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Mdina, Rabat, Mosta, Ta Qali and Dingli |
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Mdina, a typical medieval town with a glorious history, which is also known as the "Silent City". The old capital is still fully inhabited though only a few cars are allowed within its boundaries. As you walk through its narrow streets you can admire some of the finest Norman and Baroque architecture on the island. Rabat is the home to some important Roman remains and to St. Paul's Church, Malta's oldest parish church. Both St. Paul and St. Agatha are believed to have lived in the Grotto and Catacombs beneath this church. Dingli Cliffs near Dingli, a village close to Rabat, is the highest point in Malta and offers beautiful views mainly of a distant protected islet called Filfla. St. Paul's Cathedral, Mdina - In 1693 this Siculo-Norman Cathedral originally built in the 11th Century was damaged by an earthquake. Lorenzo Gafa was commissioned to rebuilt it. The Cathedral has a rich baroque interior and several paintings by Mattia Preti. Roman Villa, Rabat - These remains were discovered by accident in 1881 when the ground was being cleared for the planting of trees. This consists of two well-preserved complete mosaic panels, sculptures, pottery, and metal objects. One of the mosaics is particularly interesting for its particular three-dimensional optical effects. The museum can be reached by crossing the garden outside the Mdina main gate. St. Paul's Church, Rabat - St. Paul's church is said to have been built in 1572 and was enlarged in the 17th century. The church houses a Grotto were St. Paul used to pray during his three months stay on the Island. St. Paul's Catacombs, Rabat - The entrance to these catacombs is in St. Agatha Street. This labyrinth or narrow underground passages, which altogether cover an area of more than one square mile, was used as a burial place during the 4th and 5th centuries. St. Agatha Catacombs, Rabat - The entrance to these catacombs is through St. Agatha's lane in Rabat. In the 4th or 5th century a natural cave was altered into a crypt, typical of the underground Christian cemeteries of the time. These catacombs are very extensive and compromise numerous galleries and graves of different types. St. Agatha is said to have taken refuge in the underground crypt from the persecutions of the emperor Decius in Catania in the year 249 AD. Dingli Cliffs, Dingli - At 800 feet above sea level these cliffs are the highest point on the Maltese Islands. From here you can enjoy breath-taking views of the open sea and the islet of Filfla. Filfla was used as a practice target for the guns of the Royal Navy and the bombs of the Royal Air Force. Mosta Dome, Mosta - The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary as it is properly called, was erected between 1833 and 1860. It has the third largest unsupported dome in the world, which measures 122 feet in internal diameter. During the Second World War at least two bombs bounced of the dome, however a third bomb hit the dome and landed in the church during a religious service. 300 people were present but luckily the bomb did not explode. Locals attribute this to a miracle. Ta` Qali - Ta' Qali crafts village, The former RAF base, at Ta Qali has been transformed into a local handicrafts centre. Local artisans work in wool, glass, filigree, silver and gold, lace, pottery, embroidery, leather, cane products and other local crafts. |
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Links to Maltese Cities and Towns
Sliema, ST. Julian’s and Paceville Mdina, Rabat, Mosta, Ta Qali and Dingli Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua Bugibba, Qawra and St. Paul’s Bay Fishing Villages – Marsaxlokk, Marsascala and Birzebbugia |
