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GOZO & COMINO

Dwejra Gozo
Dwejra is perhaps the archipelago’s most spectacular natural landmark. Here, geology, time and sea have worked together to produce some of the most remarkable scenery on the Islands. The Azure Window, the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock, sheer cliffs and a rocky coastline yielding fossilized remains of sea creatures dating from the Miocene period.

Ggantija Temples (Xaghra)
The Ggantija Temples (place of giants) are thought to be the oldest free-standing structures in the world. They are among the best-preserved temples on the Maltese Islands and certainly the most visited historical site on the Maltese Islands. The complex comprises two Neolithic temples dating from the third millennium BC (3600 to 3000 BC).

The Citadel (Victoria)
Gozo’’s Citadel rises steeply above the surrounding countryside, its impressive bastions commanding a superb view of the Island. The Citadel owes its roots to the late medieval era, but the hill has been settled since Neolithic times.

Gozo Cathedral (Victoria)
The Cathedral, built early in the 17th century, is small but graceful. Its floor is made up of a mosaic of marble tombstones and ecclesiastical emblems, while its ceiling has a remarkable trompe l’oeil painting depicting the interior of a dome that was never built.

Museum of Archaeology (Victoria)
Housed in Palazzo Bondi; this museum showcases archaeological finds from the 11 phases of prehistoric Gozo, as well as the Classical World to the Middle Ages. A section of the museum includes items discovered at sea, off the Gozitan coastline.

Gozo Cathedral Museum (Victoria)
This museum has more than 2,000 items on display including the Cathedral’s archives, some magnificent paintings, clerical vestments and a silver vault. Among the paintings there are several works by well-known local artists George Hyzler, Michele Busetti and Tommaso Medion.

Ta ‘Pinu Sanctuary (Gharb)
The origins of the Basilica of Ta Pinu go back to a day in June 1883 when a peasant woman heard the voice of the Virgin Mary in an old chapel. In 1931, today’s church was consecrated and a year later Pope Pius XI raised it to the status of Basilica. The original 16th century chapel was fully integrated into the new church.

Gharb Folklore Museum (Gharb)
This privately-owned museum in the village’s main square depicts daily life in Gozo of the past. This museum is a showcase of traditional life and includes the printing press used for Gozo’s first newspaper plus a collection of old tools and clothes.

Folklore Museum (Victoria)
The museum, housed within the Citadel, contains a wide range of exhibits depicting the domestic, rural and traditional ways of life in the agrarian economy of the Maltese and Gozitans.

Villa Rundle Gardens (Victoria)
Situated at the end of Republic Street, Rundle Gardens are a fine Mediterranean public garden with the addition of trees and shrubs from many countries. An agricultural show is held here on Assumption day (15th August) which draws very large crowds.

The Xewkija Rotunda (Xewkija)
Xewkija village is dominated by a huge rotunda church built in 1971. It is Gozo’s answer to Malta’s Mosta Rotunda. The dome is larger than that of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The church has capacity for a congregation of 3000, the entire population of Xewkija.

Pomskizillious Museum of Toys (Xaghra)
This museum of toys is an Aladdin’s cave full of whimsical treasures. Some toys on display are 200 years old.

The Blue Lagoon (Comino)
The Blue Lagoon, a sheltered inlet of shimmering aquamarine water, is the main attraction on the tiny island of Comino and popular for day trips. The Lagoon and the Isle’s other bays with their crystal clear waters make Comino the ideal choice for most kinds of water sports, especially diving and snorkeling.

NORTHERN MALTA

Selmun Palace (Mellieha)
This majestic 18th century palace is the largest and the last castle built by the Knights of St John in 1783. Its corner turrets and balcony are remarkable features on this outstanding baroque monument.

The Red Tower (Mellieha)
Grand Master Lascaris built St Agatha’s Tower, popularly known as the Red Tower, in 1647. At the time of its construction, it was the furthest outpost from Valletta and served as a signal post for communication with Gozo.

Wigna Tower (St Paul’s Bay)
The above tower was built in 1610 during the reign of Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt. Today, it serves as a small museum dedicated to Malta’s rich military-architectural heritage and houses the Island Fortress exhibition.

Sweethaven Village (Mellieha)
This is where the musical Popeye, the story of the much-loved sailor starring Robin Williams, was filmed in 1980. The wooden planks with which the village was built were imported from Canada and tree trunks were brought overland from Holland to make the scenery as authentic as possible.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady (Mellieha)
This considered the oldest sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady, and has always been popular with locals and visitors alike. This could be due to the fact that according to tradition the apostles Paul and Luke visited this sanctuary. Moreover, the picture of Our Lady is thought to be one of the oldest painted Madonna in existence.

Malta Classic Car Collection Museum (Qawra)
The museum features a ‘living’ collection of a large selection of automobiles, constantly being updated through acquisitions. The current collection spans over 50 manufacturing years. The museum also houses a collection of photographs dating back to the 50’s. These pictures are of car and motorcycle races that took place in Malta during that period.

CENTRAL MALTA

Buskett Gardens (Buskett)
Buskett Gardens, Malta’s only large area of woodland, was planted by the Knights as a hunting ground. It lies next to Verdala Palace, in a valley, just inland from Dingli Cliffs. Buskett has vineyards, orangeries, olive and lemon groves and is heavily wooded with native, hardy species such as Mediterranean pines.

Verdala Palace (Buskett)
Perched on a hilltop overlooking Buskett Gardens, Verdala Palace was built by Grand Master Hugues de Verdalle in 1588 as a summer residence. It is now used as a summer residence by the President of the Republic.

Cart Ruts (Clapham Junction & San Pawl tat-Targa)
Thse curious parallel grooves hewn in the rock in many parts of the Islands have continued to defy any clear explanation. Cart ruts are usually found near sites of Bronze-age villages. They are therefore thought to date from around 2000-1000 BC. The largest concentrations of these cart ruts are on scrubland sough of Buskett Gardens, an area known as Clapham Junction; and at San Pawl Tat-Targa, or the Targa Gap’ near Naxxar.

Ta’Qali and the Crafts Village (Ta’Qali)
The Crafts Village brings together small outlets and workshops where Maltese craftsmen produce their handiwork. Ta Qali is also a popular recreation and sport area and includes the National Soccer Stadium, a Greek theatre and covered pavilions for indoor sports.

Malta Aviation Museum (Ta ‘Qali)
Housed at a former Royal Air force Station – Ta’Qali, this museum’s pride of place are a rebuilt Spitfire Mk IX and a Hawker Hurricane Ila. At the museum one can also see a fine collection of aircraft engines, models, uniforms, memorabilia and airfield equipments.

San Anton Gardens (Attard)
Probably the best known of the Islands’ gardens, it was laid out by Grand Master Antoine de Paule as grounds to his summer residence, San Anton Palace. The garden is a botanical delight. You can wander around amongst mature trees, past old stone urns, and formal flower beds. At the centre of the garden is a duck pond, with fountains and water lilies.

Palazzo Parisio (Naxxar)
Palazzo Parisio is a stately home with a history, architecture and interior unique in Malta. Described as a miniature Versailles, this opulent house is a showcase of Maltese craftsmanship at the turn of the 19th century. Its gardens are still an impressive example of classic, baroque formality.

Romeo Romano Garden (Santa Venera)
This formal walled garden dates back to the 18th century and includes citrus and ornamental trees, evergreen and flowring hedges, as well a sponds and fountains.

Train Station Gardens (Birkirkara)
These public gardens used to be a railway station, inaugurated in 1883 as a result of increased demands for transport from the villages to Valletta. From the gardens, one can get a good view of the architecture of the old parish church.

The Mosta Rotunda (Mosta)
At the centre of Mosta is a magnificent domed church, known as the Mosta Rotunda and built between the 1830’s and 1860’s. Designed by the Maltese architect Giorgio de Vasse, it is said to be the third largest unsupported church dome in Europe - superseded only by St Peter’s in Rome and St Sophia in Istanbul.

The Church of St Nicholas (Siggiewi)
The centre of Siggiewi is dominated by the imposing baroque parish church of St Nicholas. Its huge dome, visible on the skyline for miles, is a late 19th century addition to the 1697 construction. The square in front of the church is remarkable for its size, its two chapels and a massive statue of St Nicholas.

Dingli Cliffs (Dingli)
The cliffs are the most spectacular natural monuments on the Maltese Islands and rank among the more impressive landmarks in the Mediterranean. T hey rise up a staggering 250 meters above the sea in places. Besides their natural beauty, the cliffs are home to a variety of wildlife and birds.

SOUTHERN MALTA & THREE CITIES

Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum (Birzebbugia)
The cave of Ghar Dalam is a highly important site as it was here that the earliest evidence of human settlement on Malta, some 7,400 years ago, was discovered. The display area consists of two parts; the cave, which is some 144 metres deep, and the museum, which exhibits a remarkable wealth of finds from animal bones to human artifacts.

Hagar Qim and Mnajadra Temples (Qrendi)
Hagar Qim, discovered under rubble in 1839, dates from around 2400 – 2000 BC. The largest megalith at Hagar Qim is some seven metres high and weighs around 20 tons. Mnajdra is made up of two sizeable temples and is thought to date from around 3400BC. The third temple at Mnajdra is perhaps the finest surviving temple in Malta. The masonry shows intricate knowledge of building techniques and excellent workmanship.

The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (Paola)
The Hypogeum has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hypogeum is a labyrinthine complex of man-made chambers hewn out of the limestone extending some 11 meters below ground. It appears to have been used both as a burial site and as a temple.

Tarxien Temples (Tarxien)
This unique group of temples, dating from 3150 to 2500BC, are the most complex of all the temples in Malta. They comprise four temple units linked by a square court. They were the last to be built on the islands

The Inquisitor’s Palace (Vittoriosa)
The Inquisitor’s Palace, situated in the heart of Vittoriosa, is an architectural gem and one of the very few surviving palaces of its kind.

Maritime Museum (Vittoriosa)
The museum is housed in the former British navel bakery, built in 1842 over the site of a slipway where the Order of St John repaired their war galleys. On show are exhibits of expertly-made model ships, paintings, nautical instruments, weapons and traditional Maltese boats.

Fort St Angelo (Vittoriosa)
Fort St Angelo is the jewel in the crown of Malta’s military heritage. According to tradition, it stands on the site of a fortified Roman settlement. In medieval times, the fort was occupied by the Aragonese and the Angevins. In 1530, when the Knights arrived on the Islands, the fort became the seat of the Grand Mster of the Order. It was to play a heroic role in the Great Siege of 1565, when, against all odds, it managed to repel a formidable Ottoman army.

Church of Our Lady of Victories (Senglea)
Senglea’s parish church attracts pilgrims from all over Malta who come to pray in front of the statue of Christ The Redeemer.

Palace of the Universita (Vittoriosa)
The Universita Palace was erected in 1538 to house the institution which took care of the needs of the town including the regular importation of wheat.

Bishop’s Palace (Vittoriosa)
The Palace was built by Bishop Cubelles in 1542, and enlarged in 1615 by Bishop Cagliares. The Palace also served as the Bishop’s Curia, and more recently as a school.

Church of St Lawrence (Vittoriosa)
This church is built in the Baroque style and is in the shape of a Latin cross. The columns are of very beautiful ochre-coloured marble and on each column one can see the eight-pointed cross.

Safe Haven Gardens (Senglea)
Safe Haven Gardens are at the tip of the peninsula of Senglea. From there one can enjoy wonderful views of Valletta and the Grand Harbour. The watchtower in the gardens is known as the Gardjola.

Immaculate Conception Church (Cospicua)
The church dates back to the 1600s. Standing before it, with steps either side leding up to the Church, is a memorial to the victims of WWII.

VALLETTA & FLORIANA

The Upper Barrakka Gardens (Valletta)
These gardens are situated near Castille Place. From these gardens you can enjoy unrivalled views across one of the world’s largest and deepest natural harbours, Grand Harbour, and over to the Three Cities. The origins of the Upper Barrakka Gardens go back to 1661, when in effect it was a ‘private’ garden belonging to the Italian knights.

Lower Barrakka Gardens (Valletta)
The above gardens perch on the bastion edge overlooking the entrance to Grand Harbour. It commands a superb viewpoint of the harbour mouth, and over to Fort Ricasoli, Bighi Palace, Fort St Angelo and the creeks of Vittoriosa and Kalkara. Among the trees, stands a monument to Sir Alexander Ball, Malta’s first British Governor.

St John’s Co-Cathedral (Valletta)
The above cathedral is the most prestigious historical monument on the Islands. The austere façade is reminiscent of the fortifications of Valletta, the fortress city in which it stands; while the exuberant baroque interior shows the Knights’ deep appreciation and patronage of culture and the arts.

The National Museum of Fine Arts (Valletta)
This splendid palace, known as Admiralty House during the British period, was originally erected in 1570 and resorted in the 1960s. It is well worth a visit both for the art collection it houses and to see one of Valletta’s most elegant palaces.

St James’ Cavalier (Valletta)
As a millennium project, St James Cavalier was transformed into a Centre for creativity, adapting internal spaces to modern use. It now provides a backdrop for numerous exhibitions, recitals, concerts, festivals and cinema shows.

National Museum of Archaeology (Valletta)
Housed in one of the inns of residence of the Knights of St John – the Auberge de Provence – the museum contains the more important finds from the many prehistoric sites across the Islands. On chronological display are items of pottery, sculptures, statuettes, stone implements and personal ornaments.

Auberge D’Italie (Valletta)
The Auberge of the Knights are the inns (or officers’ quarters) where knights of a particular ‘langue’ used to reside. Construction for the current Auberge d’Italie began in 1574. Situated in the upper part of Merchants street and in front of another notable building, Palazzo Parisio, it has a fine façade designed by Romano Carapecchia.

Auberge de Castille (Valletta)
The Auberge de Castille was the official seat of the knights of the Langue of Castille, Leon and Portugal. The auberges were intended mainly as the residences of Knights who did not have a home of their own in Malta, and for the reception of persons of distinction who, in their travels, found themselves in Malta and in need of hospitality. Following the departure of the Knights of St John, the Auberge de Castille served as the headquarters of the French occupation forces between 1798 and 1800, and as British Army Headquarters after 1800. It became the Office of the Prime Minister in 1972.

Fort St Elmo (Valletta)
Guarding the approaches to both Grand and Marsamxett Harbours is Fort St Elmo. It was the scene of a heroic defense during the Great Siege of 1565. Today, the Fort is the setting for the ‘In Guardia’ historical re-enactments – full-scale military parades in period costume held throughout the year except during peak summer months.

National War Museum (Valletta)
The Malta War Museum, housed at Fort St Elmo, has a permanent exhibition of relics and personal memorabilia of World War II including the heroic Gloster Gladiator – christened Faith – as well as the George Cross.

The Palace Armoury (Valletta)
The Armoury above is one of the world’s greatest arms collections housed in their original buildings, and ranks among the most valuable historic monuments of European culture. The Armoury, which dates back to 1763, is housed in two halls of the Magisterial Palace.

The Siege Bell Memorial (Valletta)
Inaugurated in 1992 by Queen Elizabeth II the Siege Bell Memorial is a monument to the fallen of World War II. The bell is rung each day at mid-day.

Casa Rocca Piccola (Valletta)
This small palazzo, built in 1580, is a window on Maltese domestic culture of yesteryear. It was the private home of the 9th Marquis de Piro. It contains over 40 rooms and a delightful courtyard. The opening to the public of this private family home gives you the opportunity to see how a patrician household lived.

The Castellania (Valletta)
The Castellania building served as the Law Courts during the time of the Portuguese Grand Masters. On top of this building are two statues signifying Truth and Justice. The building was completed in 1760. It was built during the reign of Grand Master Pinto and the crescent moons from his crest decorate the building.

Manoel Theatre and Museum (Valletta)
The Manoel Theatre, built for the ‘honest entertainment of the people’, by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena in 1731, is one of the oldest theatres in Europe still in use. The Theatre Museum traces the history of the theatre in Malta.

The Casino Maltese (Valletta)
The Casino Maltese, considered as a national institution, on many occasions served as the Town Hall of Valletta, where many distinguished international personalities were entertained. The Casino Maltese now serves as a Gentleman’s Club.

Hastings Gardens (Valletta)
Hastings Gardens are found in Windmill Street, Valletta. This is a small, attractive city garden, set on the bastions of Valletta with splendid views of Manoel Island and Msida Creek.

Sacra Infermeria (Valletta)
Valletta’s Sacra Infermeria, built in 1574, was the best-equipped hospital of the Order. In its day, it counted amongst the finest hospitals in Europe. The Infermeria had six wards; the largest measured 161 metres and is still the longest and one of the most impressive rooms in Europe.

Palazzo Ferreria (Valletta)
The above Palazzo is found opposite the ruins of the Royal Opera House. Its façade resembles that of a Venetian palace. Popularly known as Palazzo Francia, from the family name that had built and owned it, it originally housed the Knights’ foundry – hence the name of Palazzo Ferreria.

Toy Museum (Valletta)
Showcased on three floors are toys from the 1950s onward. Of particular interest is a collection of Corgi, Dinky and Matchbox cars.

The Mall Gardens (Floriana)
Built by Grand Master Lascaris in 1656, this garden has a long, rectangular shape, because it had to accommodate a leisure tract for the ‘palla a maglio’, a sort of croquet, much in vogue at the time of the Knights’ stay on these islands.

Argotti Botanical Gardens (Floriana)
Laid out in the 18th century as a private garden belonging to Grand Master Pinto, Argotti became a botanical garden a century later. It has a rich collection of trees and shrubs from oaks to oleanders and potted plants, especially cacti.

San Maison Garden (Floriana)
Down the road from the Police Headquarters is a garden set on five levels. The garden has a conservatory, several speciments of local flora in pots and a large number of tall trees and palms. At its highest point, is a watch tower with a splendid view over Pieta Creek.

The Curia (Floriana)
Next to Argotti Gardens and fronting the Police Headquarters, stands the Curia Administrative Palace, or what was originally known as the “Our Lady of Manresa House”. The Jesuits built this edifice in 1740.

MDINA & RABAT

Cathedral of St Paul (Mdina)
The skyline of Mdina, with its baroque cathedral, bastions and palaces, is an imposing landmark visible throughout central Malta. The Cathedral is the architectural heart of this elegant, walled city, and lies on the site of a much earlier Norman church destroyed by a violet earthquake in 1693.

Archbishop’s Palace (Mdina)
Mdina has always been the seat of the Bishop of Malta. The Archbishop’s Palace, which was built in 1722, serves as the residence of the Archbishop of Malta.

Vilhena Palace (Mdina)
Vilhena Palace has a fine baroque façade and an impressive entrance courtyard, both of which one notices on the right when entering Mdina through Notabile Gate.

Mdina Cathedral Museum (Mdina)
Originally a seminary, the museum today is one of the most outstanding religious museums in Europe. A small chapel is found on the second floor exhibiting church vestments. It also exhibits an impressive cross-section of sacred art, famous paintings, a coin collection, Roman antiquities and original documents from time of the Inquisition.

Banca Giuratale (Mdina)
After Grandmaster Vilhena had confiscated the original Ministerial Palace for his own use, the Universita (local government) found its new seat in this building. During the revolt against the French, a national assembly came together here.

Palazzo Santa Sophia (Mdina)
The basement of this house is assumed to be the oldest in ‘Siculo-Norman’ style and dates back to 1233.

Casa Inguanez (Mdina)
This is the palace of the oldest noble family of Malta, and was originally built in 1370. The house contains numerous paintings, valuable documents, art objects and a collection of sedan chairs.

Norman House (Mdina)
Palazzo Falzon, generally known as the Norman House, is the best-preserved medieval building in Mdina. Built in 1495, it was occupied by the first Grand Master in Malta, L’Isle Adam, when the Knights arrived here in 1530.

Casa Testaferrata (Mdina)
This house was the seat of the old noble family Testaferrata. Historians believe that in Roman times, on the site of this building there was a temple dedicated to Apollo.

Palazzo Gatto Murina (Mdina)
Palazzo Gatto Murina, one of the earliest ‘Sicula-Norman’ structures (i.e. built between 1100 and 1530), was erected during the latter part of the 14th century. An audiovisual show “Tales of the Solent City” is housed inside the Palazzo.

Howard Gardens (Rabat)
The above gardens are one of the biggest public gardens in Malta. These gardens from a natural border between Rabat and neighbouring Mdina.

Xara Palace (Mdina)
This palace is a small very upmarket family-run hotel. The history of the late 17th Century Xara Palace is inextricably linked to that of Mdina, its walls forming part of the city walls that make up its impressive bastions.

The Roman Domus (Rabat)
The mosaic pavements in the ‘Roman house’ at Rabat rank amongst the finest and oldest mosaic compositions from the western Mediterranean, alongside those of Pompeii and Sicily. They were discovered in 1881 just outside Mdina in the remains of a rich and sumptuously decorated town house of the Roman period.

St Paul’s Catacombs (Rabat)
The Maltese Islands are rich in late Roman and Byzantine burial sites. St Paul’s Catacombs are a typical complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 4th century AD. St Paul’s Catacombs represent the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.