Malta
Seven Thousand Years of History: A Land of Wonders
Malta is an archipelago bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, just 80 km off the coast of Sicily. It consists of many small islands, most of which are wild and uninhabited. These are places of ancient charm, where harbors, museums, gardens, and cities tell a fascinating story spanning millennia.
Malta is a treasure trove of architectural gems, where pastel colors blend with the deep blue of the sea that serves as the backdrop for the island's major attractions.
Valletta, declared European Capital of Culture in 2014, is a fortified city founded in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John— a religious order still recognized today by 110 countries as a chivalric order dependent on the Holy See, with a primarily charitable mission. The city is rich in art and culture, seen in its historic buildings, churches, and ancient architecture.
The archipelago boasts natural sites of rare beauty, including valleys filled with Mediterranean flora and fauna, and stunning coastal caves. Gozo, Malta’s twin island, is known for its lush vegetation and unspoiled nature, and is popular with hikers for its trails winding through hills and wooded areas.
Not to be missed on Gozo are the colossal megalithic temples, and in Mlara the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, the world’s only known underground prehistoric burial site.
Nature, vibrant culture, and a welcoming population make the Maltese archipelago the perfect place to escape from the world and enjoy a unique and relaxing atmosphere.
Malta: things to know
LANGUAGE: Maltese, English, and Italian (spoken by nearly 83% of the population).
RELIGION: 98% of the population is Catholic, and Catholicism is effectively the official state religion.
TIME ZONE: The same as Italy.
DOCUMENTS: EU citizens, including minors, must carry a valid ID card. Non-EU citizens are required to present a valid passport.
CURRENCY: The currency of the Republic of Malta is the Euro (€).
Curiosity
Valletta is the smallest European capital, covering only about 1 km². Every church in Malta has not one but two clocks: one shows the correct time, while the other shows a different time—to “trick the devil.” The name Malta comes from the Greek word meaning “sweet”, due to the island’s abundance of bees that produced honey. Malta has frequently been used as a film set for major productions, including Game of Thrones, Troy, and Gladiator.
Our advices
TO READ: One of the most representative characters of this country is undoubtedly Corto Maltese, the protagonist of the famous comic by Hugo Pratt. It tells the story of a sailor-turned-pirate who travels the world, never losing his compassionate and kind spirit.
TO LISTEN TO: The traditional Maltese music known as “Għana” is a mix between Sicilian ballads and Arabic rhythmic melodies. Folk music is still widely popular. The sounds of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra also hold great cultural significance.
TO SEE: Malta is rich in history and culture. The Megalithic Temples on the island are about a thousand years older than the Egyptian pyramids. The archaeological sites of Mgarr and Tarxien are among the most interesting, but Valletta, with its cathedrals and the Barrakka Gardens, is equally spectacular. Be sure to visit Marsaxlokk, a fishing village on the southeastern coast, famous for its fish market and the relaxing atmosphere of its town center. Fort St. Angelo in Cottonera is of major historical importance, and the Art Nouveau houses in Sliema are quite unique.
TO EAT: Maltese cuisine is influenced by Arab, Western, and Eastern traditions. Popular dishes include Widow’s Soup, Ħobż biż-Żejt (a type of bruschetta with tomatoes, tuna, onions, and spices), and for dessert, the Ħelwa tat-Tork, made with almonds.
