Malta Off The Beaten Path

  Rabat - St. Paul's Church
by HORSCHECK
 
  • Rabat - St. Paul's Church
      Rabat - St. Paul's Church
    by HORSCHECK
  • Rabat - St. Paul's Church
      Rabat - St. Paul's Church
    by HORSCHECK
  • Rabat - St. Paul's Church
      Rabat - St. Paul's Church
    by HORSCHECK
  • Misrah Ghar il-Kbir (Clapham Junction)
      Misrah Ghar il-Kbir (Clapham Junction)
    by HORSCHECK
  • Clapham Junction - Explanation sign
      Clapham Junction - Explanation sign
    by HORSCHECK
 
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The Aqueduct

by tophat30

When Valletta was built in 1566 by the Knights, the main problem was fresh water supply, thus several measures were set up to conserve water resources. The provision of fresh water was considered to be of paramount importance to the inhabitants of Valletta since the lack of it could have drastic consequences especially during a siege. Regulations were set up to prohibit gardens in the city and enforce the construction of a well in every house. These measures were, however, insufficient and several attempts by various grandmasters followed to further secure the water supply in the city. In 1610 Grandmaster Alof de Wignacourt assigned a task to engineer Bontadino de Bontadini who worked out a plan by which naturally occurring spring water found at Rabat could be brought to the new Capital. A 16 km aqueduct starting from Rabat through Attard, Lija, Balzan, Mosta, Zebbug, Hamrun, Qormi,...

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Limestone Quarries

by tophat30

The area around Mqabba, Qrendi and Safi, is litterally surrounded by Limestone Quarries. Most of the building in Malta is built up with stones cut from these quarries (Globegerina Limestone).The stone is quite soft and is capable of being cut by an electric sawing machine, but hardens when it becomes dry. Not quite a tourist attraction but if you're driving in those areas it's quite impressive and worth a look.

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Victoria Lines

by tophat30

The British military constructed a series of Defensive lines, forts and other fortifications right above the Great Fault which is a natural geaographical barrier which practicallt divides Malta in two parts. The Lines cross the island from one side (Fomm ir-Rih) to the other (Bahar ic caghaq). The 12 Kilometre fortification was named after Queen Victoria on her 60th Anniversary as a Soverign of the British Empire. The Victoria lines are protected under the UNESCO World Heritage List. Click on Photo to see more pictures.

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Mamo Tower - Marsascala area

by tophat30

Although referred to as a Tower it is really a fortified country house built in 1657 and has a unique shape of St Andrew's Cross with sixteen sides. The Tower was built as a defensive building against the invasions of the Turks particularly from St Thomas Bay below. On entering one finds a beautiful round domical-roofed room leading to four smaller ones forming the four arms of the cross. On the left hand side is a staircase leading to the roof from where one can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Around the Tower is a two-metre ditch and what was formerly a draw-bridge. In the ditch lies a fourth century Roman Tomb which was probably originally from the Phoenician period. Click on pic to see more related photos.

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Girgenti Inquisiter's Summer Residence

by tophat30

This charing Palace hidden in the Girgenti countryside was built in 1625 as a summer residence for the Inquisiters in Malta. See Vittoriosa Main Inquisiter's palace When the French conquered Malta in 1798 and two years later by the British, this palace passed hands as a summer residence for the Governors. Nowadays as expected, it is habited in summer, by the Prime Minister.Unfortunately, the palace is not opened for public. It can only be viewed from the Girgenti valley. The main facade consists of the palace itself (which is not much bigger than a villa), the chapel dedicated to St Carlo Borromeo, and the glass paned corridor that connects them. Click on pic to see more photos of the chapel and garden.

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Prehistory

by leics

I imagine that most visitors to Malta miss the prehistoric sites, unless they are specifically visiting for that reason. Yes, there are the sites on the tours (such as Ggantija temples on Gozo, or the Hypogeum) but the whole island is covered in prehistoric remains (5000+ yrs ago).Get a good map (such as the AA/Macmillan one) and see if you can explore some of the sites marked on it; there are cave dwellings, and rock tombs, and what are called 'cart ruts' (theories about them differ; see www.geocities.com/athens/agora/5685/two.html for more information).The bus service in Malta is so good that everywhere is accessible, as long as you are prepared to walk a little. Don't expect good signage for the less-known sites; finding them is an adventure into the past!

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Zejtun church

by Dick33

This is the church of I think St Catherine it is in Zejtun, this is the last place I came to a festa night, the church was beautiful and we had a long time to walk around the town it too was lovely.At the band club opposite the barman knew what I wanted and had two cisk waiting for me as I got to the bar, I did drink an awful lot that night.

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Ghar Lapsi - Siggiewi Limits

by tophat30

This is one of the few places on the south coast where you do not have to scramble down the cliff sides for a swim. It is also a very popular place for a picnic, with tables and benches laid out above the sea. There is bar and sea view restaurant nearby which serves local specialities. The resort takes its name from the cave below the car park. Steps and concrete paths have been provided for the visitors. The main cave is on the opposite side of the bay from the car park and a ladder is required. A narrow entrance leads to a low flat cave and a number of other entrances. Depth 12m. There is a coastal path starting here leading to the Blue Grotto. Click on Pic to see more photos.

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Mnajdra Temples - 4500 Year Old Masterpiece

by tophat30

The Mnajdra Temples are situated in a quite location appx half a mile away from Hagar Qim Temple. Sadly you can't miss the bird traps all around you on your way to this Temple. Three Temples were built close to each other and are known as the Small, Lower and Middle Temples. The smallest was erected circa. 3300 B.C. The middle Temple ( 2nd from the Entrance ) was erected circa. 2400 B.C. and the Lower Temple built during the Hypogeum Phase. The latter is the best surviving temple . Much of interest has been unearthed at Hagar Qim, notably a decorated pillar altar, two table-altars and some of the `fat lady' statues on display in the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta. The site itself has connotations with a kind of fertility cult. Another aspect of Hagar Qim is the small, three-apse structure near the temple - this may have been the quarters of the temple's priest. The Lower Temple...

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Old Railway Station - Birkirkara

by tophat30

Up to year 1930's this Public Garden was a Railway station which was half way between Valletta and Mtarfa. Situated just by the Bus 71 terminus. Not much to see if you're not a Railway Station Fan, but worth a look if you're in that area. Click pic for more photos.

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Unique Places in Malta

Top 3 Hotels in Malta

Hotel Phoenicia Malta  Valletta

 6 Reviews and 726 Opinions  We stayed at the Phoenicia for 7 nights and I was happy we did. It is ideally located just outside... 

 See all 12 Hotels in Valletta

Kempinski San Lawrenz Resort & Spa  Gozo

 2 Reviews and 264 Opinions  Good room, huge bed. Booked direct with hotel and beat best Internet prices! Am writing this from my... 

 Hotels in Gozo

The Xara Palace  Mdina

 5 Reviews and 81 Opinions  I did not stay in this hotel, but I passed by it, when walking through the old town of Mdina. b.t.w.... 

 Hotels in Mdina

213 Hotels in Malta
 
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Reviews and photos of Malta attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Malta sightseeing.

Experience Malta
Off The Beaten Path: Cities in Malta
  1. Valletta Off The Beaten Path
  2. Gozo Off The Beaten Path
  3. Sliema Off The Beaten Path
  4. Malta Off The Beaten Path
  5. Saint Julian's Off The Beaten Path
  6. Bugibba Off The Beaten Path
  7. Mellieha Off The Beaten Path
  8. Mdina Off The Beaten Path
  9. Marsaxlokk Off The Beaten Path
  10. Vittoriosa Off The Beaten Path
  11. Rabat Off The Beaten Path
  12. Mosta Off The Beaten Path
  13. Comino Island Off The Beaten Path
  14. Attard Off The Beaten Path
  15. Msida Off The Beaten Path
  16. Gharb Off The Beaten Path
  17. Victoria Off The Beaten Path
  18. Dingli Off The Beaten Path
  19. Dwejra Off The Beaten Path
  20. Zurrieq Off The Beaten Path
  21. Mgarr Off The Beaten Path
  22. Ggantija Off The Beaten Path

More Cities in Malta

 

Questions and Answers

mirabelle31 profile photo

Q:  Hello, A question on Xlendi for those who know it. Looking at photos, I get the impression that you need to climb the steps set... 

Maurizioago profile photo

A: Xlendi is a village in Gozo. There is a beach and a rock you can climb if you like to see the sea from afar. You can avoid to do thins thing. I liked this little... 

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