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The
Forts of Malta by Tom West
Featured
Valletta Hotels
While many tourists flock
to Malta for the sun, sea, and nightlife, this Mediterranean island's rich
and illustrious history has also made it a treasure trove of archealogical
buildings and sites. The variety of forts still standing on the island
offer a unique insight into the battles and great empires of the past,
and offer visitors a glimpse of a time long gone in many other places.
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Fort St. Elmo stands as
part of what is now the Valletta bastions; Valletta
being the capital city of Malta. Initially the site of a watchtower, reinforcement
began in 1533, after the arrival of the Knights of Malta in 1530. Later,
it was Italian, French, Spanish and British architectural influences that
governed the construction of what is now known as Fort St. Elmo. When the
Ottoman Empire laid siege to the island of Malta in 1565, St. Elmo had
become a working fort, and was the scene of the siege's most ferocious
battles, with its garrison of 100 hundred knights, and seven hundred soldiers
keeping the Turkish armies at bay for over a month until the fort eventually
fell. The fort is still in working order today, and houses the police department's
headquarters, as well as the war museum where the original George Cross,
awarded to Malta, is still displayed. |
Fort St. Angelo was the home
of the powerful Nava family in the 14th Century - the Aragonese feudal
lords of Malta at that time. The actual site actually dates back to early
medieval times and was possibly built by the island's Arab rulers in the
11th Century, although the exact date of its construction remains unknown.
The Knights of Malta chose to make this fort the seat of their Grand Master
after their arrival in 1530, and Fort St.Angelo withstood the bombardment
of the Turks during the Ottoman Empire's siege in 1565. After the siege,
the Knights of Malta built the great fortress city of Valletta, and moved
their headquarters there, but Fort St.Angelo remains until this day leased,
in part, to The Knights of St. John, and is also the site of the maritime
museum.
| Fort St. Agatha in Mellieha,
on the North of the island is also known as The Red Fort due to its distinctive
colouration. Built by order of Grand Master Lascaris of the Knights of
Malta, this fort protected against the Ottoman Empire as well as the Corsairs.
It commands a spectacular view over Mellieha bay, and from this vantage
point would have been able to closely observe enemy shipping around the
North of the island. After its completion in 1648 it contained a garrison
of 30 men, and artillery from 1649, and was a key watch post for the Knights.
It is still open today.
There are many other forts
on the island, all with a rich story to tell of times gone by and heroic
deeds. The great clashes Malta has endured have always been the result
of its strategic location between Europe and Africa, serving as a supply,
trading, and military base for countless empires throughout the ages. |
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But it's not only the military
that left their mark on the island.
As Empires and peoples came
and went, they also left signs of their faiths and religious practices,
and apart from its military wonders, Malta is also home to some of the
oldest known religious sites and temples in existence anywhere, predating
the great pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. For the traveller who's interested
in more than just modern culture, Malta's history and the history of many
great nations form the fabric of the island's modern landscape.
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/ Featured Valletta Hotels
About the Author - Thomas
West writes articles as well a fiction and short scripts, and is currently
developing websites and studying promotion. Use these links to find
out more about English in Malta. www.elanguest.com
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Ancient
temples of Malta by Tom West
Featured
hotels in Malta
On the sun drenched island
of Malta, south of Sicily, and North of Tunisia, temples can be found which
date back as far as any in the known world. Such a variety and quality
of temples have been found on this little island, that visitors, historians,
archaeologists, and students from around the globe have travelled to view
their wonders, which span the archipelago of the three islands, Malta,
Gozo, and Comino.
With a history full of Knights,
invading and marauding empires, and strategic importance, Malta is, in
many ways, a living museum to the great architectural forces of the past
two thousand years, but its temples predate everything else by a long shot,
and give an insight into times as far back as 5400 B.C; the earliest date
from which evidence of settlers on the island has been found.
The Maltese Paleochristian
catacombs of Abbatija Tad-Dejr are richly decorated, and some of the most
important Christian catacombs South of Rome. Dating back to the late Roman,
and Byzantine period, Mass was still celebrated here until 1575, and the
site, on the outskirts of the town of Rabat is still open to the public
today. These are an excellent example of the history of Christianity on
the island, but further back, other religions were dominant on the island.
 The
Ggantija Temples in Xaghra, on Malta's neighbouring island of Gozo date
back to between 3200 - 3600 BC, with a boundary wall containing Megaliths
(large single stones) exceeding five metres in length and weighing over
fifty tons. The name Ggantija is Maltese for 'giant' and local folklore
tells of a giantess named 'Sansuna' who built the temples in a day by carrying
the huge stones on her back with her baby under her arm. Many of the temples
on Malta and Gozo have been linked to the idea of fertility, motherhood,
and the cycles of life and the stars. Ggantija is thought to be the oldest
free standing structure in the world, and is still open to visitors today.
The temple at Hagar Qim also
dates back to the 'Ggantija' phase of Malta's history - between 3600 -
3200 B.C. It is known for the precision with which the giant megalithic
stones have been placed together, a precision and level of skill which
can only be compared to the architects of the Valley Temple, next to the
Sphinx in Egypt - which the temples at Hagar Qim predate significantly.
Statues of what are thought to be a 'mother goddess' have been moved from
the temple to the museum in Malta's capital, Valletta, and the theme of
the Mother Goddess pervades the structure with its womb-like configuration,
and phallic menhirs marking its entrance. Evidence of rituals and worship
have been found here, and at the neighbouring temple of Mnajdra where the
skill and artistry of the architects seems to have grown further. Although
some of the finest specimens of megalithic temples in the world, many of
the island's heritage sites are in need of conservation, and Maltese bodies
such as 'Heritage Malta', and 'Din L-Art Helwa' have begun to carry out
the necessary work and fundraising to ensure these important structures
survive.
There are many other temples,
and religious sites on the islands, with a variety of different visitors;
those wishing to study these amazing structures, those who've just come
to get a glimpse of the past, artists who want to paint them, and students
and families having a picnic in beautiful surroundings. Whatever people's
reasons, the temples stand as monuments to culture and civilisation in
Malta, and are much loved by this forward-looking island which embraces
its unique and mysterious past.
About the Author - Thomas
West writes articles as well a fiction and short scripts, and is currently
developing websites and studying promotion. Use these links to find
out more about English in Malta. www.elanguest.com
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Visit
Valletta To Walk The Many Streets by Jessica Nielson
Valletta
Featured Hotels
Many people would not find
walking the streets of Valletta intriguing enough for their holiday to
Valletta, but the thing is that the streets are where you learn about the
different sections of the city and see how the street evolved over the
years. The streets are what make the area so unique and intriguing. To
experience how the people live, you can walk the streets and see all the
buildings that have restaurants, shops and cafés inside. There are
so many streets to explore including Old Bakery Street, Freedom Square,
St. Ursula Street, Strait Street and Old Treasury Street.
 You
will find that Old Treasury Street is a picture perfect sight at night.
The arcade and quaint little cafés just make the street so beautiful.
You can sit at any of the outdoor cafés and watch the people walk
around browsing and having fun. The architecture in the area is amazing
to see. The building that houses the arcade is spectacular at night. The
light display is something to see. During the hot summer days, there are
a few areas to sit in the shade, enjoy a cool drink, and relax for a while
before continuing your walk.
Strait Street is another
magnificent street to explore. The architecture of the buildings and the
culture of the people are seen in this area. The street runs the length
of the city and is filed with cafés and bars. It gives the appearance
of the back streets of some towns and cities but is a great place to visit.
At one time, it was considered the red light district and is sometimes
still that way at night, but during the day, it is a different place. The
street is skinny and a little rough looking, but it does give you some
idea of how the people live in the area.
St Ursula Street is your
typical street with hotels and incredible views of the Grand Harbour. Many
people find there way down to this street and enjoy the area and al it
offers. It is like looking down a narrow path, but still it is a street
that is quite popular and visitors spend a great deal of time on the street.
The locals are always wiling to talk and share some stories with you. The
distinctive architecture tells you so much about the time when this street
was first built. It does have the most incredible reputation for being
the in place to see.
Freedom Square is another
place to take a walk and see the area. You will find shopping and restaurants
bustling with people. On Sunday, the street is deserted. It seems that
people from this area stay home and do not come out on the street. It is
perfect to see on a busy day and a quiet day. The difference is amazing.
Old Bakery Street is old time and gives more of an authentic look. The
old buildings and churches are nice to see and explore.
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/ Valletta Featured Hotels
About the Author - Visit
our extensive holiday guides at cheap holidays 24. Also read our holiday
guide to Valletta - Visit Valletta For A Touch Of History www.cheapholidays24.co.uk/visit-valletta.aspx |
FEATURED
HOTELS IN ST JULIAN'S & ST GEORGE'S BAY, MALTA - SPECIAL INTERNET RATES
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St
Julians Hotel Search
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Corinthia
Marina Hotel St George's Bay
The Corinthia Marina Hotel
stands along the Mediterranean sea in the St. Julian's resort community
located on St. Georges Bay in Malta. The hotel is positioned near the casino
and the pulsating night life of Paceville. This hotel forms a section of
the Corinthia Beach Resort that includes a private beach with water-sport
activities. Eight On-site restaurants and bars include the Bay View Restaurant.
This dining venue serves buffet-style breakfasts and dinners with a menu
that includes pastas and international courses. Da Marina features pastas
prepared with Italian and Maltese specialty sauces. Vinotheque is known
for its continental fare, cheese platters, fine wine selections and pastries.
Live bands and a pianist play at the Bay View Lounge. |
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Corinthia
San Gorg Hotel St George's Bay
Offering unparralled luxury
and comfort, the San Gorg Corinthia St Georges Bay is an ideal place for
business travellers and holidaymakers. Located in St. George's Bay,
the hotel is only a 5 minute walk from Paceville, the vibrant centre of
Maltese nightlife. This property is virtually surrounded by the Mediterranean
and designed around cascading pools that lead down to a Lido, where locals
and other foreign guests are welcome. This hotel features 250 spacious
and comfortable rooms that are facilitated with modern amenities. Each
room has a balcony that offer splendid views of the sea. For your
dining pleasure, the hotel offers 2 restaurants that serve a variety of
international cuisine. You can also relax at the cafe, with light snacks
and beverages or sip on various cocktails served at the cosy bar. |
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Radisson
Blu Resort, Malta St. Julian's, St George's Bay
The modern Radisson Blu
Bay Point Resort is located on St George's Bay, Malta, 500 metres from
the beach and one kilometre from the shops and nightlife of St Julians.
Valletta, the capital city, is 10 kilometres from the hotel. Malta International
Airport (Mla) is 12 kilometres away. A complimentary buffet breakfast is
served in the Kon Tiki Restaurant, which offers a Mediterranean buffet
accompanied by live piano music in the evenings. In the summer, there is
alfresco dining at The Edge, with sea views and fresh fish dishes.
The intimate Le Petillant Restaurant specialises in flambeed dishes prepared
at the table. Sandwiches and snacks are available on the terrace of Le
Bistro, and the swim-up pool bar serves drinks in the summer months. |
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The
Westin Dragonara Resort Malta, St Julian's
The Westin Dragonara on
the sea side of St Julian's, Malta, is an upscale, resort hotel that features
unobstructed views of the sea from a private peninsula. Paceville and its
nightlife is 100 meters from the hotel and the shops in Sliema 2 kilometers
away. The capital city, Valletta, is 3 kilometers from the hotel and the
old capital city of Mdina just 7 kilometers away. The Terrace Restaurant
serves breakfasts, lunches and dinner with themed buffets. Fresh seafood
is served for dinner at the Quadro Restaurant in an open air setting that
offers views of the sea. Palio's Restaurant is open for lunches and dinners
and serves Italian-style cuisine. The hotel has two pools, a children's
pool, sauna and hot tub. Also available are a fitness center, kids club
and tennis courts. Wireless internet access is available throughout the
hotel. |
End
of special rates - search for more St Julian's and St George's Bay Hotels
FEATURED
HOTELS IN VALLETTA, MALTA - SPECIAL INTERNET RATES
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Visit
Valletta To Walk The Many Streets by Jessica Nielson
Many people would not find
walking the streets of Valletta intriguing enough for their holiday to
Valletta, but the thing is that the streets are where you learn about the
different sections of the city and see how the street evolved over the
years... read more |
Valletta
Hotel Search
 |
Grand
Hotel Excelsior, Valletta
Grand Hotel Excelsior is
located in Valletta, Malta, within five kilometres of the towns of Sliema
and St Julians. The archaeological sites of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Senglea
and Tarxien Temples are within three kilometres. The hotel is set amid
15,000 square metres of landscaped gardens and is surrounded by the 16th-century
bastion walls of Valletta. Perched on the edge of the sea, this 10-storey
hotel offers an indoor and outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a sundeck
with sun beds and umbrellas. Staff are available at the front desk to organise
airport transfers, limousine service and water taxis to Sliema town. There
are five restaurants and four bars serving international, Mediterranean,
Italian and Maltese dishes. |
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Hotel
Phoenicia, Valletta
The Phoenicia Hotel is located
in the centre of Valletta, Malta, 200 metres from the beach and 300 metres
from the Grand Harbour. The Malta Experience Show is one kilometre from
the hotel, and the bustling towns of Sliema and St Julians Are five kilometres
away. Malta International Airport (Mla) is eight kilometres from the hotel.
Breakfast is available (surcharge) in the Phoenix Restaurant, which serves
local and Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner. Pastas and
salads are on the menu in the more informal Pegasus Brasserie. The
Palm Court Lounge offers high tea, homemade cakes and lunch in spacious
surroundings with comfortable sofas. Decorated in a colonial style, the
Club Bar has an extensive list of wines, cocktails and champagne. The pool
deck snack bar serves fresh fish and salads beside the outdoor pool. |
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The
Osborne Hotel, Valletta
The Osborne Hotel is located
in the Maltese capital of Valletta, within the baroque 'New Town' built
by the Knights Of St John, founders of the city. Malta International Airport
(Mla) is 12 kilometres from the hotel. The seven-storey Osborne Hotel features
a rooftop spa tub. The adjacent sundecks offer panoramic views over the
Valletta and Marsamxett harbours and the azure Mediterranean. The
Osborne Hotel's buffet-style restaurant serves local and international
dishes. A vegetarian selection is available on request. The hotel bar serves
drinks in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The 59 air-conditioned
guestrooms are accessible by lift and offer satellite television and direct-dial
telephones. Décor is bright, contemporary and colourful. |
End
of features - search for more Valletta Hotels
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