Yes, many tourists visit our islands because Malta’s high temperatures are desirable for them. But Malta is not just sun and beach! Did you know that our small island nation has a long and rich history? Malta has been conquered by many different people, each of whom has left their impact on the country’s culture. As Maltese, we’re proud of our history and that it has led us to become a strong, united, independent country. The best way to learn about Malta’s history is by visiting Malta’s most important historical sites… and here’s our list!
1. Mdina – The Silent City
Mdina was once Malta’s capital city! It was originally founded and fortified by the Phoenicians about 700-800 BC. Since then, Mdina has been heavily influenced by Roman, Arab, and Norman rule. It was the Knights of St. John who later built the current fortifications in the 1500s. It’s nowadays called the Silent City because few people live there. What was once the heart of the island is now a peaceful, medieval city to walk around, enjoy the views, take photos in front of the palaces, and enjoy the simple atmosphere at night at a wine bar.
2. Prehistoric Temples
Malta’s history starts even earlier than the Phoenicians. Prehistoric people once lived in Malta! Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra are in proximity to each other in the south of Malta, and these prehistoric temples show a lot of what life was like around 3500 BC. The megalithic temples are made of huge rocks, and since they’re near the cliffs, you can also witness stunning sea views. You can then stop by Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola. This temple is quite different because it’s an underground living place that was carved into the rock. One of the levels used to be a burial site, so there are lots of artefacts, especially of pagan gods.
3. Valletta – The Capital City
The entire city of Valletta is a historical monument. Built by the Knights of St. John after the Great Siege of 1565, this city has a grid layout, with multiple bastions, palaces, and auberges, all in baroque architecture. What stands is St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which has some of the most gorgeous Baroque interiors in Europe. You can see Caravaggio’s The Beheading of St John the Baptist there too! In general, Valletta has so many small art galleries, wine bars, restaurants, and live music… There’s just so much to enjoy while visiting Valletta and learning about Maltese culture.
BONUS: End Your Day with Fun at The Eden
After a day of exploring Malta’s important historical sites, why not top it off with some fun at The Eden? Whether you’re in the mood to relax with a casual activity or keep the excitement going with something more intense, there’s plenty to choose from. Test your problem-solving skills in X-Cube’s digital escape room, show off your aim at Dart Club, or dive into an adrenaline-pumping laser tag match at Delta Strike. If you’re up for some friendly competition, gather your group for a round of bowling at the Superbowl or explore over 100 games at XP Arcade. And for music lovers, Bay Karaoke is the perfect place to belt out your favourite tunes. Whether you’re with friends, family, or coworkers, The Eden is the ideal spot to end your day in Malta on a high note.
We would be thrilled to welcome you to our country, to learn, explore, and even enjoy our sunshine. At Eden, we want to ensure that your visit to Malta is the ultimate, with our many entertainment activities. Stop by and have fun at the Eden!
