Cultural sightseeing in Malta. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

Despite its small size, Malta is one of the most valuable regions in terms of culture and history. The earliest historical events in the territory of modern Malta took place 7 thousand years ago, when the legendary Phoenicians lived in Malta. The Arab era, the Italian influence, and British colonization left an imprint on the architecture of the country. The Order of the Knights Hospitaller, which is still based in the castle on the territory of the country, for 250 years supported and developed art. Therefore in local museums, except for paleontology, history and natural sciences, you can find magnificent galleries with the works of the best artists in the World.

The capital of Malta is the city of Valletta, which has a huge cultural significance. The city was founded in the 16th century by the knights of the Order of the Johannites and today it is fully part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is built up mainly with historical stone buildings in very impressive architecture in the southern European style. The central street is the Republic Street which divides the city into two parts, crossing several spectacular squares. One of the most outstanding is the Palace Square, which houses the Palace of the Grand Master, built in the 16th century. It houses a weapons’ museum, which contains one of the largest collections in the world. The collection presents the weapons of Italy, France, Spain, and the Ottoman Empire.

Another important landmark of Valletta is the Casa Rossa Piccola Palace of the 16th century. Until now, the palace belongs to representatives of the aristocracy. It is home to one of the richest and noble families of the country. A separate part of the palace is reserved for expositions and it features antique furniture, dishes, paintings and other attributes of luxury exhibited in 50 rooms. The museum of archeology Malta presents a richest collection, among which rare artifacts revealing the history of ancient Phoenicians, Romans and Ottomans. The National Museum of War reveals the history of the last two centuries and tells the role of Malta in the decisive wars of the 20th century, especially during the Second World War. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Another important city from the point of view of culture in Malta is Mdina. It has a 4,000-year history and was founded by the Phoenicians, who erected the first city walls. The city flourished before the arrival of the Arabs, who divided it into two - Rabat and Mdina. To date, there are only about 300 residents in Mdina. However, thanks to their historical sites, the city attracts a huge number of tourists. One of the most outstanding buildings of the city is St. Paul's Cathedral, founded in the 17th century. The temple has an impressive architecture and contains strange paintings and engravings. In the city there is a museum of antiques Palazzo Falson, which houses an impressive collection of books and ancient manuscripts, antique furniture, weapons, silver as well as paintings.

Another ancient city of Malta is the largest city of Gozo - Victoria. In its modern territory a few dozen centuries ago, the ancient Romans erected a stronghold, which became a strategically important place. Inside it is the 17th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria, built on the site of another church, destroyed by an earthquake. The city has a very impressive architecture in the South European and neoclassical style. In Victoria there is the Folklore Museum, which presents handicraft collections, agricultural tools, tools for blacksmithing, religious attributes and the famous Maltese lace.

A lot of interesting things can be found in another Maltese ancient city - Birgu. Its fort was founded presumably still ancient by the Romans and was of strategic importance and used to protect against the Arabs. At the moment, the Maltese Order is located within its walls, and there is also a military museum on its territory, accessible to all desirers. Another tourist attraction of the country is the city of Mallich, founded in the Byzantine period. It is worthwhile to visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, which is located in the city. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful temples of the country.