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Vacation Malta
The main Island of Malta may be small, but it has many sights, activities and experiences to enjoy. It would be hard to find anywhere in the world which houses so much history in such a small area. The most amazing thing about this is that a lot of it is still on show! From the Copper Age Megaliths, to the Knights of the order of St John and on to the indiscriminate bombing of World War Two, there are reminders scattered around the Island.
Valletta, the capital of Malta is a UNESCO World Heritage City and was named after its founder ‘Jean de la Valette’ the French Grand Master who led the defence of the Islands during the Great Siege of 1565. It is located on a strategic position on Mount Sceberras, a precipitous peninsula that overlooks the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. Almost all of the current architecture is evocative of the baroque style, but there are some good examples of neo-gothic. It is a truly beautiful City and there is plenty to see and do! So lets make Malta out next holiday destination.
The Co-Cathedral of St John is located on St Johns Street in Valletta, commissioned by Grand Master Jean de la Cassière; it was built by the Knights of Malta between 1573 and 1578. The stern façade was constructed straight after the end of the Great Siege of 1565. The sumptuous baroque interior shows the Knights deep admiration and support of culture and the arts.
The Cathedral contains eight Chapels, each devoted to the Patron Saint of the eight langues of the Knights. Many famous paintings are housed here, but the most famous is The ‘Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’, painted in 1608 by the eminent painter Caravaggio. Marble tombstones of important Knights with inscriptions depicting their lives and courageous deeds are in the Cathedral.
The Grand Master’s Palace is located on Republic Street in Valletta, it was constructed between 1571 and 1574; it is the President's office and seat of the Maltese Parliament. The Palace is on two floors and occupies a complete block. It was designed by Girolamo Cassar a Maltese architect (who designed most of Valletta’s main buildings). Several of the State Apartments are embellished with friezes recounting episodes of the Order's history. Magnificent tapestries adorn the Palace walls; also within the Palace is the Armoury which has displays of the armour of the Knights of Malta.
The National Museum of Archaeology houses very significant finds from the many prehistoric sites across the Islands. Pottery, sculptures, statuettes, stone implements and personal ornaments are on display. The Maltese Venus and the Sleeping Lady are the most valued exhibits at the museum.
The Museum of Fine Arts is located on South Street occupies one of the most magnificent baroque palaces built by the Knights of St John. There are collections of paintings and sculptures by various famous artists and memorabilia associated with the rule in Malta of the Order of the Knights of St John. Particularly prominent among the exhibits are the different portraits of dignitaries of the Order.
Fort St Elmo can be found at the bottom of Republic Street in Valletta, it was built in 1552 in the form of a star with four points. It was the first Fort to surrender during the Great Siege of 1565. The World War Two museum is housed here, where there is a collection of War relics, including the George Cross can be seen. The film Midnight Express was filmed in the fort. On the left of Fort St Elmo there are magnificent views of the Grand Harbour. The Mediterranean Conference Centre is located here, where the ‘Malta Experience’ which is an audio visual show depicting the history of Malta, from the ‘Stone Age’ through the ages. Walking around the ramparts of the fort is very enjoyable and it is doubtful that you will find many better views in the Mediterranean.
A bit further on are the Lower Barracca Gardens, there is a memorial that is dedicated to Sir Alexander Ball – the first British High Commissioner of Malta. Also, there are some great photo opportunities of the panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.
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