Marsaskala: A Travel Guide

The seaside village of Marsaskala (also referred to as Wied il-Għajn locally) lies in the south east of Malta, very close to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

Built around a small natural harbour, Marsaskala has been popular with fishermen since antiquity, and continues to be popular even today.

Although archaeologists found evidence of Roman settlements around Marsaskala, the area remained largely unpopulated until recent times. It seems that since the natural harbour was easily accessible by invaders, people were afraid of settling in the area. Just a hundred years ago, there were only a handful of residences in the area, and these were fortified by their owners. The locality is home to around 12,000 inhabitants although, similarly to Mellieħa,

it’s a popular location to stay during the summer months for locals (having summer residences there) as well as tourists. Having said that, Marsaskala is by no means a tourist hotspot and still relatively quiet at that time of year still.

St Thomas Tower

Grand Master Wignacourt commissioned the building of St Thomas Tower out of his own pocket, building it on a plot of land he had bought. It cost him 12,000 skudi, a huge sum for the time and is bigger than other towers built by the Order of St John.

The reason is that, apart from guarding the bay, it was also used for storing weapons. The eighteen-metre high tower, which was named after a small chapel dedicated to St Thomas, has four small bastions, one in every corner.

The walls are five metres thick and a wide dry ditch runs all round the tower. A small window in the basement looks over the front battery which was armed with cannons and faced the sea. The tower used to have a drawbridge.

Mamo Tower

Mamo Tower was built in 1657 by the Mamo family. It can be found in the area known as Tar-Rumi, on the road leading to Żejtun. Built in the form of a cross, it has a small dry ditch around it and used to have a drawbridge.

On the inside, Mamo Tower has a big circular room in the centre, with three lateral smaller rooms opening into each of the arms. The fourth arm contains a flight of stairs leading to the roof. It was recently renovated by Din l-Art Ħelwa, a government owned organisation.

Tal-Buttar Tower

This tower, although privately owned, has been declared a national monument due to its unique features. Tall-Buttar Tower in fact contains a watermill within it and the machinery of the watermill is probably one of the best surviving examples in the Malta.

San Gaetan Chapel

The same family that built Mamo Tower built St Gaetan Chapel in1657. This chapel and its saint were very sought after by local fishermen and their devotion is reflected in the inscriptions still visible on the stone of the medieval building.

St Anthony Chapel

Originally within the limits of Żejtun, this chapel is dedicated to St Anthony of Padua and was built in 1675. The feast of St Anthony is still held annually on June 13th with a mass and a short homily.

Small loaves of bread are distributed among the congregation on this day. Within the chapel there’s a small statue of St Anthony which used to be taken out to sea by Maltese fishermen. They lowered the statue into the sea praying and hoping for a good catch. And farmers used to lower it inside their wells during droughts.

The Three Crosses monument

The origins of the Three Crosses monument are shrouded in mystery. Over the years, there have been many different interpretations as to why it was built. Among the popular theories are that three monks were killed by Turks and buried there; a man died of the plague and was buried at the site by the people of Żejtun; an elderly hermit was buried three times in that place, after arising from death. Another less fantastical theory suggests that the Monument of the Three Crosses was built around 1615 to indicate the confines between Żejtun and Żabbar.

Żonqor Point Salt Pans

All along the coast of Marsaskala salt pans are a common sight, especially at Żonqor Point and also towards St Thomas Bay. These historic salt pans, called salini by the Maltese, have been carved out into the top layer of rock in squarish shapes. When filled with water, these salt pans make for an interesting sight to behold, especially at sunset.

Riħama Battery

Riħama Battery lies on the southern end of St Thomas Bay. It used to be an artillery battery built by the Order of the Knights between 1714 and 1716 as one of a series of coastal fortifications around the coasts of the Maltese Islands. The building still exists but has long since fallen into disrepair.

Why it’s worth staying in Marsaskala

Marsaskala is a nice authentic town with a laid-back atmosphere. Cafes, bars and restaurants are plenty and the harbour area, with its wide promenade, offers a fantastic venue for quiet strolls by the water.

The nearby beaches of St Thomas Bay and St Peter’s Pool also attract many swimmers. Other than to chill out, Marsaskala does not offer much else. There are some historical towers worth a visit. Also chapels and salt pans that might be interesting. Overall, however, this is a village where one goes to relax.

It’s a good and quieter alternative to avoid the hustle and bustle of busy tourist resorts like Sliema, St. Julian’s and Buġibba, but really only if you’re looking for a quiet holiday by the sea. If your main priority is to explore Malta, there are better, more central options to stay in.

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5 Amazing Places To Visit In Mdina Malta

Entirely surrounded by ancient ramparts, Mdina Malta is a magical place where the modern age seems far away. This picturesque, medieval walled city has a special enchantment, found in the enclosed labyrinth of narrow, twisting streets and the old sandstone buildings that glow a rosy hue in the sunlight. Quiet lanes lead to shaded courtyards, and magnificent palaces are hidden behind large wooden doorways. Mdina (also known as Città Vecchia) is a popular day-trip destination from Valletta, but by evening, the town lives up to its reputation as the “Silent City.” Mdina overlooks a tranquil countryside of rolling hills, and borders Rabat outside its western ramparts. In contrast to the more touristy Mdina, Rabat is a real working city with several interesting historical attractions, all within walking distance from Mdina.

Mdina Citadel

As a typical walled city, Mdina’s immense ancient ramparts give the town a fairy-tale charm. Enclosing a little warren of narrow lanes and stately old buildings, the town’s fortifications date back to the medieval period when the city was ruled by the Arabs and Normans. The most obvious influence of the Arab occupation is Mdina’s labyrinthine street plan. The winding streets and pedestrian alleyways are characteristic of Islamic urban design in the Maghreb (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) during the Middle Ages. The town’s Baroque Main Gate was built in 1724. The escutcheon bears a coat of arms, while statues of growling lions stand proudly in the front of the gate. Once visitors enter this doorway by foot, they leave the 21st century behind. Only residents’ cars are allowed inside. Within Mdina’s ramparts, it feels like an escape to a bygone world. Graceful squares and quiet streets are lined with elegant aristocratic palaces and ornate Baroque churches. Street signs are scripted on porcelain plaques. The bastions of the ramparts, including the Saint John’s Bastion and Saint Martin’s Bastion, provide excellent viewpoints of the idyllic countryside surrounding Mdina. But the atmosphere within the ramparts is even more enchanting. To discover the romantic old-world ambience within Mdina’s ramparts, it’s recommended to take a guided walking tour. On the two-hour Mdina Private Walking Tour, a guide leads tourists through Mdina’s maze of winding streets, strolling past the city’s must-see historical landmarks, while providing interesting commentary along the way.

Cathedral of Saint Paul

This splendid Baroque cathedral was designed by Lorenzo Gafà with a handsome facade featuring Corinthian columns. The bright and spacious interior has an inspiring dome that allows light to flood into the sanctuary. The cathedral’s opulent decor features marble inlay floors, gilded detailing, pink marble columns, and breathtaking ceiling paintings.

Wonderful treasures of art are displayed throughout the cathedral’s various chapels. The most prized possession is the 14th-century Byzantine icon of the Madonna in the Chapel of the Sacrament, surrounded by a bejeweled frame in front of a dazzling altarpiece.

Palazzo Falson

The second oldest building in Mdina, this magnificent 13th-century palazzo exemplifies Sicilian-Norman style. During the Middle Ages, the palace was home to Maltese nobles. It is now a museum open to the public. Unusual among historic palaces, the Palazzo Falson displays the original decor of Oriental rugs, antique furniture, and fine paintings. The library contains more than 4,500 books, and the kitchen displays the old cooking equipment. Each of the rooms on display is a treasure trove of art works.

Highlights of the palace’s art collection include 17th-century paintings by Sir Anthony Van Dyck; Nicolas Poussin; Bartolomé Esteban Murillo; and Mattia Preti, the most famous painter of Malta. There is also an impressive assortment of jewelry, hand-painted Brisé fans, and antiquities such as ancient Roman coins. One of the most prized possessions of the Palazzo Falson is the Alof de Wignacourt Medal dating to 1607, a rare medal depicting the Grand Master.

Carmelite Priory

Hidden behind an elegant Baroque facade is the spiritual retreat of the Carmelite Priory, one of the most important religious buildings in Mdina. Built in the 17th century, the beautifully renovated Carmelite Priory is still a functioning monastery run by theOrder of the Brothers of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel and is the only priory in Malta open to the public. Visitors may participate in the priory’s daily prayers, Mass, and meditation services or take a guided tour.

The priory features a refectory, where monks take their communal meals, and a typical monastic cloister centered around a tranquil courtyard. A highlight of the priory, the Carmelite Church is considered one of the most important Maltese Baroque churches. Visitors can admire the church’s exquisite frescoes in the dome, as well as exceptional paintings by renowned artists includingGiuseppe Calìand Mattia Preti.

Palazzo Vilhena

Mdina’s Natural History Museum is housed within the former Magisterial Palace of Justice, an impressive 18th-century building. The palace was designed in Parisian Baroque style for the Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena. The museum has extensive Geology and Paleontology collections.

Other exhibits display the natural habitats of Maltese birds, fish, and mammals. Special sections are dedicated to Malta’s national bird, the blue rock thrush (Il-Merill) and national plant (Widnet il-Bahar). The museum is also worth visiting just to see the gorgeous interior of the Palazzo Vilhena.

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6 Traditions and Customs From Malts That You Should Know About

Malta has its own traditions and customs that are still followed today. Whether you believe they work or not, many are meant to ward off evil and keep households safe. Here are just a few you might witness while visiting the island.

Maltese Treats

Figola, almond-flavoured iced biscuits, appear freshly made in bakeries across the island in the lead up to Easter. They are commonly shaped as symbols of Christianity, such as a cross, fish or heart. Alternatively, all year round, you can find Maltese sandwiches. This combination of tomato paste, tuna, onion and Mediteranean fruits, such as olives and capers, is usually piled on thickly cut Maltese bread. Add a little goat’s cheese for a delicious and healthy meal made in households and eateries across the island.

Early Career Choices

Line up relevant items in front of a one-year-old to determine their future career. If the toddler chooses an egg, a full house is on the way. Rosary beads? You have a future nun or monk. A pen? Maybe a lawyer, writer or notary.

Confusing the Devil

There are a number of churches across the island, and many of them have two clocks on the exterior of the belfries. It is perhaps advisable not to rely on these clocks, as only the clock on the right should display the correct time. This is meant to confuse the devil and keep evil spirits from entering Mass.

Attend a Carnival in the Capital

Although carnivals take place in several villages, the best are found in Valletta, with other villages not far behind. Dating back to the rule of the Knights of the Order of St John, these carnivals are among the oldest celebrations on the island. The streets come alive with brightly coloured processions of floats, costumes, dancing and music, and the celebrations last for four days and have no theme other than the brighter the better.

Turn Around Bad Luck

Many older traditional houses and barns have a set of horns above the doorway to keep out bad luck. If that weren’t enough, tradition also dictates that it’s bad luck to sweep at night. Any dust that has been swept from a house (usually by the early-rising Maltese ladies who are extremely house proud) should be brushed into the middle of the road and outside the home. Then, a line of sea salt is placed across the threshold.

Alternative Uses for Bread

Summers in Malta are long, so when winter hits, and it starts to rain, it rains a lot. Throwing a piece of Saint Anthony’s bread, ħobz ta Sant Antnin, into the road is said to stop a downpour. Offering the same St Anthony money will help you quickly find any lost objects. Leftover bread (of any kind) should be kissed before placing it in the bin.

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5 Places To Visit In Valletta Malta

Valletta is a distinguished city with a legendary past. The UNESCO-listed capital of Malta stands proudly on one of Europe’s grandest harbours, surrounded by some of the mightiest fortifications in the world. The city’s history is tied to the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, an 11th-century order that provided shelter for pilgrims in the Holy Land and took on a military role to defend Christianity. In 1530, the Spanish King, Charles V, gave Malta to the Knights. Once Valletta became the new military fortress of the Order of Saint John, the knights set out to create a capital city equal to Europe’s finest. The grand Baroque architecture reflects the knights’ stature as aristocrats from the noblest families in England, France, Spain, and other European countries. Valletta is called “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen.” Today, Valletta is a real working city and a fascinating tourist destination packed with cultural attractions. Here are 5 places to visit in Valletta Malta, that we think you ought to see:

Saint John’s Co-Cathedral

Saint John’s Co-Cathedral reflects the wealth and importance of the Knights of Malta, who protected Europe and the Catholic faith from attacks by the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century. This cathedral, with its opulent, flamboyant Baroque interior, was built as a symbol of the Knights’ success. The nave features opulently decorated, ostentatiously gilded walls and gorgeous ceiling paintings by Mattia Preti, Malta’s most famous painter. The most renowned artwork in the church is The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio in the Oratory.

The various chapels of Saint John’s Co-Cathedral reflect the different “languages” (regions) of the Knights of Malta who hailed from many different countries in Europe. Among the eight chapels are a few must-see highlights: The Chapel of the Langue of Aragon (the region of Catalonia and Navarre in Spain) features Mattia Preti’s painting of Saint George on a white stallion after slaying a dragon. The Chapel of the Language of Italy displays the famous work of Saint-Jerome Writingby Caravaggio.

Address: Saint John’s Street, Valletta

Grand Master’s Palace

Valletta’s most monumental building, the Grand Master’s Palace stands in the center of Palace Square, which is often used for traditional ceremonies. Grand Master Fra Pietro del Monte commissioned the palace in the 16th century as a residence for the Knights of Malta. Part of the building is now used as the Presidential Palace, serving as the office for the President of Malta. The rest of the building is open to the public as a museum.

Tourists enter through an impressive courtyard, which leads upstairs to grandiose hallways with lavish 18th-century Baroque ceiling paintings. The enormous State Rooms are richly decorated with gilded moldings and works of art, such as a series of murals that illustrates a complete narration of the Great Siege of 1565. The Hall of the Ambassadors, also known as the “Red Room,” is adorned with portraits of the Grand Masters, who led the knights to victory. One of the paintings depicts the dignified-looking Grand Master Jean de Vallette, founder of the city of Valletta.

Address: Palace Square, Valletta

National Museum of Archaeology

The National Museum of Archeology is housed in the former Auberge de Provence, the historic residence of the knights originating from the Provence region in France. The building dates to 1571 and is a wonderful example of Baroque architecture. The Grand Salon is especially noteworthy, with its richly painted walls and wood-beamed ceiling. The museum’s exceptional archaeology collection tells the story of Malta through a chronological presentation. Exhibits include prehistoric artifacts and architectural elements found at megalithic sites, as well as ancient Roman objects and medieval antiquities.

The museum is renowned for its Prehistoric collection, an extensive array of artifacts from the Maltese Islands’ megalithic temples. These Neolithic-era archaeological finds include 6,000- to 7,000-year-old pottery, ornaments, altars, limestone statuettes, terra cotta bowls, and cult utensils. One room contains models of the five best-preserved temples. The headless “Fat” statues of the Tarxien Temples are displayed here.

Address: Auberge de Provence, Republic Street, Valletta

Manoel Theatre

This magnificent little theatre was commissioned in 1731 by António Manoel de Vilhena, Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, to meet the local demand for operas, pageants, and theatrical performances. With this distinguished heritage, the Manoel Theatre ranks among the oldest theatres in Europe. The lavishly decorated auditorium features gilded box seats and plush velvet chairs. Every seat in the house offers a good view, and the acoustics of the oval room are excellent.

Visitors may take a self-guided tour with an audio guide. There is also an interesting calendar of theatrical events including music concerts and classic opera. For tourists, one of the most delightful things to do in Valletta is to attend an evening performance in this sensational historic setting. In January, the Manoel Theatre hosts a two-week Baroque Festival featuring the music of Vivaldi and Bach.

Address: 115 Old Theater Street, Valletta

Valletta Waterfront

Overlooked by many tourists, the Valletta Waterfront is a popular spot among locals. The elegant Baroque buildings along the Marsamxett Harbour were once used as warehouses. The row of buildings was commissioned in the 18th century by Grand Master Pinto for the purpose of storing goods such as grain, vegetables, and fish. The doors were painted in different colours to indicate the type of contents stored inside; yellow represented wheat, and blue was for seafood. The warehouse buildings have been beautifully restored, and the pathway has been enlarged. Fringed with shady trees and leafy palms, the spacious waterside promenade is lined with trendy restaurants. This is one of the best places to visit in Valletta for an atmospheric meal by the harbour.

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5 Amazing Places To Visit in Malta

Surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily, the Maltese Islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) have a fascinating heritage. Being close to Tunisia, there is a distinct North African influence. The Maltese language is derived from Arabic mixed with Italian. The country is also fiercely proud of the legendary Knights of Malta, who fought off the Turks and launched the Crusades. Under the scorching sunshine, Malta’s palm-tree fringed landscape is dotted with picturesque hilltop towns, peaceful seaports, colourful old fishing villages, and natural attractions. The capital of Valletta is an ideal base to explore the Island of Malta. Tourists will appreciate Valletta’s array of hotels, restaurants, historical sites, and cultural events. Across the harbour, Sliema has less culture but more entertainment options and caters to students on school breaks. The Island of Gozo is the best choice for relaxing beach vacations. Malta’s weather is perfect in spring and autumn. During the hot summer months, villages come to life with religious festivals and outdoor concerts. Plan your visit to these enchanting islands with our list of the top tourist attractions in Malta.

Valletta

A strategically important seaport, Valletta is the elegant capital of the Republic of Malta. The entire city is testimony to the grandeur of the Knights of Malta, the European nobleman who were granted the Maltese Islands by the King of Spain in 1530. The knights created a capital worthy of their aristocratic stature, on a par with other great European capitals. Valletta’s regular grid plan and orderly public squares reveal the knights’ logical 16th-century urban planning.

Tourists can easily navigate this small city that is bounded by two harbours: the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. The heart of the city is Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, a 16th-century church built by the different Orders of the Knights, hailing from various countries such as France, Spain, and Italy. Visitors are surprised by the lavish interior with its opulent gilded decor.

Island of Gozo

Gozo Island is the most idyllic destination of the Maltese Islands. With its quiet towns and pristine beaches, this little island is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing vacation for several days or even a weeklong stay. Although Gozo is less developed than Malta, the island has plenty of cultural attractions: a fortified medieval city, Victoria; a bustling seaside resort, Marsalforn; and the most important archaeological site of the Maltese Islands, Ggantija Temples, dating back to around 3500 BC. Visitors enjoy the island’s bucolic landscape, a delightful retreat from the modern world. A patchwork of small farms covers gently rolling hills and valleys. Hillsides lead down to protected beaches and quaint old fishing ports. A favourite beach is at Ramla Bay with a wide, sandy shore and gentle waters that are safe for swimming. There are also traditional villages perched on hilltops and surrounded by valleys.

Town of Mdina

Mdina offers an escape to a fairy-tale city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this enchanting medieval hilltop town is steeped in history. Tourists must pass through the dramatic Main Gate to enter the city, giving the impression of walking back in time. Within the city’s immense, ancient ramparts is a delightful world of car-free streets and beautiful, old sandstone buildings. The most important monument in Mdina is the Cathedral of Saint Paul, a glorious Baroque building designed by the Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa. The lavishly decorated sanctuary features a magnificent dome, marble columns, gilded details, and gorgeous ceiling paintings. The cathedral possesses a precious 12th-century icon of the Madonna and renowned works of art by celebrated Maltese painter Mattia Preti.

To get a sense of Medina’s former glory, tourists should visit the historic palaces. The Palazzo Vilhena (Saint Publius Square) is a stately 18th-century Magisterial Palace that now houses Malta’s superb Natural History Museum with geological exhibits such as fossils, birds’ eggs, and bird nests.

The Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is approached by a winding road on a cliff high above the Mediterranean Sea. The spectacular coastal scenery provides an exciting introduction to the nature site. The breath-taking seaside scenery and limestone caves here are a picture of pure serenity. The water shines a brilliant blue in the sun. According to mythology, the Blue Grotto was home to the sirens (sea nymphs), who captivated sailors with their charms. Tourists can take a guided boat tour in one of the brightly painted Maltese fishing boats called luzzus. Boats leave frequently year-round, when the sea is calm. The 20-minute joyride speeds through the sea past six caves, including the Blue Grotto, a 30-meter-high cave with a deep pool of water. The best time to visit is early in the day, ideally before 2pm, when the sunlight best illuminates the water. The village of Wied iz-Zurrieq (just one kilometer away from the Blue Grotto) has many souvenir stores, ice-cream shops, and cafés, as well as cliffside restaurants with marvelous views. Tourists will enjoy a meal at one of the restaurant terraces overlooking the serene blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The Blue Grotto is also a popular scuba diving destination because of its bountiful marine life.

Siggiewi

This traditional Maltese village is in southwestern Malta between Rabat and Marsaxlokk in the fertile Girgenti Valley, which begins near the Dingli Cliffs. At the center of the village, the Church of Saint Nicholas impresses visitors with its Baroque facade created by Lorenzo Gafa in 1693. The church is usually closed except during the annual festival. The Siggiewi Festa (Feast Days), honouring Saint Nicholas, is held at the end of June from Thursday through Sunday. During these several days of celebration, the church is illuminated with multi-coloured lights, and there are fireworks and parades. Every night, the church takes its relics on a procession through the village led by a brass band. Another highlight is the food; the festival includes kiosks selling authentic Maltese treats, such as pastry stuffed with dates, and nougat made with almonds or peanuts.

From May through October, Siggiewi hosts the Maltese Folklore Nights at the Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens. This lively event pays tribute to the culture and lifestyle of Malta with folklore dance performances, traditional music, and delicious Maltese cuisine. The Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens is also a popular venue for outdoor weddings.

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