Civilizations have flourished on the islands for at least 7200 years. Check out the stunning ancient temples of Ggantija, Mnajdra and Hagar Qim, and don’t miss the vast underground burial complex of Hypogeum: it’s spooky but spectacular in equal measure.
Malta was used as a military base by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and the Romans, who brought Christianity. Their legacy can be found in the Catholic churches and cathedrals all around the island. Many of them are dedicated to St. Paul, who was shipwrecked on Malta back in AD 60.
Little remains of the next 1000 years, other than stories of invasion and takeover. Malta became part of the Byzantine Roman Empire before being ruled by an Arab caliphate. The Normans ruled from 1090, then the Swabian kings in 1194, before a period of French rule was followed by Spanish takeover by the Aragonese in 1282.
Malta’s exquisite old cities date to the Knights of St. John, who built Valletta and Mdina from the abundant golden sandstone. Their legacy can be seen in palaces, fortifications, cathedrals and the superb vernacular buildings found all across Malta. The excellent Knights of Malta Museum in Mdina is full of information about the Grand Masters and their culture. Or you can just walk around Valletta and the Three Cities to get a sense of the old grandeur.
Malta was a British colony for 150 years from 1814, growing wealthy as a refuelling station for ships going to and from India. The legacy from this period is the language, with English spoken by almost everyone in the country.
Malta was awarded the George Cross, the only island or nation to ever receive Britain’s most prestigious medal for bravery. At one stage in 1942 it was the most bombed place in history and there are commemorative monuments across the island. Explore the excellent National War Museum to see the medal and more, see the unexploded bomb on the roof of Mosta Dome, and visit the War Memorial at Floriana.
After becoming independent in 1964, Malta has been crafting its own identity. While keeping the best of its history, the country has added a modern Mediterranean flair and lust for life. There is so much to discover in Malta, Gozo and Comino, that you'll just want to keep coming back!
