Malta holidays: 5 ways to explore the island’s rich history

80 years since it received the George Cross, Jeannine Williamson explores the island’s top historic spots – spanning ancient ruins, Medieval architecture and Second World War museums

1. St John’s Co-Cathedral

Culture vultures won’t want to miss St John’s Co-Cathedral, a stunning example of baroque architecture with a lavish interior.

Built in the 1570s, it houses two of Italian artist Caravaggio’s most impressive works: The Beheading of St John the Baptist and Saint Jerome Writing. It’s called a co?cathedral because it shares the title with St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina.

2. Mdina

Step back in time in Malta’s ancient walled city and former capital, where imposing fortified walls lead to a maze of medieval and baroque lanes. With a history going back more than 4,000 years, Mdina is believed to have been where Saint Paul lived after being shipwrecked off Malta in AD60.

Used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, it’s particularly atmospheric in the lamp-lit streets after dark.

3. Upper Barrakka Gardens

Walk up the hill to Upper Barrakka Gardens, perched on Valletta’s highest point overlooking the harbour. The 17th-century gardens were created as a peaceful retreat for the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem who ruled Malta for more than 200 years.

Get there for noon or 4pm when members of a local re-enactment society, dressed in historic British artillery uniforms, fire a gun salute dating back to the era when guns signified the time for passing ships.

4. Wartime history

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Malta being awarded the George Cross. It was the first Commonwealth country to receive it, recognising the islanders’ valiant struggles when under attack in the Second World War.

Wartime history abounds and the Lascaris War Rooms, a labyrinth of underground tunnels that housed the nation’s war headquarters, is now a museum offering a fascinating insight into Malta’s past.
lascariswarrooms.com

5. The Phoenicia

From 1949-51, prior to her coronation, the young Princess Elizabeth lived in Valletta while Prince Philip was stationed with HMS Magpie during his naval career. The couple visited the landmark hotel several times and danced in the ballroom.

Today, visitors can live like royalty at the five-star 132-room property, which is steeped in old-world elegance.
phoeniciamalta.com

Book it

Kirker Holidays offers a five-night Heritage & History of Malta & Gozo itinerary from £2,298. The price includes accommodation and breakfast at The Phoenicia hotel, three lunches, two dinners, all entrance fees and a tour guide, plus flights from Heathrow, departing on November 1.
kirkerholidays.com

PICTURES: Shutterstock/Damian Pankowiec; Frank Farrugia Photography; Wonguy Photography; Roman Babakin

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