The scenic fishing village Marsaxlokk

The small fishing village Marsaxlokk is located on the South Eastern part of Malta.

 

Visiting it is a great day trip destination out of Valletta.

 

 

It is so wonderful to admire the picturesque bay and mainly to view the lovely sight of numerous traditional fishing boats called luzzu, existing since ancient times. Boats are colourful: yellow, red, green and blue their bows have a pair of eyes, to protect fishermen. 

 

 

We got fascinated by the lovely scene we encounter, perfect place for a leisurely stroll or just sit and enjoy the sunshine and the everyday life of this village.

 

 

Wonderful atmosphere and a perfect place for a late lunch in one of the many restaurants. Marsaxlokk is particularly crowded on Sunday when there is a colourful market here.

 

 

Colourful fishing boats in the bay just arranged for picture.

 

 

Close to the promenade is the small parish church of Our Lady of Pompei.

 

Marsaxlokk is an incredibly beautiful place and really worth visiting.

Malta, a Land of Knights Part 2

Not to be missed in Valletta is the wonderful walk along the waterfront in Sliema, offering great photo opportunities and excellent views.

 

 

From here we admire the unique architecture and the city fortification walls, and many bastions. 

 

 

Valletta is definitely worth seeing from a distance. A boat cruise additionally increases the experience of enjoying this marvelous city.

Shops and restaurants around offer the best place to relax and enjoy Valletta and the relaxing atmosphere. The promenade invites for long walks and opportunities to enjoy this spectacular city from different corners.

 

 

Nice place to sit and relax.

 

Valletta is good connected to the neighboring coastline cities Sliema and St. Julian representing Malta`s best coastal resorts.

 

 

Valletta is fascinating, a great place to spend a day or two with endless places to visit and admire.

Malta, a Land of Knights Part 1

The Maltese islands have a long, rich history and Christian legacy due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea. 

Valletta is the capital of Malta. The city is UNESCO Heritage Site. The architecture here is mainly in Baroque style, but the most impressive buildings were built by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as Knights Hospitaller. 

Valletta is the cultural center of the island, a city full of palaces, churches and museums.

Located on the top of a hill, Valletta impresses with the huge fortification and the main city gate. Pjazza Teatru Rjal is very close to the main gate. 

The theater has been hit and destroyed by a bomb during the WW2. Now the theater is reconstructed and located close to the Parliament building.

Parliament House.

Strolling along the main straight Republic Street with its shops, restaurants and private houses, we admire a great mixture of history and architecture.

Not to be missed is the old magnificent building of the National library of Malta.

Following the maze of narrow streets we reach the Co-Cathedral St. John, definitely one of the best attractions in Valletta. Built by the knights, the history of Malta and Valletta is represented in this remarkable place. Outside the cathedral is very humble but the interior is exuberant, mind-blowing and gorgeous. Here we admire the splendor and magnificence of the heavily gilded decorations, including Caravaggio`s masterpieces. The marble floor is colorful, housing over 400 tombs of noble knights.

I am usually a fan of religious buildings and this cathedral is for me a jewel in Europe, one of the best in the world. It offers a fascinating medieval tour and impresses with its art treasures. Visiting this place is really a special experience which I will never forget.

View of the cathedral from St. John Square.

Hidden in a side street the Cathedral of St. Paul is another spectacular place to visit and admire. The peaceful and serene atmosphere is just overwhelming, the silver and gold decorations and ceiling paintings bring exquisite to this unforgettable place. Particularly impressive are the St. Paul`s relics, including part of the column on which he was beheaded in Rome.

Right close to it is the Manoel Theater, one of the oldest theaters in Europe.

Located between the city gate and St. Elmo Fort, St. George Square is a very famous meeting point, surrounded by beautiful old buildings and water fountains.

Here is also the spectacular Grandmaster`s palace which impresses with its lovely interior. Part of the building is open for public but the rest is used for governmental functions and as the sit of the president.

Our lady of Victories Church was built by the Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette, after the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. 

The victorious Grand Master established the new fortified city and gave his name, La Valletta. This is the first church built in Valletta and the Grand Master is buried in the crypt below. This building has a great historical and religious importance.

Right close to it is Auberge de Castille. This historical palace is now a home of the Maltese Prime minister.

A visit of the Upper Barrakka gardens is a must in Valletta. The gardens are not big but the views from here towards the three cities: Cospicua, Vittoriosa, Senglea and the Grand Harbor are just spectacular.

Not to be missed are the salutes from the gun battery.

Absolutely stunning views.

Situated high on the fortification and overlooking the Grand Harbor, Lower Barrakka Gardens are as impressive as the Upper gardens. It is so nice to spend time here, to sit on the benches and enjoy the Fort Ricasoli, the Three Cities and the Siege War Memorial.

A memorable landmark of the park is the temple.

Marvelous view of the Siege Bell which rings daily at noon.

Stunning views over the Grand Harbor.

The large bastion Fort Saint Angelo, a magnificent fortification with strategic location.

A typical street of Valletta with the unique green wooden balconies.