Explore Malta’s Incredible Historical Treasures
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Key takeaways:
Home to ancient temples and influences from Phoenicians, Romans, and the British, Malta is a paradise for history buffs.
Walk through time in Valletta, a UNESCO site, and Mdina, the Silent City.
Explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Grand Master’s Palace, Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, and Gozo’s Cittadella.
Why Malta is ideal for history buffs
They say, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” While history often serves as a lesson for the present, it also offers a fascinating journey into the past. For the antiquarians, the archaeophiles and devoted history buffs, the Maltese Archipelago is an assortment of historical treasures.
Malta is home to the oldest independent temples in the world and has hosted Phoenicians, the Romans, the Knights of St. John, Napoleon and the British Empire—all of whom have left their mark on the art, architecture and life in the archipelago.
City of Valletta
Although every capital has its own stories from the past, only a select few have remained the capital of their homeland for nearly 500 years. Within seconds of breathing in the fresh air of Il-Belt, you will understand why Valletta is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Outstanding Universal Value.
A sense of being inside an open-air museum is bound to arise. But in Valletta, history isn’t just preserved—it thrives. Here, the present overlays past masterpieces in a seamless harmony, with the city’s urban fabric embracing the Hippodamian grid and Renaissance edifices like a well-worn, beloved cardigan.
With pleasant temperatures all year round, the best way to experience the city is to promenade down the road. Below are some of the places you simply must not miss.
Saint John’s Co-Cathedral
If the clock on the Mannerist façade of this 16th-century cathedral makes you question its place on our must-visit list, just wait until you step inside. The stark contrast between its minimal exterior and its breathtaking interior is nothing short of mesmerizing. From the intricately detailed floor and lavishly painted ceiling to the rich tapestries adorning the walls, St. John’s Co-Cathedral stands as one of the finest examples of High Baroque art and architecture in Europe.
Steady your heart as you step across the cathedral’s marble floor, a vast tombstone honoring the “Most Illustrious Lord Brother Illustrissimus Dominus Frater,” adorned with coded symbols of triumph, fame, victory, and death. Take your time to admire the breathtaking art housed within its walls, each piece a testament to history and devotion. Be sure to seek out Caravaggio’s masterpieces from his time in Malta—The Beheading of St. John the Baptist and St. Jerome Writing—both displayed in the Oratory.
Grand Master’s Palace
Constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries, the Grand Master’s Palace embodies the grandeur of High Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It continues to serve as an important official building as it did when its story began. As Her Excellency carries out her day’s work, you can take your time strolling through The Palace, tracing remnants of its past when it was known as The Magisterial Palace and later, The Governor’s Palace.
If you want to soothe your eyes in between, escape to one of the two courtyards. The Neptune Courtyard has a fountain and statue of Neptune, and Prince Alfred’s Courtyard has a giant clock tower with the Moors Clock and three other dials.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Cherry-picking is not an easy feat in a city where every turn and corner has stories for days. Yet, to experience the warning canons now purely ceremonial at noon or 4 pm, you must visit Valletta’s most famous piazza—Upper Barrakka Gardens. Promenade around the square and let the hue and fragrance of the seasonal flush color your memory as you click self-portraits with the most scenic backgrounds. Be at the front of the line when the canons are fired off in the Saluting Battery.
Hastings Garden
Before you bid farewell to the city, make your way to the top of the Bastion, just west of the City Gate, for breathtaking panoramic views of Floriana, Msida, Sliema, and Manoel Island. Find a bench, settle in with a snack and a drink, and let the stunning cityscapes tempt you to linger in Valletta just a little longer.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
Less than a 10-minute cab ride from the capital lies a gateway to one of the best-preserved underground necropolises from prehistoric times—the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Outstanding Universal Value, this subterranean complex has borne witness to the footsteps and sorrows of our Neolithic ancestors, echoing their grief and hope through the ages.
Take your time descending the railed stairways, then venture through the alcoves and corridors carved from Globigerina limestone. Here, in this surreal space—both a place of worship and a burial ground—generations honored their dead for 1,500 years, dating back nearly 12,000 years to 10,000 BCE.
Mdina
Our journey through time now takes us to Mdina, the old capital, believed to date back to the Bronze Age. Enclosed within its fortified walls, this timeless city has captivated kings and artists alike and remains veiled in an air of quiet mystery.
Wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, dressed in your finest, and let the blend of medieval and Baroque architecture adorning every winding road become part of your postcard—or your next Polaroid moment.
Mdina Gate
A gate befitting the former heart of the country, the baroque Mdina Gate, built in 1724, still stands tall—welcoming guests to the Silent City.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Ensconced in the heart of the city, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the “greatest ecclesiastical gems.” Constructed in 1702 after the old church was destroyed in an earthquake, its baroque exteriors, including its bell towers and dome, are simply too stunning to not have visitor’s full attention while passing by.
To anyone who steps inside the cathedral, a pandemonium of artwork awaits within the frescoes, stained glass windows, and artifacts that have survived from the original pre-1693 cathedral. These treasures adorn the space, including the main door from 1530, a late Gothic–early Renaissance baptismal font dating back to 1495, and various other historical pieces.
Ta’Xutu Tower
Watchtowers line the Maltese coastline like an infinity sign, each standing as a silent guardian of history. One must-visit is the Xutu Tower in Qrendi, just a 10-minute cab ride from both the old and new capitals. Also known as Sciutu Tower by the British, it served as an Observation Post during World War II and was controlled by the Coast Police.
Built in the 17th century by Grand Master Castellar, the tower still retains some of its original stairs, allowing visitors to climb to the upper floor for a panoramic view of the Maltese coastline. If you make it to the top, look east for a glimpse of Wardija Tower and northwest toward Ħamrija Tower.
Gozo Island
If time is on your side, we recommend adding Gozo to your itinerary as well. This charming island offers a slower pace, stunning landscapes, and a deep connection to Malta’s rich history.
Cittadella
It is a limestone castle, a gunpowder fortress, and an open-air museum. The Citadella, cradled in the heart of Victoria, has tales for days. Wear your most comfortable shoes and take your time walking the same roads bearing the faded footsteps of people from the Bronze Age.
Some must-visit spots within the Cittadella include the Cathedral of the Assumption—a Roman Catholic church built on the remains of a prehistoric temple dedicated to Juno—and the Folklore Museum or Gran Castello Historic House, which showcase artifacts from daily life before the arrival of the Knights of St. John.
Ta’ Ġurdan Lighthouse
A trip to Malta would be incomplete without a visit to Ta’ Ġurdan Lighthouse, also known as the Giordan Lighthouse, on the northeast coast of Gozo. Constructed in the 1650s, this lighthouse has guided sailors and even served as a warning system during World War II air raids. Today, it stands as a simple yet historic beacon, offering one of the most scenic views for anyone who can hike atop the plateau.
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