The small Mediterranean nation of Malta has had a momentous history, falling under the control of nearly every regional empire at some point or other. Most recently Malta was part of the British Empire before gaining independence in 1964.
Malta’s capital is the walled city of Valletta, which contains many buildings, palaces,and cathedrals dating back from the 16th to 18th century, when the Knights of St. John founded and controlled the city. Two of the more prominent attractions are the St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Master, both from the 16th century containing numerous works of art. The Grand Harbour is particularly impressive when approaching the city. Another walled city is the former capital of Mdina (“The Silent City”), which is mostly restricted from car traffic. It also has an outstanding collection of medieval churches and palaces.
Elsewhere on Malta, the temple of Hagar Qim is over 5000 years old, making it one of the oldest freestanding structures in the world just slightly older than Stonehenge. A number of altars and statues have been excavated from the site and some are on display in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. For a more natural sight, the Blue Grotto limestone caves impresses with its beautifully colored (not surprisingly this color is Blue) water. The entrance into the first 140 foot high cave is equally impressive and the site is popular with divers.
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