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INTERESTING PLACES |
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Valletta-Malta's Capital
City |
Valletta is the capital city of Malta.
The whole city was inscribed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 1980.
The official name the Order of Saint John
gave to the city was Humilissima Civitas
Valletta — a city bound to humility.
However, with the building of bastions,
curtains and ravelins, along with the beauty
of the baroque buildings along its streets,
it became known as Superbissima — 'Most
Proud', amongst the ruling houses of Europe.
In Maltese it is colloquially known as
Il-Belt, simply meaning "The City".
Benjamin Disraeli visited Valletta in August
1830, on the recommendation of his friend,
Lord Byron. He described Valletta as "a city
of palaces built by gentlemen for
gentlemen", and remarked that "Valletta,
equals in its noble architecture, if it does
not excel, any capital in Europe".
The Palace of the Grandmasters, now used as
the President's Palace and St John's Co
Cathedral are just a few of the marvels of
this city.
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| Marsaxlokk-Fishing
Village |
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Marsaxlokk
is a traditional fishing village located in the
south-eastern part of Malta. The name means
"south-east port" in Maltese and is pronounced mar-sa-shlok.
Marsaxlokk is the foremost fishing village and,
perhaps, the most picturesque seaside locality in
Malta. Fishing nets are often spread on the quay to
dry in the sun and, quite often, sturdy fishermen
can be seen mending these nets. These activities,
together with the modest houses by the quayside,
lend the place charm and serenity.
Fish restaurants have opened to meet the
ever-increasing demand. The tourist influx to
Marsaxlokk has also attracted many hawkers and
souvenir vendors.
Overlooking the northern arm of Marsaxlokk Bay is
the hill of Tas-Silg. This archaeological site
contains remains of megalithic temples of the
Tarxien phase, with later alterations resembling the
Hagar Qim model. Bronze Age material was also found
scattered around the area.
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| Mdina-The Silent City |
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Mdina
(also called L-Imdina or Città Notabile) is
the old capital of Malta. It is a medieval
town, with narrow quiet streets, situated in
the centre of the island. It is also known
as the "Silent City". It commands a
magnificent view of the Island.
Evidence for settlement in Mdina goes back
to over 4000 BCE. It was first fortified by
the Phoenicians around 1000 BCE, probably
because of its strategic location on one of
the highest points on the island and as far
from the sea as possible. When Malta came
under control of the Roman Empire, the Roman
Governor built his palace there. It was here
in 60 CE that the Apostle St Paul is said to
have lived after being shipwrecked on the
Islands. The city earned its present day
name from the Saracens who came to Malta
around 870 CE. They surrounded the city with
thick defensive walls and a wide moat,
separating it from its nearest town, Rabat.
The Normans conquered Malta in 1091. A
strong earthquake in 1693 destroyed a large
number of buildings in Mdina. After the
earthquake the Cathedral was rebuilt on the
designs of the Maltese architect Lorenzo
Gafa.
Today, no cars (other than those of a
limited number of residents, emergency
vehicles, wedding cars and hearses) are
allowed in Mdina and there is a calming
atmosphere as one walks along its narrow
streets and ways. The city displays an
unusual mix of Norman and Baroque
architecture, including several palaces,
most of which serve as private homes. The
Cathedral is worth visiting and is fronted
by a large square.
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