(19-11-07) We travel to Malta and its islands, where we have found a haven of peace and tranquillity, to dive in crystal waters. It is an environment where leisure and culture blend into a sea of legends that have grown during seven thousand years of history.
Few places like Malta can boast of having starred in so many episodes of human History and religion. They are so numerous that some have become legends that transmit a magical aura to this small and light corner of the Mediterranean, able to plunge into the past to exalt the romantic side of our hearts.
The three islands forming the archipelago of Malta touched the heart of the Mediterranean in which they emerged. This one made them became the natural gateway between East and West and cradled them in its waters. Malta, Gozo and Comino, from the beginning of his seven thousand years of history, were target of the ambition of Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spaniards, French and English.
They aspired to their privileged status, gained their independence, became masters of foreign territory, but they could not steal the Mediterranean the identity of its heart: in September 1964 the independence of Malta was proclaimed and it started to beat on its own.
Today, the archipelago of Malta is an ideal place to spend a long, quiet holydays, do scuba diving courses, learn English and live a few days full of historic sights, tours bathed in a sun that shines all the year, with plenty of water sports, among hospitable and friendly people that offer us a rich Mediterranean style cuisine. And all this is in less than three hours from Spain by plane.
VALLETTA, “THE CITY OF PALACES”
The capital of the island of Malta is Valletta. It is known as the “City of Palaces”, and considered the great heiress of Malta. It was founded by the French Grand Master Jean de la Vallette, leader of the Order of the Knights of St. John’s, who, after defending it from the great siege of Turkish troops in 1565, decided to create a new city, following exactly the guidelines set in a plane.
Until then, cities in Europe had grown haphazardly without an outlined plan, but Valletta should be a city built by gentlemen and for gentlemen. There they could not be, inside the walls of the city, architectural or urban flaws of any kind. In 1566, the Grand Master himself placed the first stone that bore the inscription “raison d'etre” of the new city. And the reason for the new city was filled itself with beauty that, more than 400 years later, it is possible to admire in the Maltese capital.
Today Valletta has many interesting places that deserve a slow stroll along its romantic streets with stairs, where it is always possible to find, among the stones of its monumental buildings, the smell of the sea that brings the best natural harbour of Europe, the historic Grand Harbour.
GREAT ARTISTIC TREASURES
An essential stop in Valletta is the Co-Cathedral and Museum of San Juan. In contrast with its stern exterior, the interior of this masterpiece is impressive: coloured marble tombs, frescoes and many chapels full of art treasures. In its oratory they can be seen, among other works of relevance, The Beheading of St John by Caravaggio.
We can find the history of the Order of the Knights of St John's at the Palace of Grand Master. Its halls are decorated with friezes that trace numerous episodes of the Order, and they seem even to be invaded by the ghosts of the past that still defends the identity of Malta.
A good way to end the tour in Valletta is going to Barraca Gardens. From there, we can see the Three Cities (Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa), forming a line of fortifications called Cottonera. Its boundaries are home to many small fishing villages full of charm and, above all, of the joy that characterizes the people of Malta.
TIME STOPS AT THE "CITY OF SILENCE"
Another impressive visit is the one that leads us to what was the medieval capital of Malta: Mdina. Located in the centre of the island, it is a haven of peace where time seems to stand still, and where the noise, haste and even cars are prohibited. Perhaps because of this, Mdina is known as the "City of Silence". It should also be seen at dusk, watching the calm comings and goings of its inhabitants and enjoying a nice dinner at one of the terraces of one of its cosy restaurants.
Maltese cuisine is a pleasure that condenses the Mediterranean flavours. It is primarily based on the farming tradition and seafood, with an exotic touch of oriental spices, served in generous quantities. As much as we say “I am not going to be able to eat everything,” we will probably end up repeating.
There are varied and tasty recipes based on the Maltese countryside rabbit (fenek), in addition to the typical dishes of the Mediterranean coastline and from southern Italy. The bread, goat cheese and local wine are always part of a snack that reminds us of the exquisite simplicity of the Maltese people.
Texts: Guadalupe Romero
With information from Malta Tourism Authority
