| MALTA |
 |
| Malta is a mere speck in the Mediterranean, and yet has figured large in the History of many countries. Given to the Knights Templar by Emperor Charles V, after they had been evicted by almost all other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, they lost no time in fortifying it between 1530 and 1565, using up to 7,000 slaves to build the enormous battlements in record time. And not a moment too soon as over 40,000 Turks led by Suleiman the Magnificent attacked Valletta but were repulsed by the Knights and their followers. The siege mentality was to stand the Maltese in good stead for their feat of endurance in the Second World War, and were then awarded the Military Cross for their bravery. Although some 50/60 miles south-west of Sicily and some 200 miles north of the Libyan coast, history on the island of Malta and its smaller companion Gozo, can be traced back some 5,000 years. Christianity arrived on the Island as early as 60 AD with no less a personage than St.Paul. Almost everywhere you go, at some time or another, just about every square inch of Malta has had some development on it in some form or another. It is well known that Developers are dismissive of any “rare finds”, and being so common usually consign such items as Roman pottery or iron age flints, etc. to the rubbish!! The stone age settlement at “Hagar Qim” is believed to have been built around 3,000 BC and contrasts with “Popeye`s Village”, erected as a film set for the film in 1980 and now retained as a tourist attraction. There are no sandy beaches on Malta, instead for these, go to the little neighbouring island of Gozo. You will find around Bugibba and St.Paul`s Bay all the disco bars, fish and chips and British beer you could ever want, if that is what you want. Alternatively, in Valletta you can find a rich history carefully preserved in its Churches, Art Galleries and Museums, that will give you a much truer insight into the character of the Maltese. Whatever you do, do not miss the magnificent large dome of the church at Mosta. A bomb came through the roof during one of the air raids in the War, landing in the main aisle, but failed to explode, and the congregation who had taken shelter there were unscathed. The parishioners consider this fact as a miraculous intervention by their patron, the Virgin Mary. If you hire a car, and I strongly suggest you do, do not be put off by wild reports of the terrible standard of driving. Most of the time the driving is fine, and although driving on the left is the norm, it quite often comes down to driving on the side of the road with the fewest potholes!! The Maltese Government has been trying to replace most of the very old buses that still somehow manage to keep going although now some 50-60 years old! Everytime they try to bring in new legislation, some reason or other is found to bypass it! I suppose one day they will all disappear, but it will be a shame. Accommodation is reasonable, and Malta is ideal for a Winter break. Temperatures in January are usually in the low to mid 60`s and sunny days can provide a tan! Here are some of the pictures that we took on our last trip. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Contacts:- Malta Tourist Office (UK Office) Malta House, 36-38, Piccadilly, London, W1V 0PP Tel: +44 20 7292 4900 Fax: +44 20 7734 1880 E-mail: office.uk@visitmalta.com Web Site:- http://www.visitmalta.com |
| ENJOY |