History is something that many people enjoy, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. With Malta‘s history dating back to the Prehistoric age, this guide will help you with the history lover’s top 5 historic sites anyone who loves history should see!
St John’s Co-Cathedral
St John’s Co-Cathedral is one of the most impressive churches in Malta. It was built between 1715 and 1722 and is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The church’s unique architecture features a mixture of Gothic and Neoclassical styles. The interior is lavishly decorated with paintings, sculptures, and mosaics.
One of the most famous features of the church is its chandelier. This elaborate fixture was created by the artisans of Venice in 1668 and is considered one of the most beautiful chandeliers in the world.
The chandelier is made out of bronze, silver, and crystal and can reportedly weigh more than 120 kilograms.
If you’re interested in history, St John’s Co-Cathedral should definitely be on your list of destinations. It’s an impressive building full of beautiful artwork and artifacts from centuries ago.
Saint Agatha’s Tower / Torri L-Ahmar (Red Tower), Mellieha
Saint Agatha’s Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Malta. The tower was built in 1649 and is one of the many coastal fortifications that were constructed during that time. The tower gets its name from the reddish hue of the local limestone that was used to build it.The tower was originally armed with 24 cannons and had a garrison of 40 men.
Today, the tower is open to the public and offers stunning views of Mellieha Bay stretching to Gozo. If you’re interested in Malta’s military history, Saint Agatha’s Tower is a great place to visit. The tower is an excellent example of 17th-century fortification architecture.
Megalithic Temples
Malta is home to some of the oldest temples in the world. The Megalithic Temples are a series of seven temples that were built between 3600 and 2500 BC. These temples are some of the best-preserved examples of prehistoric architecture in Europe.
The most famous of these temples is the Temple of Mnajdra. This temple is located on a hilltop and has three main chambers.
The temple is oriented in such a way that the sun shines through the entrance and illuminates the central chamber during the spring and autumn equinoxes.
If you’re interested in prehistoric history, the Megalithic Temples are a must-see. These temples are a fascinating example of early human engineering and provide insight into the beliefs and practices of prehistoric cultures.
Fort Saint Elmo
Fort Saint Elmo is one of the most important historic sites in Malta. It is located along the bastion fortifications of the capital city, Valletta.
The fort was built in 1565 by order of Saint John, who was responsible for defending Malta from pirates and the Ottoman Empire. The fort was renamed Fort Saint Elmo in 1798 after Napoleon Bonaparte captured Malta from the British.
Today, Fort Saint Elmo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to several museums and galleries.
These include the Military Museum, which contains exhibits on military history, and the Maritime Museum, which contains exhibits on maritime history.
Fort Saint Angelo
Fort Saint Angelo is a large fort located in the city of Birgu. The fort was built in the 14th century and served as the headquarters of the Order of Saint John.
The fort has a long and eventful history. It was besieged by the Ottoman Turks in 1551 and was captured by them in 1565. The fort was recaptured by the Order of Saint John in 1566 and served as their base of operations during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.
Today, Fort Saint Angelo is a popular tourist destination. It is open to the public and houses a museum that covers the history of the fort.
Conclusion
If you’re a history lover and have been eyeing Malta as your next destination, then this guide is for you.
We’ve covered some of the top historic sites in Malta, from Mdina to Valletta. From here, it’s up to you to explore each of them and soak up all the historical information they offer. Whether visiting Malta for the first time or revisiting it after years, these sites will not disappoint.
