Sliema, Manoel Island, Valletta, Tarxien, Marsaxlokk, Ghar Dalam, Blu Grotto, Hagar Qim & Mnajdra temples, Limestone Heritage.

Opened in 1975, it is located in a former powder magazine of the fort of Saint-Elme, transformed in 1853 into a weapons room during its expansion by the British. If it allows you to visit the fort of Saint-Elme, it also exposes the history of the island in a chronological way. The visit begins with the discovery of prehistoric objects from the Bronze Age (2500 BC). Then you will be able to watch different video projections that approach a little-known aspect of this history: the different invasions of the island: the Western Roman Empire, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Normans, the Angevins, the Catalans etc. The second block deals with the glorious Maltese military past: the Great Siege and the decisive role of Fort St. Elmo, with pictures of illustrations, armor, crossbows, cannonballs. Then comes the block dedicated to the story of the two wars of the twentieth century. Large photographic panels and many objects present the military operations from 1940 to 1943. In addition, you will notice the Faith biplane, one of the three planes that constituted Malta's only defense at the beginning of the war, General Eisenhower's Jeep, which he used during the invasion of Sicily in 1943, but also the George Cross, offered by King George VI to the Maltese people as a reward for their courage. The visit ends with the historical conclusion, the independence and then the Republic of Malta leading to the integration into the European Union in 2004.

This funny village of reconstituted village - Sweethaven, a fisherman's hamlet from the famous cartoon - was built for the filming of the Robert Altman film. This unmistakable curiosity, even from the outside, is still intact and is one of the island's attractions, a kind of Disneyland grandeur in nature where one expects to meet Robin Williams or Shelley Duvall who played so convincingly. In 1980, Robert Altman stopped his choice on this cove already predisposed to camp the virtual frame of the spinach eater.

The houses of grace are real, and this surreal village has the charm of a child's dream. The village is constructed with logs imported from the Netherlands and Canada; construction took 7 months and required a team of 165 technicians, 9 000 litres of paint and 8 tons of nails.

The characters of the film, which populate the village, make the construction even more compelling.

Besides, a children's playground overlooks the bay: swings, slides, rodeo, trains, pedal cars, car-tamponneuses, rides, safaris, motorcycles and an open sky bar.

Sold in Birgu by knights, they are bought by individuals who turn their structures into residences. You will notice that strangely a house was built in the middle of the facade, leaving the side sides visible.

Recent studies have made it possible to update architectural elements dating back to a bygone era to knights, such as a Byzantine tile.

At the entrance to the old town, this superb house, in authentic Spanish style, is today the administrative residence of the Prime Minister. It has been home to the knights of Castile, Leon and Portugal, i.e. Portuguese and Spanish speaking knights. Designed by Gerolamo Cassar, like many other buildings, the hostel was originally built in Renaissance style, but the great master Pinto de Fonseca had a Baroque façade erected in the 18th century. It is the most representative building of the Knights' era.

Little sister of Ramla Bay, this magnificent wild beach of red ochre sand enjoys a strategic position. At the northern tip of the island of Gozo, the waters are transparent and the landscape of rare beauty. Much less frequented by tourists because of the 400 m difference in altitude to be made on foot. It is dominated by the Ta'Sopu Tower erected in 1667 to watch over the bay, which did not prevent French troops from approaching the island nearby in 1798. Ideal for a picnic or to rent kayaks to explore the surrounding caves.

Construction of the basilica dates back to 1678, but it was subsequently severely damaged during the earthquake of 1693. Reconstruction is long, because costly. Thus the facade was completed in 1818, the wings and dome in the twentieth century. The basilica owes its decoration to Italian painters: Gian Battista Conti for the frescoes of the dome, Giuseppe Cali, as well as Mattia Preti for his Saint George and the Dragon and, finally, the sculptor Paolo Azzopardi for a representation of Saint George (1841).

Strings are available at the entrance if you have the shoulders discovered. With great luck, you can attend a mass. There are every hour at weekends!

The festival of Saint George takes place on the third Sunday in July.

The Carmelite community was established in Rabat in the 15th^century and moved to Mdina in the 1660s. The priory's cloister, designed by Lorenzo Gafà, is superb. Don't miss the baroque refectory and the reconstructed antique kitchen. Visit the church, also in Baroque style, and note its elliptical plan. It was in this church that the insurrection against the French occupiers began in 1800, just as the latter were about to seize the church's possessions and place them in Napoleon's coffers... As for the Carmelites, today they can be counted on the fingers of one hand.

The entire surrounding coastline is a favorite with underwater enthusiasts. Often compared to the Red Sea, Inland Sea (Il Qawra) is a stretch of inland sea accessed by boat through a tunnel under the cliff, only on clear days. Always warm and spared from storms, it's a diver's paradise, where you can find fossils of marine animals and shells dating back to prehistoric times. When the weather turns stormy and the high seas are superb and raging, the Inland Sea simply ripples.

It was built on the site of an old medieval chapel, damaged by the earthquake of 1693 which, from Sicily, destroyed part of the town of Mdina. The new chapel was built in 1694 according to the plans of the architect Lorenzo Gafà. This church is dedicated to Saint Agatha, one of the three patron saints of the city of Mdina, together with Saint Paul and Saint Publius. This saint is said to have found refuge on the island of Malta, while fleeing the persecutions of the Roman emperor Decius.

This XVI century mansion was inhabited by the ninth marquis of Piro and his family. During the time of the knights, the residence was attached to the Italian language inn. It bears the name of its first owner, Don Pietro La Rocca, admiral of the Order of St. John. Today, it is the Marquise de Piro herself who gives a one-hour tour of the place.

The staircase. The two vertical paintings, The Invention of the Electric Light Bulb and The Mechanization of the Wheat Industry, were painted by Ramiro Raffaele Cali for Antonio Cassar Torregiani, the only industrialist to have lived in Casa Rocca Piccola.

The chapel, dating back to the ancestors of the Marquis, has an altarpiece painted by Pietro Paolo Caruana and showing the Virgin and Child venerated by Saint Gaetano. The treasure of the chapel includes some very beautiful pieces, donated by Popes Pius IX and Leo XII.

The room of the canopy bed. The canopy bed is that of the great-grandmother of the Marquis Orsola Agius Caruana. She gave birth to nine children here.

The green room. You will notice some picturesque details in the portraits: the little girl wearing a red bracelet for superstition, with mountains in the background, symbols of Sicily, because in Malta there are no mountains! You will also see the invitations for the coronations of George VI and Elizabeth II.

The library, with several paintings and portraits, including the watercolor of Louisa, daughter of the Marquis.

The Porphyry Room is named for its mural which imitates... porphyry (a volcanic stone). Its sixteenth-century beamed ceiling is the only one in the house that has remained intact. In this room there are several portraits of the Piro ancestors.

In the blue room, note a series of surgical instruments on the table. The blue room is also the television room (look carefully behind the panels).

The summer dining room makes you want to settle down and put the napkin on your lap, waiting for the gala meal suggested by a beautifully set table.

The Chinese room: several small vinaigrettes and other objects displayed in the Chinese showcase.

The archive room: a large collection of the family's historical documents is displayed here. They were recently organized by an Italian doctoral student.

The air raid shelters: in order to protect themselves from the bombings during the Second World War (Valletta was one of the hardest hit cities), the Piro's transformed their two wells into air raid shelters.

France has three languages represented in Birgu, with the Auberge de France, the Auberge de Provence and the Auberge d'Auvergne, all located in the Collachio district. The Auberge de France is one of the most beautiful in Birgu, with an elaborately decorated façade attributed to the architect Bartholomeo Menga.

The vestibule of this residence is modest in size, but its ceiling is Renaissance, and you'll reach a loggia via an attractive staircase. On the main door, you can see the original fleur-de-lys emblem.

After the knights left for Valletta, the inn became private property, then was used as a communal school at the start of the English occupation, then as a carpentry workshop, until it was finally declared state property.

During the Second World War, the Auberge de France in Valletta was destroyed, leaving the one in Birgu as the only Auberge de France in Malta. In 1980, a museum of political history was installed here. It failed to attract much interest and is now closed. The hostel now houses the local Council and hosts occasional thematic and art exhibitions.

Located in the main square of Rabat, it is a baroque style church, designed by Francesco Buonamici and completed by Lorenzo Gafà in 1683. It was built in honour of Paul of Tarsus, who is said to have converted Malta's first Christians. From now on it is no longer included in the visit to the Wignancourt Museum and you will have to take advantage of the mass hours to notice in particular its altarpiece, by Stefano Erardi. But it is in July that she decorates herself for the holidays. The inner walls are then covered with red damask, braided with gold, the crystal chandeliers come out of their covers and all the golden statuettes of the saints are displayed on the altar. An exceptional opportunity to admire this sumptuous and seductive ensemble.

It was here that St Paul is said to have taken refuge on his arrival in Malta in 60 AD, at the origin of the Christian community on the island. Pope John Paul II came to visit his statue here. Not to take anything away from the myth, the cave is accessed through the adjacent catacombs, which represent part of the underground tombs of the 3rd century AD. Amid labyrinthine alleys, rock-cut tombs of all sizes follow one another, some with bone fragments still in them, from the Punic, Roman and Christian eras

The Red Tower (or St Agatha's Tower) was erected in 1649 by the knights during the reign of the great master Lascaris. It plays an important role in each of the conflicts that affect the island from the eighteenth century. It dominates the entire Marfa peninsula and offers a superb panorama of the cliffs, from Dingli to Gozo. After a substantial renovation in 2001, she regained her red color. And it's likely to be the subject of a new, less important renovation. The road that continues towards the tip of Qammieh, the south end of Marfa, offers only one visibly appreciated harbor of hunters, some ruins without real interest and beautiful views.

This large mansion of the th century, typical of Rabat, is not a museum, but a particular hotel that is still the private residence office of the family owner of the site. This vast residence was built in the th century from an ancient medieval fortress. In the th century, some baroque elements were added. By visiting the places, you will find the sumptuous life train of the local nobility of the time. You walk through the rooms, the chapel, the lounges, all rich in furniture and art.

Located inside the citadel, dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption and guarded by two cannons symbolizing the power of the Church, it was built between 1697 and 1711. When it was built, money ran out and the dome initially planned was replaced by a flat roof, with a very curious false dome painted in trompe l'oeil, made by the Sicilian master Antonio Manuele. Our Lady of the Assumption was built according to the plans of the Italian architect Lorenzo Gafà. Like that of the co-cathedral of Valletta, its floor is paved with marble tombs of bishops and priests. You will notice a Virgin who looks like a wax doll and a Christ carrying his cross. These naive paintings are executed in the purest tradition of Maltese religious paintings. The baptistery is made of onyx, a rare yet local material as it comes from Gozo. Every year, on August 15, the statue of the Virgin Mary leaves the cathedral and, carried by a dozen men, goes around Victoria. It is then that the central gate dating from 1956 is reopened (now walled up since the original gate to its right was rehabilitated during the renovation, a condition sine qua non for the inscription of the citadel to Unesco) to allow the monumental statue to pass through exceptionally. The Basilica of St. George is not to be outdone, and the two processions each carry their statue through the streets of the city. This pious competition sometimes gives rise to both comic and dramatic outbursts. One year, on the eve of the procession, the wings of the statue of St. George were stolen, and neither the wings nor the thief were found. Twenty years later, the story is still being told.

The museum. In addition to its collection of religious art, the museum displays a carriage and stones that were part of the cathedral's treasure. You can also see paintings by famous Maltese painters such as Giuseppe Hyzler and Michele Busetti, priestly vestments, as well as gold and silver objects of worship.

The ancient bells of the cathedral are displayed in a niche located in Mdina Door Street (the street that leads to the Craft Center). There are five of them, lined up neatly in order of size. A small sign indicates their date of manufacture (1639 for the oldest), the name of the person who cast them, the notes they play (D, F, A, D sharp, A sharp), their diameter (from 735 to 1,472 mm) and their weight (from 400 to 2,000 kg).

In this village, overlooking the bay of the same name, you can visit this church, which contains a beautiful painting of Giuseppe Cali, the Shipwreck of Saint Paul. At the back, in the chapel of the sanctuary of Notre-Dame, the oldest sanctuary of the island dedicated to the Virgin, the painting of the Madonna is attributed to the Evangelist Saint Luc who accompanied Saint Paul during his shipwreck in Malta. The place where the chapel is called the square of 26 May 1990, since its soil was foulé by John Paul II, came to pray. It is the oldest sanctuary on the island dedicated to the Virgin.

A small museum welcomes ex-voto and returns to the papal visit.

The Mdina Dungeon was originally a slave prison, with its cells and the remains of its torture chambers. Terrible stories and amazing stories. Morbide atmosphere, but amateurs will be happy. Those who have seen The horror movie The Hostel will be in good fear…

The Auberge d'Italie is now home to the MUŻA (Muzew Nazzjonali tal-Arti għall-komunita' - National Museum of Community Art). Inaugurated in November 2018 and receiving its first visitors since December 2018, the MUŻA was one of the flagship projects of the Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture program, with the aim of appealing to all audiences and not just connoisseurs like the previous National Museum of Fine Arts. And it does so by allowing them to discover the richness of Malta's heritage and culture. Taking its name from the Maltese word for inspiration, it features a collection of over 20,000 works covering a very broad period from prehistory to modern and contemporary times. A visit to the MUŻA will also be an opportunity to see works by Mattia Preti, the Calabrian artist and knight of the Order of St. John who introduced the Baroque style to Malta; Victor Pasmore, one of the pioneers of British abstract art in the ^mid-20th century, who retired to Malta and left his mark; Antonio Sciortino, the celebrated ^{twentieth-century} Maltese sculptor, whose work reflects realism and futurism as well as the influence of Rodin; and Edward Caruana Dingli, a Maltese artist whose portraits and captures of life in Malta in the early ^twentieth century ensured his importance in the island's artistic development.

The building. Construction began at the end of the ^16th century. The Auberge d'Italie was the headquarters of the Italian knights of the Order of St. John. Its style was initially Mannerist. From the ^17th century onwards, the building underwent numerous modifications, with its last major renovation in 1680, giving it its Baroque character. As its style evolved, so did its functions. Having once served as the National Museum and the House of Justice, the Auberge d'Italie was long home to the Central Post Office, and until the end of 2016 it housed the Ministry of Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority. In order to house the MUŻA, the building has been carefully restored to highlight the various stages of its chronology. The main staircase, for example, has been rebuilt with contemporary materials to match current architectural trends, but remains the ghost of a past in the building's long history. The main courtyard has become a public space in its own right, allowing visitors to discover the beauty of this ancient building in the UNESCO city of Valletta.

Above the harbour, the Paceville district is THE lively corner of the island, with a concentration of party venues frequented by young Maltese and tourists alike. It's the place to be in the evening, especially at weekends. This urban development dates back to the mid-1980s, when Valletta's traditional Corso, where most of the island's entertainment took place, was abandoned. The district has a real attraction for the country's youth, as it's constantly on the move. As Maltese society changes and evolves with the times, restaurant, store and nightclub signs close, open or change frequently. You'll stroll from bar to club, as one after the other, they all compete with each other in boom-boom, colorful neon lights and terrace crowds. If you're a fan of cutting-edge music, be sure to pick your spots, as most of the bars and clubs play the summer's dance and techno hits over and over again. It seems that the trend in the area (and this is to be regretted) is the proliferation of "gentlemen's clubs", where men can do their business discreetly in full view of everyone...

Paceville is also known as one of the capital's residential districts. Here, you'll find a number of old houses dating from the 1920s, in the style of fine Italian lakeside residences, with Victorian balustrades and bow windows. The area has also seen the recent emergence of countless language schools. Their modern buildings have transformed certain streets (Triq Paceville in particular).

Its main attraction is the ultra-modern Bay Street shopping mall. It's even more stores, following the model set by Anglo-Saxon television. And all this while awaiting a more modern successor attraction.

The streets of Birgu are those of a Neapolitan village, with laundry hanging in the windows and a lively local life. Tourists are discreet. The town is also known for its inns. The first mention of these inns dates back to 1490 when the Order was still in Rhodes. When the Order arrived in Malta, it was in Birgu (or Vittoriosa) that it settled, finding houses that were easy to convert into inns for their various languages.

Calle de la Tramuntana (Triq it-Tramuntana) is a small street perpendicular to Calle Tabone that houses a building in the Sicilian-Norman style (or Chiaramonte) at number 11. Another building in the same style, The House of the Castellan, is located in the Fort St. Angelo.

The central square, Victory Square, has its small bars, its pastizzeria and its Band Club, the St. Lawrence. The latter is housed in a beautiful typical house with a carved wooden balcony, and its library is decorated with Maltese furniture. For the locals, this square is known as "Il-Pjazza". Its white statue of St. Lawrence dates from 1880. The Victory Monument, erected in 1705 under the Grand Master Perellos y Roccaful, commemorates the victory of the Great Siege of 1565. A stone crucifix recalls executions prior to the 16th century. The St. Lawrence Band Club is a building with an imposing facade that contains a musical archive. On October¹, the Birgu festival takes place in the square, and people parade in costume. On Easter Sunday, a statue of the Risen Jesus is carried through the streets... running.

Behind the Victory monument begins Saint Anthony Street, a Jewish ghetto dating from before the arrival of the Knights. From Victory Square, signs indicate the direction of the various Knights' inns, more or less well preserved (France, Provence, Auvergne, Castile and Portugal, England). Separated according to their language, they were grouped in a district called "Il Collachio", reserved for the Knights.

Opposite the oratory of St. Joseph, the oratory of the Holy Crucifix dates from 1721. The last battle of the Great Siege of 1565 took place in this small square; the ground was used as a burial ground for the victims. You can then walk down the steps to St. Lawrence Church, the largest in Birgu, which overlooks Dockyard Creek.

On the docks stands the church of Senglea. On the large mound planted with prickly pear trees, the bronze soldiers of the Freedom Monument commemorate the departure of the last British soldiers (31 March 1979).

This is a water park whose prominent roles are kept by Black Sea dolphins, which selfcooking you by their more spectacular jumps. You can even swim with them (book in advance, transportation and drinks included). Marine wildlife fans will also recognize sea lions and sea lions to be added to the most famous marine bird species. You'll be watching parrots, you're walking a home of reptiles, and you'll get fun in the rides.

It is the main interest of the village. It is the largest church in Gozo and has a dome 75 m high, with an external diameter of 28 m and weighing 4,500 tons. The Gozitans, very proud of their dome, wanted it to compete with that of Mosta. Although slightly smaller in volume, it is truly imposing, and its considerable height makes it the^third largest unsupported dome in the world. Seen up close, this contemporary building (1951-1971), built in a classical style and to which a flowered alley leads, is even more impressive. The architect Joseph D'Amato and the chief mason Joseph Vella, who supervised the construction of the dome, both Maltese, were inspired by the famous Basilica of Santa Maria del Salute in Venice. Its construction was very expensive, and the villagers themselves emptied their woolen stockings to give themselves this fantasy destined to surpass the Maltese monuments. You will also notice the gigantic door of the building, which measures 10m by 5m. The floor is made of polished Carrara marble and the main altar is also carved in precious marble. In an interior museum, the church houses interesting sculptures from a former chapel. They were made by prisoner artists who, benefiting from immunity on the island of Gozo, used to thank the villagers with some original works. From the museum, an elevator allows access to the dome to enjoy panoramic views of Gozo.

Apart from its collection of religious art, it also displays a carriage and stones that were part of the cathedral's treasure. You can also see paintings by famous Maltese artists such as Giuseppe Hyzler and Michele Busetti and discover priestly vestments and gold and silver objects of worship. The museum can be reached from Rue de la Fosse, which runs up to the left of the cathedral. The Bishop's Palace and the Law Courts are located in the square where the Cathedral and its museum are situated.

Housed in the Palazzo Bondi, a ^17th-century noble residence, it traces the island's history from prehistoric remains to the Middle Ages, including a fine collection of ancient coins: Phoenician, Punic, Roman and others. Once again, as at the Archaeological Museum in Valletta, you'll be struck by the quality of the works of art that prehistory produced on Gozo. A visit that's best made after a visit to the Ggantija complex.

Built in the th century, this beautiful red dome church is due to Tomasso Dingli. The towers appear in the th century.

Its current state is the consequence of three centuries of construction and evolution that make it a real work of art. It is also called "the sanctuary" and the Maltese have been on pilgrimage from all over the island.

Here is another visit that will allow you to discover the history of Mdina, by visiting the old cellars that were used to store gunpowder. It took five years of work to create the 120 or so life-size, life-like paintings that evoke the mythical lives of the knights of the Order of Malta. It is a sort of two-dimensional Grévin museum. Explanations given in five languages including French.