Malta, the independent State-Island

Malta, island country located in the central Mediterranean Sea. A small but strategically important group of islands, the archipelago has through its long and turbulent history played a vital role in the struggles of a succession of powers for domination of the Mediterranean and in the interplay between emerging Europe and the older cultures of Africa and the Middle East. As a result, Maltese society has been molded by centuries of foreign rule by various powers, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Sicilians, Swabians, Aragonese, French and British.
The country comprises five islands—Malta, the largest, Gozo, Comino, and the uninhabited islets of Kemmunett, also known as Comminotto and Filfla, lying some 93 km south of Sicily, 290 km north of Libya and about 290 km east of Tunisia, at the eastern end of the constricted portion of the Mediterranean Sea separating Italy from the African coast.

Malta, Mellieha, Cirkewwa: the ferry to Gozo

Malta, excursion to the Blue Grotto. A number of sea caverns on the south coast of Malta, east of the fishermen’s harbour Wied iż-Żurrieq

Malta, excursion to the Blue Grotto. A number of sea caverns on the south coast of Malta, east of the fishermen’s harbour Wied iż-Żurrieq

Malta, excursion to the Blue Grotto. A number of sea caverns on the south coast of Malta, east of the fishermen’s harbour Wied iż-Żurrieq

Malta, excursion to the Blue Grotto. A number of sea caverns on the south coast of Malta, east of the fishermen’s harbour Wied iż-Żurrieq

Malta, excursion to the Blue Grotto. A number of sea caverns on the south coast of Malta, east of the fishermen’s harbour Wied iż-Żurrieq

Malta, Mosta: Mosta boasts the third largest unsupported dome in the World dedicated to the Assumption. The church is also known as the Rotunda of St Marija Assunta. On 9 April 1942, the church was nearly destroyed during World War II. An Axis bomb hit the dome of the church but failed to explode. The Rotunda was designed by Giorgio Grognet de Vassé, a French citizen resident in Mosta

Malta, Mellieħa: Selmun Palace also known as Selmun Tower, is a palace on the Selmun Peninsula in Mellieħa. It was built in the 18th century by the Monte della Redenzione degli Schiavi, funded by the Monte di Pietà. The palace was located on the grounds of a hotel until it closed in 2011.

Malta, Mosta: Mosta boasts the third largest unsupported dome in the World dedicated to the Assumption. The church is also known as the Rotunda of St Marija Assunta. On 9 April 1942, the church was nearly destroyed during World War II. An Axis bomb hit the dome of the church but failed to explode. The Rotunda was designed by Giorgio Grognet de Vassé, a French citizen resident in Mosta

Malta, Birgu

Malta, Birgu

Malta, La Valletta: traditional balconies in the old city

Malta, La Valletta: view over La Valletta with the Carmelite Church

Malta, La Valletta: view over La Valletta with the Carmelite Church

Malta, La Valletta: view over Birgu

Malta. La Valletta: Upper barrakka gardens, Monument to Iosephi Nicolai Zamitt

Malta: view over the three cities from La Valletta

Malta, Birgu: BIRGUFEST – This event taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, has now become an annual national event. From inception the aim was to highlight Birgu’s historic and architectural beauty and the Birgu by Candlelight, now incorporated in Birgufest, was set up to highlight this in a romantic manner. The streets are lit up with a gentle glow by thousands of candles of all kinds.

Malta, Birgu: BIRGUFEST – This event taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, has now become an annual national event. From inception the aim was to highlight Birgu’s historic and architectural beauty and the Birgu by Candlelight, now incorporated in Birgufest, was set up to highlight this in a romantic manner. The streets are lit up with a gentle glow by thousands of candles of all kinds.

Malta, Birgu: BIRGUFEST – This event taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, has now become an annual national event. From inception the aim was to highlight Birgu’s historic and architectural beauty and the Birgu by Candlelight, now incorporated in Birgufest, was set up to highlight this in a romantic manner. The streets are lit up with a gentle glow by thousands of candles of all kinds.

Malta, Birgu: BIRGUFEST – This event taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, has now become an annual national event. From inception the aim was to highlight Birgu’s historic and architectural beauty and the Birgu by Candlelight, now incorporated in Birgufest, was set up to highlight this in a romantic manner. The streets are lit up with a gentle glow by thousands of candles of all kinds.

Malta, Birgu: BIRGUFEST – This event taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, has now become an annual national event. From inception the aim was to highlight Birgu’s historic and architectural beauty and the Birgu by Candlelight, now incorporated in Birgufest, was set up to highlight this in a romantic manner. The streets are lit up with a gentle glow by thousands of candles of all kinds.

Malta, Birgu: BIRGUFEST – This event taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, has now become an annual national event. From inception the aim was to highlight Birgu’s historic and architectural beauty and the Birgu by Candlelight, now incorporated in Birgufest, was set up to highlight this in a romantic manner. The streets are lit up with a gentle glow by thousands of candles of all kinds.

Malta, Birgu: BIRGUFEST – This event taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, has now become an annual national event. From inception the aim was to highlight Birgu’s historic and architectural beauty and the Birgu by Candlelight, now incorporated in Birgufest, was set up to highlight this in a romantic manner. The streets are lit up with a gentle glow by thousands of candles of all kinds.

Malta, Birgu: BIRGUFEST – This event taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, has now become an annual national event. From inception the aim was to highlight Birgu’s historic and architectural beauty and the Birgu by Candlelight, now incorporated in Birgufest, was set up to highlight this in a romantic manner. The streets are lit up with a gentle glow by thousands of candles of all kinds.

Malta, Birgu: BIRGUFEST – This event taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, has now become an annual national event. From inception the aim was to highlight Birgu’s historic and architectural beauty and the Birgu by Candlelight, now incorporated in Birgufest, was set up to highlight this in a romantic manner. The streets are lit up with a gentle glow by thousands of candles of all kinds.

Malta, Birgu: BIRGUFEST – This event taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, has now become an annual national event. From inception the aim was to highlight Birgu’s historic and architectural beauty and the Birgu by Candlelight, now incorporated in Birgufest, was set up to highlight this in a romantic manner. The streets are lit up with a gentle glow by thousands of candles of all kinds.

Malta, Birgu: BIRGUFEST – This event taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, has now become an annual national event. From inception the aim was to highlight Birgu’s historic and architectural beauty and the Birgu by Candlelight, now incorporated in Birgufest, was set up to highlight this in a romantic manner. The streets are lit up with a gentle glow by thousands of candles of all kinds.

Malta, Birgu: view over the yacht marina

Malta, Birgu: BIRGUFEST – This event taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, has now become an annual national event. From inception the aim was to highlight Birgu’s historic and architectural beauty and the Birgu by Candlelight, now incorporated in Birgufest, was set up to highlight this in a romantic manner. The streets are lit up with a gentle glow by thousands of candles of all kinds.

Malta, Birgu: BIRGUFEST – This event taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, has now become an annual national event. From inception the aim was to highlight Birgu’s historic and architectural beauty and the Birgu by Candlelight, now incorporated in Birgufest, was set up to highlight this in a romantic manner. The streets are lit up with a gentle glow by thousands of candles of all kinds.

Malta, Birgu: Oratory of the Holy Cross on the right, Oratory of St. Joseph on the left and San Lawrence’s church in front

Malta: sunset view over La Valletta from the Senglea bastions

Malta, Mdina, the historical centre

Malta, La Valletta, the old city

Malta, La Valletta, the old city

Malta, La Valletta, the old city

Malta, a car park sign

Malta, La Valletta, the old city

Malta, La Valletta, the old city

Malta, La Valletta, the old city

Malta: view over La Valletta from the Senglea bastions

Malta: view over La Valletta from the Senglea bastions

Malta, La Valletta, st. John’s Cathedral

Malta, Senglea, one of the three cities

Malta, Senglea, one of the three cities

Malta: view over La Valletta from the Senglea bastions

Malta, Birgu, also known by its title Città Vittoriosa, is an old fortified city on the south side of the Grand Harbour in the South Eastern Region of Malta. The city occupies a promontory of land with Fort Saint Angelo at its head and the city of Cospicua at its base. View from Upper Barrakka Gardens

Malta, La Valletta

Malta, La Valletta, Upper Barrakka Gardens

Malta, Birgu, also known by its title Città Vittoriosa, is an old fortified city on the south side of the Grand Harbour in the South Eastern Region of Malta. The city occupies a promontory of land with Fort Saint Angelo at its head and the city of Cospicua at its base.

Malta, La Valletta, bastions at the entrance

Malta, La Valletta, New Parliament Building

Malta, La Valletta, Upper Barrakka Gardens

Malta, Birgu, also known by its title Città Vittoriosa, is an old fortified city on the south side of the Grand Harbour in the South Eastern Region of Malta. The city occupies a promontory of land with Fort Saint Angelo at its head and the city of Cospicua at its base. View from Upper Barrakka Gardens

Malta, La Valletta, Castille Square, Castille Hotel

Malta, La Valletta: designed by Girolamo Cassar but later remodelled under Grand Master di Pinto, Auberge de Castille, situated in Castille Place, is one of the finest architectural works in Malta

Malta, st. Elmo place

Malta, Gozo: Ta Kola windmill, the rural life as the old times in the countryside

Malta, Gozo: Ta Kola windmill, the rural life as the old times in the countryside

Malta, Gozo: Victoria, the Citadel

Malta, Gozo: San Lawrenz

Malta, Gozo: the iconic Azure Window at Dwejra, a limestone arch once a cave

Malta, Gozo: the saltpans of Xwejni bay

Malta, Gozo: the saltpans of Xwejni bay

Malta, Gozo: the saltpans of Xwejni bay

Malta, Gozo: the saltpans of Xwejni bay

Malta, Gozo: the saltpans of Xwejni bay

Malta, Gozo: Żebbuġ Parish Church

Malta, Gozo: the village of Xaghra topped by the Parish Church

Malta, Gozo: Victoria, the Citadel

Malta, Gozo: Victoria, the Citadel

Malta, Gozo: Victoria, the Citadel

Malta, Gozo: Victoria, the Citadel

Malta, Gozo: the village of Xaghra topped by the Parish Church

Malta, Gozo: parish church of Xaghra in backlight

Malta, Gozo: Victoria, the Citadel

Malta, Gozo: Victoria, the Citadel

Malta, Gozo: Victoria, the Citadel

Malta, Gozo: Victoria, the Citadel

Malta, Gozo: Victoria, the Citadel

Malta, Gozo: Victoria, the Citadel

Malta, Gozo: Victoria, the Citadel

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Marsaxlokk: the village is located in the south-eastern part of Malta which is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its many decorative eyed painted boats called Luzzus

Malta, Mdina, the historical centre

Malta, Mdina, the historical centre

Malta, Mdina, the historical centre

Malta, Mdina, the historical centre

Malta, Mdina, the historical centre

Malta, Mdina, the historical centre