Valletta, the capital was built by Jean De La Vallette, French Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, after the epic siege of 1565. It dominates, in one wide sweep, the Island's historic Grand Harbour - one of the finest natural ports in Europe. Within its limited boundaries, the city reflects some of Malta's rich heritage of archaeology, history, architecture, art and culture. Viewing is essential. Its also worth spending a good part of a morning walking round this beautiful city. A camera would come in handy, particularly for the views on the both sides of Valletta from the streets, which are laid out in a grid - like fashion. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to provide sustinence during your visit.
These two adjacent towns on the North West side of Valletta came into beginning of this century. Formerly, St. Julians was a fishing village and Sliema a restful resort for people from the Valletta area. Those two localities are now modern towns with more than 40,000 inhabitants. They are also important tourist centres with many hotels and other establishments.
The old capital is a typical medieval town situated in the center of the island. The "Silent City", as it is also known, commends a magnificent view of the island and although it is fully inhabited, silence reigns supreme.
It is thought to have been the first populated by the Phoenicians around 1,000 BC. When Malta came under the Romans, the government chose to built his palace there and it housed the government. The city earned its present day name from the Saracens who came to Malta around 870 AD. They surrounded the city with thicker walls, separating it from it's nearest town, Rabat.
Today, mercifully it is mainly of limits to cars and there is a calming atmosphere as you walk along it's narrow streets and ways, passing by some of the best Norman and baroque architecture on the island. Several places are situated here, most serving as private homes. The cathedral is worth visiting and is fronted by a large square, the only open space you'll find within this tiny city.
Mdina acts like a time capsule and transporting you to another era. Tugged away in the narrow alleys you can find a couple of good restaurants, and a café right on the Bastion walls.
Originally an agricultural town, Rabat has grown into one of Malta's more pleasant locations. Surrounded on all sides by open and fertile country side, it has a gentle and open fill to it, thanks to the lack of intensive building developments.
On the perimeter of the road that separates Mdina from Rabat (walked through the public gardens at the entrance to Mdina), you can find the Roman Villa as significant Roman remains discover in 1881. the main attraction is the mosaic floor, and the present building was constructed around it to help preserve it. Other artifacts like ceramics and busts of Tiberius can be seen.
Close to St Pauls church, reputedly Malta's first parish church, which also houses a grotto that was used by St Pauls during his stay on Malta. One can find 'Catacombs', tombs and tunnels dug out of store, which according to legend served as a hiding place for St Agata, who had fled sicily in 249 AD, trying to avoid marrying the then governor of Catania Quintanus. Frescoes dated back to the Byzantine period (C. 395-870 AD) a little distance away from Rabat on the way to Dingli, lies the Verdala Palace.
On the south side of the island, Marsaxlokk, Marsascala, Birzebbugia are authentic fishing villages, full of the local color boat fishing boat, the luzzu, sturdy sea boat that some say owes it's origin to Phoenician design.
The Turkish forces invaded Malta in 1565 from the south's shore. In 1798, the nights surrendered the napoleons troops who also landed here. In Marsaxlokk harbour the resident boat form the largest fishing field of the island. There is a small market in Marsaxlokk on every weekday, and on Sunday there is bigger market very popular with the tourist and Maltese. Rapidly carving its own name as a resort area, the south coast provides some of the more spectacular views of the island, and has a more open feel about it. The best Fish Restaurants you can find them in this area.
ST PAUL'S BAY / BUGIBBA / QAWRA / XEMXIJA -[Map Location]-
Like many of the holiday resorts in Malta and Gozo, was a small fishing village dating back almost 1,000 years. It grew after the war and provided summer residence for families living inland, a tradition still kept today.
However, many young families have now settled here, making St Paul's Bay an all year resort. It's main physical attraction is the arguably best looking bay on the island, with the photogenic St Paul's Islet in the focal point during the 1960's and 1980's, the area mushroomed into a major resort, and together with Bugibba and Qawra, today provide many holiday facilities and accommodation. One can walk along most of the coastline which stretches from Salina bay right to Xemxija. The road continues on towards Mistra Bay, with Selmun palace perched above it. St Paul's Bay provides plenty of bars and restaurants to suite most budgets.
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