With over 7,000 years of history, Malta is the ultimate holiday destination for any history buff! Home to some of the oldest free-standing temples in the World, the Islands have also played host to the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Knights of St. John, Napoleon and the British Empire. A jaunt to its phenomenal fortifications, and an open-mouthed-gape at its truly awe-inspiring architecture, is a must.
Ancient temples like Hagar Qim & Mnajdra are dotted around the island and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a must see! They are so old that no one fully knows who built them.
The capital city of Valletta is considered a UNESCO site in its entirety, and is the legacy of the Knights of Malta, built on Mt Sciberras after the siege by the Ottomans. The crown jewel of this city is St Johns Co Cathedral, which is the burial place of all grand masters, and houses the only signed Caravaggio in existence, “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist”. Another notable must-see is the recently refurbished Grandmaster’s Palace, which has one of the largest collections of weaponry anywhere in the world.
Valletta’s unique UNESCO status has also shaped its hotel industry. Building limitations in the city have created a boutique hotel boom, increasingly popular with honeymooners and couples.
In modern time, the standout period is the 162-year British rule which ended in 1964. Originally invited by the island’s population to remove Napoleon, the British rule shaped many aspects of modern Malta from its language and gastronomy to even its passion for football and structure of its legal system. One of Malta’s official languages is English, and it also has the oldest Manchester United fan club outside of the UK.
This long occupation by the British also left behind British phone boxes dotted around the island. It was also home to Princess Elizabeth before she became Queen. These were days that she described as “the best of my life”, and is where she celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary.
British influence can be seen mainly in the harbour areas which can be amazingly viewed from the Upper Barraka gardens, and give an amazing sense of how it must have looked when it housed the Mediterranean fleet during the second world war. The British influence can also be viewed in the countless museums, such as the Maritime Museum & the Lascaris War Rooms.
A tour of “Underground Valletta” is also available (run by Heritage Malta). Catch an insight into how people lived during the Blitz of Valletta which was the most heavily bombed capital city of WW2.
The history of Malta is not only seen in its building but also through its gastronomy. Heritage Malta, the body responsible for caring for the nation’s sites, has a “taste through history” product which showcases dishes as they were cooked by the knights of Malta.
Its wine, especially its nativist grape varieties, has been produced since the time of the Romans, and helps to show a very clear link between Malta past and present. The salt pans on Gozo also produce some of the best salt anywhere on earth and have been in constant use since the times of Romans and can be visited to this day, where you can still purchase this amazing seasoning.
The history of Malta is not only found on land but under the sea. With over 120 wrecks ranging from Phoenician ship wrecks to German U boats, this is a great way to see the nation’s history.
The city of Mdina, the old capital of Malta, is also a cornerstone of our history. With over 4000 years of history, Mdina’s incredible backdrops have provided the set for many films and TV shows, such as playing Kings Landing in the famous Game of Thrones series.
Indeed, the constant conquest of Malta has allowed it to create a booming film industry with classics such as World War Z doubling up as Jerusalem, and well as hosting Troy, Napoleon & Gladiator, all historical epics.
For anyone who enjoys historical holidays, especially those with a fascination for renaissance Europe, this is a must-visit destination. Not only does Malta have a plethora of things to do, but its accommodation and gastronomy shaped by its historical legacy & close flight times and high safety rates make this a great option for not only a couple’s break but a great family holiday. In Malta you can always #ExploreMore.
Next steps
For more information on holidays to Malta, call Silver Travel Advisor on 0800 412 5678.
