.: History of Malta
Malta is a unique gem in the Mediterranean with multi cultural influences and beautiful weather.
Maltese, our national language, is a mixture of Semitic and romance languages. This is a result of foreign conquerors such as the Order of the Knights of St.John who had their base in Malta, and the British, who later ruled Malta for over 100 years up to 1964, Independence Day.
Various remains on the island bear witness to 2 particular periods: the Neolithic Period and the period of the Knights of St.John.
Religion Dominates our culture in events held throughout the year, such as religious processions and exhibitions which take place during lent and at Christmas time. One cannot fail but notice the many beautiful churches and chapels spread across the islands. These amount up to 365 in all, one for each day of the year!
Without much doubt, this is the most popular church in Gozo, called Madonna ta' Pinu. The most beautiful and unique feature amongst other large churches in Malta and Gozo is the fact that this church is completely surrounded by countryside, with no buildings beside it. The architecture of the church is also beautiful. It is said that many miracles have happened to those people who prayed here. The photo is taken from a hill opposite the church
Since Malta gained the Independence in 1964, the architectural, social and economical status of the Islands has changed considerably with tourism playing an important role in the Maltese economy. In 1974, Malta became a Republic and in May 2004, Malta Joined the European Union.
The Maltese Islands are considered to be a showpiece of prehistoric monuments since several remains are evident all over the island. One cannot help but mention the Hagar Qim Temples, the Mnajdra temples, the Tarxien Temples, the Hypogeum Temples and the Ggantija Temples. These are all impressive and worth the visit!
This natural rock structure is found at the West coast of Gozo, at a place called Dwejra. This structure is very large and impressive, especially when one thinks how it can be formed naturally. It is called the azure window because it resembles a large window from which the deep blue (azure) Mediterranean Sea is seen
Malta’s Climate is typical of the central Mediterranean with hot, dry and very sunny summers whilst the winters are mild and a little rainy. Temperatures vary from an average of 35% in summer to that of 10% in Winter.
Malta’s village feasts are very famous in summer, boasting of spectacular fireworks, band marches and luminous street decorations. The ‘festa’ season lasts roughly from May to September and they amount up to more or less 90 festas every year.
Luckily in Malta, no place is very far from the beaches which are very much frequented especially in the summer season where temperatures are quite high. One can chose from the sandy shores of Ghadira Bay, Golden Bay, Paradise Bay and Birzebbugia’s Pretty Bay or the rocky beaches such as Sliema’s sea front, Zurrieq and Marsascala.
Other beaches which must be visited whilst visiting Gozo are Marsalforn, Ramla l-Hamra and Xlendi.
On the other hand a splendid place to swim in crystal blue sea whilst on a harbour view cruise is undoubtfully Comino’s Blue Lagoon.
Mellieha Bay ( Ghadira Bay) and Golden Bay