Egor Solovyov
April 20, 2025
BYN
Malta is an island state sandwiched between Europe and Africa, and has absorbed the best from both continents. It is an amazing combination of Italian, Greek, English and Arabic traditions in every aspect of Maltese life. Malta also represents a harmonious balance of sandy beaches and powerful cliffs, formidable fortresses and impressive temples. We go to the island in search of the most remarkable places to visit.
What does Malta mean? The name is translated from ancient Greek as “sweet honey”. All the more unusual is the combination of such a soft and poetic name with the true history of the island. After all, Malta’s past is a series of endless wars. The advantageous geographical position of the island constantly attracted invaders. Which gave rise to a large number of fortifications. They were mainly erected by members of the Order of St. John, who dominated Malta in the years 1530-1800.
The capital of Malta , Valletta, is full of forts and forts. You should not pass by the fortifications of Saint-Elmo. He played an important role in the Great Siege of Malta in the 16th century.
The knights-monks most liked to relax from the heavy military burden in the Gardens of Upper Barrakka. This tranquil retreat offers not only peace of mind, but also wonderful views of Valletta's Grand Harbor and an overview of the Bastion of Saints Peter and Paul's cannon battery.
One of the main tourist sites of the capital and, undoubtedly, an artistic masterpiece. What is not so easy to guess when examining the cathedral externally.
But everything was intended by its architect. Built under the supervision of a military engineer, the church was supposed to look like a fortress on the outside and win the hearts of those inside. In each of the 13 chapels inside you will find endless paintings, altars that have seen centuries of history, holy icons of Malta and even paintings by the master of painting Caravaggio.
On the opposite bank of the capital there is another powerful fortification - Fort Manoel. It is interesting because some scenes for Game of Thrones were filmed there.
There are a lot of places in Malta that played “silent roles” in the series. This fort, in particular, served as the Great Sept of Baelor, where Eddard Stark ended his days.
If you are looking for the perfect place to stay in Malta, tour operator TravelHub offers a selection of hotels to make your holiday unforgettable and comfortable:
Palazzo Rosaria Boutique Hotel
Central LOFT-Grand Master Palace
Birgu is one of the former capitals of Malta and, in essence, an open-air museum. It contains all the best from the past and from the present. From the past, tourists inherited the fortifications of Fort St. Angelo with a picturesque view of the Grand Harbor, the only accessible Palace of the Inquisitors in the world and the Temple of St. Lawrence.
And the present is imbued with the spirit of wealth. The most expensive yachts are located in Birgu harbor, caressing the eye with thoughts of a luxurious life.
If you have time, complement your visit to Birgu with walks to nearby Bormla (Cospicua) and Senglea. Together they form the "Three Cities" - the origin of Maltese civilization.
Mdina is another, this time the most ancient capital of Malta, founded three thousand years ago. During the Middle Ages, Mdina was a city of the nobility, for whose needs it was rebuilt.
Walking through the ancient streets of Mdina, surrounded by aristocratic mansions, from which the spirit of the past emanates, is a pleasure. You can go here in search of spiritual harmony. It is not for nothing that Mdina is called the “city of silence”.
Among the many majestic temples of Malta, two stand out: the Temple of St. John and the Rotunda in Mosta.
The Rotunda took the Roman Pantheon as a model. Just throw your head up and see for yourself. The endless dome, frozen in mid-air, has reserved Malta's place in the record books - it represents the third largest unsupported structure in the world.
Miracles in the temple are not only in the material shell, but also in the spiritual world. During World War II, the Rotunda was hit by an aerial bomb. It broke through the roof right during the service, but did not explode, which the parishioners perceived as a miracle.
Malta holds another record. She owns the oldest religious buildings on Earth - the Hajar Kim megaliths. Several thousand years ago, sacrifices and other religious rituals were held here.
Another megalithic structure, Hal Saflieni, is an underground necropolis six thousand years old. The ancient Maltese dug out more and more tombs in the rocks, which allowed thousands of people to be buried here.
Holidays in Malta are not only man-made beauties, but also natural ones. Among the natural attractions, the Blue Grotto near Hajar Kim stands out.
The grotto consists of an intricate pattern of rocks that opens from the shore and the interior. To view the latter, you will need to book a boat excursion.
What sea carved such beauty from stone in Malta? The island is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, which is clean and warm. It will be a great gift for tourists who love beach holidays.
And remember that TravelHub is always here to help you organize your trip so you can enjoy visiting all these amazing attractions in Malta.