Tourist Attractions & Monuments Malta

When the sun is shining, they are a good stopover. Closed in 2009 for renovation, they were reopened in 2012 after an extensive rehabilitation plan, partly financed by European funds. Advantage: they are gardens in bloom all year round thanks to plants imported from several European countries. At the bend in the paths, small monuments and plaques, recalling the island's events, pay homage to local personalities. Twice a year (July 18 and August 15), horse, mule and donkey races are held here.

San Anton Gardens, open to the public since 1882, surround the official residence of the President of the Republic, a palace built for the French master Antoine de Paule. Among bougainvillea, roses, gigantic trees, citrus fruits and rare plants, plaques commemorate the visit of the world. This garden is particularly pleasant in summer with its dallées alleys, the gurgling of fountains and its many cats of all colors. The people in the neighborhood come to the shadows and talk. Parents take their children watching the few exotic animals a little lost in their pens. In July, you can attend outdoor theatre performances. In winter you will have the chance to see citrus trees covered with fruit: oranges, lemons, grapefruit. But it is in the spring that it appears in all its splendour when the colorful flowers compete with beauty. If you are in Malta in April or May, these gardens are a priority visit.

From the ramparts, whose thickness can only impress, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Msida creek and Manoel Island with its military fort, and in the background, Sliema the modern city. It is recommended to come there at sunset because the view is magnificent. The garden has laurels, olive trees and rare plants recently introduced to Malta. A marble funerary monument is dedicated to the Marquis of Hastings, Viceroy of India until 1824, then Governor of the island from 1824 to 1826. He died on the boat taking him to Naples.

Located 9 m deep, this cave is full of stalagmites and stalactites. Discovered in 1923, it is used by the family during the Second World War as an underground shelter.

Located next to the water polo pool (Sirens is Saint Paul's Bay champion in 2001), the tower is high in 1609 under the reign of the Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt. Restored in the 1970 s, it now houses a small historical museum dedicated to military architecture. This military monument is the first of the watch towers built in Malta by the knights of the order of St. John. Only the Tour tower in Gozo is older, but it was destroyed in 1850. These towers were to protect Malta from the rapid incursions during which many Maltese were captured and taken as slaves.

A quiet place. The sandy beach is small but pleasant. Between the village and the fort, you can also find little little coves where the rocks are covered with a gentle rock dust. Improvements made swimming easier without too much distortion of the site. The village itself is not really one: a good fish restaurant, some houses, cabana and caravans.

The Saint-Paul catacomb complex comprises a large part of the main cemetery of the ancient city of Melite. As such, the site comprises a multi-level cemetery, with remains dating from Punic, Roman and Byzantine times, and which may have been in uninterrupted use for over a millennium, between the ^4th century BC and the ^8th century AD. The complex covers more than 2,000 m², and the highlight of the site are the 24 catacombs and hypogeums, which were used mainly in Late Antique and Byzantine times. These small underground tombs offer examples of intimate hypogeum burials and feature elements that are unique in the world, such as certain types of tomb and the triclinia cut into the rock, reminiscent of the sigma tables in Roman dining rooms, suggesting that they were used for commemorative meals.
Rediscovered and studied in the ^19th century, these hypogeums invite visitors to explore ancient burial customs and an important chapter in Malta's historical narrative. Part of the catacombs was reused during the re-Christianization of the island, around the ^13th century, when an open space was redeveloped and used as a Christian sanctuary decorated with murals. The site was excavated and studied in 1894 by Dr. A.A. Caruana, the pioneer of Christian-era archaeology in Malta.

The first important church was built in 1640, at the location of a small chapel dating back to 1575, dedicated to the Conception of the Holy Virgin. At that time Msida depended on the parish of Birkirkara. The population of Msida becoming important, one decided to build a vast church between Msida and Ta'Xbiex. But finally, it is the current site that is chosen and the church was completed in 1894. Its pretty silhouette dominates the harbour.

The capital's oldest church was built in 1566 by Jean de La Valette to commemorate the victory of the Great Siege of 1565. For many years, it was the city's parish church. The façade was completely rebuilt in the ^17th century. Visible above the entrance, the bust of Pope Innocent XI was donated by Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful, to thank the pontiff for settling his dispute with the Bishop of Malta. Indeed, the bishops of Malta - who represent religious power independently of the Order - are often in conflict with the latter. Like all Maltese churches, the interior of Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire is richly decorated with three altars, which have been undergoing renovation since 2011. For the record, Jean de La Valette was buried there after his death on August 22, 1568, and remained there for 11 years before being transferred to the co-cathedral of Saint-Jean.

This church is the church of the Catholic-Catholic community of the island. This community, which is now very small, was born in 1530 when the knights settled in Malta with 4 000 Greeks. The building was severely damaged by the bombing, but the famous icon (above the altar) fortunately survived. If you arrive at the right time, the old priest will organise a small visit (in French) and will reveal the secrets of the site.

Saint Paul is considered the spiritual father of the Maltese people, which is why this collegiate church is one of the most important in Malta. It was designed by Cassar in the 16th century and is one of the oldest in the city. It was modified by the architect Lorenzo Gafà in 1629, who added a chapel dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament. Of particular note is the gilded wooden statue of Saint Paul, which was made by Melchiorre Gafà, the brother of the architect Lorenzo. It is in fact this statue that is walked around the city on February 10th, the feast of Saint Paul. St. Paul is the patron saint of the city. In the year 60, he was shipwrecked in Malta where he stayed for three months. He succeeded in converting Governor Publius, making Malta one of the first Christian lands of the Roman Empire. The interior houses other beautiful artistic works such as the magnificent main altarpiece by Matteo Perez d'Aleccio or the altar painted by Antoine de Favray. The ceiling frescoes, which depict the saint's stay in Malta, are by Attilio Palombi. You will also appreciate the paintings of Giuseppe Cali, a Maltese painter born in the mid-19th century. You can admire the sacred objects in gold or silver, the most remarkable piece of which is an 18th century silver throne, sometimes placed next to the altar. Finally, the church houses two precious relics, the bone of Saint Paul's left wrist and a piece of the column on which he was beheaded.

Led by the Dominican brothers, it is built on the site of a th century church. Completely destroyed during the war, it was rebuilt in 1960. Saint-Dominique, celebrated on the second Sunday in August, is one of the most important celebrations of Birgu.

This episcopal palace, which dates from 1722, was built on the site of the previous one, dating from the 14th century. Lorenzo Gafà drew the plans for it, but its construction was suspended so that the cathedral could be completed before this building. It is an imposing building, considered emblematic of the elegance of the 17th century. It has always been the seat of the bishops of Malta. Before the arrival of the British, the bishops were always foreign prelates. They are now Maltese.

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

In the city centre, a classic building dating back to 1796 with columns. Here, all the Order's administrative documents are archived from 1107 to 1798. The amateurs can see the evidence of the districts of nobility of the knights (the Processi Nobili), the Charter of the gift of the island to the Order by Charles Quint where his seal is affixed, the Charter of 1107 granted to Baudouin I, King of Jerusalem, as well as most of the records of meetings of the Knights in the th century. In all, about 4 million documents.

The Saint Lucia Tower was built in 1610 under the reign of Alof de Wignacourt. Built according to the plans of the son of Gerolamo Cassar, Vittorio, it serves, four years later, to postpone a last Turkish attack.

Today, its heroic past forgotten, it now belongs to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, which established the National Aquaculture Centre. On site, a large aquatic farm (closed to the public).

Dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, this handsome classical building with its triangular pediment is covered in marble. The church is defended by two cannons. Construction began in 1760, but the façade and wings date from the ^20th century.

The Palazzo de Piro is an extension of the cathedral and is also a concentration of ancient tools used for centuries by Maltese craftsmen. You will have the opportunity to view an impressive collection of over 1,700 objects, each more unusual than the last. The museum is divided into 5 parts for better understanding; in fact the creators leave it to the imagination and discussion of the visitors by deliberately choosing not to give explanations.

At the end of the esplanade stands the most visible and imposing building in Floriana: the parish church of St. Publius.It was built in honour of Publius, governor of Malta during the Roman period. The latter had been converted to Christianity by St. Paul, then a prisoner, in 60 AD. He later became the first bishop of Malta and died as a martyr in Athens. He was chosen as patron saint by the people of Floriana who decided to build a church. The first stone was laid in 1733 by Grand Master A. de Vilhena. The nave was not completed until 1792. In 1844 Floriana became a parish. Two new wings were added, as well as the columned portico in 1890. The church also has a dome and two bell towers housing six bells, the largest of which was cast in Naples. The building was severely damaged during the Second World War and was quickly restored to its original appearance thanks to an almost immediate reconstruction. Its façade is composed of a neoclassical portico topped by a triangular pediment, and a statue of Christ stands at the top of the façade. Inside there is an altarpiece by Antoine de Favray, completed by his pupil Filippo Vicenzo Pace, which relates the martyrdom of Saint Publius. Other paintings depict the shipwreck of Saint Paul and his stay on the island. You can also admire the statue of Saint Publius, dating from 1811 and work of the sculptor Vincenzo Dimech, which is carried during the annual procession.

It's a surprisingly modern building. Admittedly, some of the architectural effects are inspired by traditional Maltese churches, but in general it's... up to you. As you can imagine, much has been written about its construction, and opinions differ as to its aesthetic qualities. Inside, it's a far cry from the often overcrowded churches of the past. Sobriety is the order of the day, even when it comes to the seating, which resembles garden chairs. A real curiosity.

Here you discover the garrigue, this typically Maltese and Mediterranean ecosystem, so fragrant (wild fennel, thyme, caper...). A very rich environment. The fauna and flora are very particular: a multitude of herbaceous plants grow there, adapting to the influences of the wind, the dry rock, the sea. And these discreet plants still allow the Maltese not to suffocate in their car exhaust fumes. But this environment is extremely fragile, and we would like everything to be done to preserve these few remaining natural areas.

This small, almost island-like protrusion (a bridge spans the narrow sea channel) separates Sliema Creek and Lazaretto Creek. The Maltese call it "Il-gzira" (the island). In 1643, Grand Master Lascaris set up a lazaretto, an asylum for the sick and victims of epidemics, taking advantage of its relative isolation. In 1746, Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena had a fort built there, which was named Fort Manoel in his honor, and which gave its name to the island, the eighth in the Maltese archipelago. The fort, with its impressively thick walls, was built around a huge parade ground. It was surrounded by barracks for 500 men and embellished by the chapel of Saint-Antoine (dedicated to Saint-Antoine de Padoue) and a bronze statue of the great master. Unfortunately, the chapel and other buildings were destroyed by bombing during the last war, and the statue was moved to Floriana. The chapel was rebuilt. Today, the fort no longer has a military role and is partly home to the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Manoel Island has undergone major transformations (work began in 2013), which have enabled the site to play a prestigious role, giving it a power of attraction worthy of its privileged location. At the entrance to the island, after the bridge and opposite the soccer pitch, an amusing "duck village" has been created. Beach, river, bridge, individual or collective dwellings and old boats are reserved for the ducks, geese and other birds that have made their home here.

One of the world's most impressive collections, with 5,000 items ranging from the ^16th to the ^18th century: armor, swords, daggers and weapons of all kinds. The room on the left contains crossbows, a few suits of armor, a cannon balance weighing up to 3 tons, as well as cannons and their cannonballs. Unusually, the cannonballs are larger than the calibers of their barrels. The room on the right is mainly devoted to armor, which became the property of the Order after the death of a knight. Complete suits of armor by several great masters can be admired, including that of Alof de Wignacourt and Jean Parisot de La Valette, founder of the city. Some are beautifully crafted; others bear the marks of battle.

Renovated old mill (1724) well worth a visit. It's the only one still in operation on the island.

This historic museum, with an architecture dating back to the xiiith century, is the best preserved of all medieval buildings in Mdina, located in the heart of the old town. This remains able to capture the history between xiiith and twentieth century. With its lovely garden, the second oldest building in the city belonged once to Captain Olof Frederick Gollcher, artist, philanthropic and scholar of the first half of the twentieth century. A splendid collection of art objects that includes baroque paintings, antique furniture, silverware, jewelry, weapons, gust watches (including a single revolutionary French watch), etc., etc. Audio tour in French possible, at your pace, by choosing your comments. On the roof of the museum you will find a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding capital and fortress.

The catacombs. Unlike those of Saint-Paul, made of bare stone, those of Sainte-Agathe are decorated with numerous frescoes. At the entrance, on the left, three frescoes of the 3rd century A.D. represent Saint Agatha, Saint Paul and a Virgin and Child. In addition to the usual stone table (agape) and the hole in the ground allowing one to kneel for prayer, the catacombs contain more than 500 tombs, including 200 baby tombs, which are placed in niches carved into the wall or under the parents' grave. An area is reserved for pagans and Jews. Some tombs are dug into the ground, others are raised like large square bathtubs. Those of the wealthiest are luxuriously furnished and some families occupy an entire room. The walls of some of these rooms are pierced with holes for ventilation and dug high niches for oil lamps. The frescoes are full of symbols: for example, the flower represents eternal life and the pelican represents the Eucharist. The same is true of the "particular altars": the cross for Christ, the alpha and omega for the beginning and end of life, the dove for the soul and peace and, always, the flower for eternal life and paradise. Some rooms have columns partly embedded in the thickness of the wall. Others had a door - we can still guess the shape - with locks to prevent the theft of the pottery that was placed near the tombs.

In the crypt at the back, about twenty frescoes are dedicated to Saint Agatha, 13 of which represent her. In order to preserve the paintings, the visit takes place in the dark. You follow the young dynamic guide, armed with a torch, and pay attention to the very low ceilings - the tall ones will have to lower themselves.

The museum is both a religious and a natural history museum. Quaternary fossils and precious stones (including agate) are on display. You will also see pottery, tools and pieces of crockery found in Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman and Christian tombs (from the 8th century BC to the 6th century AD). The rooms dedicated to religious objects contain all kinds of gifts made by Maltese archbishops or nobles: statuettes, priestly vestments, candlesticks, etc. Another room contains medieval ex-voto's, medals and religious paintings.

These are the former prisons of the citadel, used between the ^16th century and 1904. In addition to the architecture typical of this type of place, you'll discover the inscriptions engraved on the walls by prisoners of different eras, including drawings of seagoing ships and handprints. It housed some notorious prisoners, including Jean Parisot de Valette, future Grand Master, who spent four months there in 1538 for assaulting a man.

Fully restored, it is now used as a library. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this magnificent residence, which was donated to the English language in May 1535 by Sir Clement. If you have the time, head up to the roof, not for the view but for the pleasure of climbing one of the old, narrow Maltese staircases.

It is without difficulty that you will find this tourist office of Mdina, installed since a few years in the very pretty museum of natural history, located on the right, once the main entrance of the city is passed. There you will find leaflets about the different activities offered and the places to visit. You will be given a map to guide you through the maze of streets and alleys. Also available to visitors are some emblematic Maltese handicrafts and postcards.

Since its reopening on February 9, 2024, it has been presenting a temporary exhibition that will be on view for a year. Entitled Une île à la croisée des chemins (An island at the crossroads ), it aims to shed light on the identity of this island nation over the centuries. The exhibition includes a year-long program of activities: conferences, events on the history of taste, educational programs for children... You'll even have the chance to spend a night inside the Maritime Museum, as it is spread throughout the museum. In fact, after several years of closure, which led to substantial restoration and revitalization of the museum, partly financed by EEE Norway grants, you'll once again be able to contemplate all the museum's riches. The story told by this museum is based on a series of eclectic objects, all indelibly linked to the history of Malta. And each telling the story of how religions, cultures and nations have clashed or even coexisted on a rock, a surrounding sea, and an ever-smaller world. We'll discover how an existing anchorage from Roman antiquity is linked to the local faith and cultural memory of the community, how the lives of men and women in Malta depended mainly on privateer incursions, their activities portrayed in local folk tales, and how, in the last century, the search for a state was accompanied by great economic anxiety.

At the entrance to the old town, to the right of the main gate, the museum is housed in the Palacio de Vilhena, a large Baroque building of local limestone, with a sculpted pedimented entrance. The museum was inaugurated in June 1973. It is divided into different sections, highlighting local ecosystems such as the small islands exhibition, Maltese geology and paleontology (fossils), mammals, the marine section, skeletons, reptiles, human evolution, molluscs and birds. The museum houses over 1,000,000 specimens, from microscopic animals to whale bones. It is also a research center for local and foreign students of natural history.
The Palazzo Vilhena, before the earthquake of 1693, was the seat of the Università, the local government. Rebuilt in a superb Baroque style, it became the summer residence of Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena. This is the only building in Mdina built by the Knights of Malta. During the British period, it served as a military hospital. From 1909 to 1956, it served as a hospital for tuberculosis patients. It has been completely renovated and, if natural history isn't your favorite theme, you can always visit the building itself. The Corte Capitanale and adjacent rooms are no longer part of the museum, having been handed over to the local council of Mdina.

This fort divides the district of Sliema into two distinct waterfronts: the first, which faces the ancient city of Valletta, and the second which faces the sea in the direction of St Julian's. A large shopping centre bearing this name has been integrated into the fortified historic point, which has been fitted out with luxurious accommodation and a pleasant promenade facing the old town. On the way, you will notice the small building of the former seawater distillery dating from 1881. It ends at the famous Dragut Point. During the Great Siege of 1565, it was here that the great Turkish chieftain (called Dargut) lost his life, wounded by a shrapnel, while he and his men tried to seize the Saint-Elme fort opposite, which was done three days after his death. In 1792, the French grandmaster Rohan-Polduc and his teammate, Knight De Tigné, reinforced the defence of this point by building the fort named after the knight. This will be the last great fort built by the knights. Doubling the cannons of Fort Saint-Elme, it provided an interesting crossfire for the defence of the port and the capital. During Napoleon's invasion of Malta, it will be one of the rare places of resistance, it will briefly serve as a garrison for the French forces before falling into the hands of Maltese insurgents. The guns of Fort Tigné were also used by the English to attack Valletta. When they left in 1979, it was used for a time as a desalination plant before being restored.

Located just outside the walls of Mdina, this small museum is built on the site of an ancient and wealthy Roman mansion, which was built around the middle of the ^1st century BC but remained in use throughout the ^1st century AD and possibly into the ^2nd century as well. The museum houses sumptuous mosaics found here in 1881. They are among the best-preserved remains of the Roman presence in the Rabat and Mdina region. The Domvs Romana highlights the private life and habits of an ancient Roman aristocrat. The central motif on the mosaic floor of the peristyle is a pair of doves perched on a crater, reminiscent of the "doves that drink from Sosos", a motif that was very famous and also widely disseminated at the time. The museum displays Roman artefacts found throughout the ancient city: amphorae, domestic accessories, marble slabs and more. The Muslim tombstones that once covered the graves of a cemetery that occupied the site in medieval times, and which were found during excavations of the site, are also part of the permanent exhibition. This is one of the highlights of the visit. It is the only museum to present a set of marble statues of the emperor Claudius and his family - works of art usually found in public spaces - which can be seen, here, in a private home.

This "national park" is just a policed green space much appreciated by the Maltese. People come here for jogging, barbecues, cycling and exhibitions. There's also an open-air theater surrounded by a small park. The view over Mdina from the stands is very pleasant. Large parking lots and straight stretches are popular with tuning fans, who on Friday and Saturday evenings take to the skids with their cars complete with fins and stickers.

Housed in a complex of three buildings dating back to the 1600s, once used as an inn and then as a refuge from aerial bombardment, it provides an insight into Gozo's natural resources and how they are used by the local people. The first floor features exhibitions on geology and minerals, with the geology section featuring marine organisms deposited between 35 and 5 million years BC. The upper floor is dedicated to the study of insects, flora and ecosystems of the Maltese islands, including Gozo in particular.

In the Maltese islands, it is one of the few surviving windmills dating back to the time of the Knights. On the other hand, the grinding mechanism of the Ta' Kola windmill was fully restored by Heritage Malta in 2016. This windmill is named after the last miller in charge, known as Żeppu ta' Kola, who single-handedly operated and maintained it with an admirable degree of diligence and ingenuity. And that almost to the last years of his life. Ġużeppi's exceptional skills as a millwright also proved extremely valuable when the islands experienced a fuel shortage during the Second World War, a period in which the steam mills were rendered inoperable. As demand grew for a constant supply of flour, Ġużeppi not only operated the windmill to grind grain for the local population, but also carried out repairs on a large number of cattle mills around Gozo, which had once again gained in popularity. Ġużeppi's legacy lives on in the windmill, which today houses an interesting display of vernacular furniture and a wide range of the handmade tools he used to maintain it. The Ta' Kola windmill is reached via Via Bambina, which faces a pretty little square characteristic of the island's typical small villages.

It is located on the premises of a former British army airfield. Local crafts of watermarks, which you can see executed on site, ceramics, pottery, sweaters, work of glass and leather, lace, wicker furniture, but also costumes and even costumes of knight!

Construction of the church, begun in the ^mid-17th century, lasted long enough for several architects to mark it with various styles, predominantly Baroque. Here you'll find a number of paintings by the famous Mattia Preti(St. Catherine, St. Andrew), given by the painter to the parish of Zurrieq to thank it for giving him refuge during the plague epidemic. His studio can still be seen at 4 Flowers Street. In the main square, a statue is dedicated to Saint Catherine. On one side of the church, you'll notice the monument to the dead of the last war, the work of sculptor C. Cauchi.

It was first called Piazza del Tesoro , Treasure Square, since the treasure of the Order of St. John was located in this square, and then Queen's Square, after the installation in the 19th century of a statue of Queen Victoria. Today it is overrun by the shady terrace of the Caffè Cordina, installed in the 18th century building that served as the treasury of the Order of St. John and whose vaulted ceilings are decorated with frescoes by Giuseppe Cali. Here you can have a drink in the shade of the statue of Queen Victoria.

After much controversy, since its construction required EUR 90 million, this new Parliament was inaugurated in May 2015. Its façade features more than 7 000 blocks of ochre globigerine stone in harmony with the surrounding Baroque buildings, alternating with reflective mirrors that shine in the sun and help to regulate the building's energy consumption. After prior booking, you can discover the interior and complete the visit with the Museum of Maltese History and Political Development.

On Malta's north coast, where hotels jostle for space on the waterfront, the Buggiba Perched Beach overlooks the bay. Numerous ladders have been installed for swimming in clear, clean water. As a small curiosity, sand has been deposited on top of the smooth rock over a strip of almost 200 m, with the promise of being able to return it to its original geological state at any time. Not, as you may have guessed, the best spot for peace and quiet.

It is located in the old town of Birgu. It is a unique building that housed the Inquisitor and the Apostolic Delegate for over two centuries, as Malta presented a singular scene in which the Inquisitors assumed their dual role as supreme judges of the Holy Office and Apostolic Delegates representing the Vatican's interests in Malta. Between 1574 and 1798, this palace served as the perfect theater for an ecclesiastical diplomat, a sophisticated residence and a court with an austere penitentiary complex for the inquisitor. Today, it is the only inquisitor's palace still open to the public. The building's origins can be traced back to the Knights of the Order of St. John, who, when settling in Birgu, adapted the existing buildings to establish their administrative center, including the former Magna Curia Castellania, in the north-western quarter of the present site. Following the Order's move to the new city of Valletta, the Castellania passed to the Inquisition, triggering an organic growth that spread into adjacent buildings until it reached its current footprint in the 1650s. Various Inquisitors undertook embellishment projects to transform the building into a palazzo romano typical of the dignitaries of Baroque Rome. This culminated in a major project undertaken by Inquisitor Francesco Stoppani in 1733 and 1734 to plans by the resident high-Baroque architect Romano Carapecchia. From then on, the stage was set and subsequent changes were mainly associated with use brought in by the new residents. Administered by Heritage Malta, the site is both a historic house museum and a national museum of ethnography.
The current experience is constantly being improved, but one can still enjoy a walk through three distinct sections, the domestic space and kitchen on the first floor, and the piano nobile, which includes both formal rooms and private quarters spanning two floors. The third part of the visitor experience concerns the spaces belonging to the Holy Office itself, including the tribunal room, the torture chamber and the penitentiary complex. The museum experience is rounded off by an emphasis on an outreach program packed with events and educational sessions, themselves linked to the religious ethnographic exhibits.

Located near St. George's Bay, on the Għaxaq-Żejtun road, this is undoubtedly one of the island's most interesting prehistoric caves. Mentioned in one of the first treatises on the Maltese islands in 1847, it was in 1865 that the first excavation was carried out and it was discovered to contain fossilized bones of small mammals, including elephants and hippos, as well as giant dormouse bones and other species, namely birds, reptiles and micro-mammals such as bats. Most of these animals are thought to have arrived in Malta while it was still attached to Sicily (some 200,000 to 12,000 years ago). Traces of human occupation have also been found, including Neolithic tools. These are the oldest remains of tools used by man on Malta. The cave was also used as a place to live for many years, and was still occupied in 1911. The cave, which is 144 m long, 18 m wide and 3-6 m high, features some admirable stalactites and stalagmites. The visit is interesting in every respect, and the well-maintained site is particularly pleasant. Għar Dalam is also a site of ecological importance and part of the EU's Natura 2000 network. An endemic woodlouse(Armadillidium ghardalamensis) can be found in the cave's inner recess.

You can then visit the Borg in-Nadur prehistoric complex, home to the ruins of a Maltese megalithic complex and the remains of a fortified village dating back to the Bronze Age. It's an easy visit, as the site is only 500 metres from the prehistoric site of Għar Dalam. Its name means "fortress hill" in Maltese, as it enjoys a unique position on the heights between two valleys: Wied Żembaq and Wied Dalam. You'll notice that its spectacular facade points towards the entrance to the port of Birżebbuġia. This site was used in both the late Neolithic and Bronze Ages (3,000-700 BC). It was in the 1920s that it was excavated by archaeologist Margaret Murray, and the excavations in the Neolithic area of Borg in-Nadur have yielded crucial information that has helped to understand many aspects of Maltese Prehistory that had previously remained mysterious, such as the differences between the Neolithic and Bronze periods. Tickets must be purchased from Għar Dalam.

The Benedictine nuns of Mdina are first mentioned in 1450, on the site of a medieval women's hospital, enlarged and completely restored in 1625. The Order is governed by very strict rules: nuns are never allowed to leave the convent, even after death. They are buried in the crypt, and the only male visitors allowed are the doctor and the plasterer-painter when work is being carried out. The public can visit the adjoining chapel, but the nuns don't open it every day, so you'll have to take your chances.

Nearly twenty nuns currently live here in total isolation, devoting their days to prayer and tending the garden. Needless to say, tourists can't visit either.

You can view their catalog online and place orders by sending a WhatsApp message or e-mail. Tickets can be purchased on site.

Located at the end of Mesquita Street, on the square with its small bar and pastizzi, under stone arches, amidst fountains and plants, Mdina Experience tells the 7,000 years of the city's history in multi-vision, presented in twelve languages (with headphones). This show lasts about 30 minutes and allows you to discover the cult of the mother goddess, the shipwreck of Saint Paul, the destruction of the medieval city by an earthquake and its reconstruction and defence by the Knights of Saint John. A show every hour.

Visit the glass factory and its showroom. Prices are set by the state, but some items with minor defects are sold out. Blown glass features colored marbling (green, red, blue) or inlays of gold or silver leaf. Here you'll find bottles, vases, eggs and animals, as well as a crystal department with glasses and decanters. Mdina Glass, the largest local producer of blown glass, also has stores in Valletta, Bugibba and the ferry terminal (Valletta Waterfront). Stores also in Mdina and Gozo (Victoria).

Audiovisual exploration through 20 million years of Maltese history! Above all, it provides an insight into the history, importance and use of the local stone that is so much a part of Malta's charm. The visit is accompanied by an audioguide. You can watch the cutting and working of the famous globigerine and create your own souvenir in the stone you work yourself. Limestone Heritage has recently been renovated and extended as part of a project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. It also organizes Maltese folklore evenings, which are very popular with tourists. Traditional music and a group of dancers enjoy a buffet dinner at a very reasonable price, including transfer.

Sculpture workshops. This museum organizes very interesting cultural-artistic stays for sculpture enthusiasts or professionals wishing to try their hand at sculpting globigerine, the stone found all over the island and used for centuries as the building material for Valletta's palaces, among others. Whether you're here for a short or long stay, you can carve this stone in the company of professional carvers. All in the magnificent setting of a former quarry transformed into a museum. Cafeteria, parking lot. Access for people with reduced mobility.

The Malta Tourism Authority is the government body responsible for promoting tourism in Malta. Malta offers many tourist attractions, including beaches, churches and famous film locations such as Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Finally, Malta has a strong focus on sustainability, with its remarkable natural parks and sustainable local products.

The Malta Film Commission is the tourist office of Malta, a Mediterranean island south of Italy. Their site offers a wealth of information for travelers interested in Malta's film industry.