Malta’s rich cultural history spans over 7,000 years, shaped by a blend of civilisations that have left a lasting legacy on the island. Its strategic location in the Mediterranean made it a crossroads for ancient cultures, from the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs to the Normans and Knights of St. John. Each brought their own influence, visible in Malta’s architecture, language and traditions. The prehistoric Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples, some of the world oldest freestanding structures reveal Malta’s ancient significance.
The Knights of St. John transformed Malta during the 16th century, fortifying the island and building the baroque city of Valletta, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Over the centuries, Malta has retained its unique cultural identity, blending its past with modern influences, making it a living museum of Mediterranean history and culture.
Suggested itinerary (timings will be confirmed closer to the date):
09:30 ____ Mdina – Malta’s old Capital during the time of the Knights of Malta and known as the Silent City. Its mix of medieval and baroque architecture, fortified walls and its strategic location on high grounds, make it one of the most enchanting places on the island
11:00 ____ Catacombes – located in Rabat, next to Mdina, the Catacombs are ancient underground burial sites, dating back to the Roman and early Christian periods, these labyrinthine complexes were used for burials and religious practices
12:30 ____ Lunch
14:30 ____ Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples – The temple of Ħaġar Qim stands on a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet of Filfla, not more than 2km southwest of the village of Qrendi. At the bottom of the hill, only 500m away lies another remarkable temple site, Mnajdra found above the Southern cliffs. First excavated in 1839, the remains suggest a date between 3600-3200 BC, a period known as the Ġgantija phase in Maltese prehistory
16:00 ____ Blue Grotto Boat Service: a short trip around the western coastline of Malta to see the beautiful caves
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