Gozo Beaches

Unspoiled Mediterranean Beaches
Gozo best beaches
There are plenty of beaches to choose from in Gozo...Whether Ramla Bay for its fine golden sand or Marsalforn for its pebbles and kiddies favourite, or Dwejra for the calm, gentle inland sea or Xlendi, teaming with activity as a diving centre and pedalo, boat cruise hire and general fun cove.
There are plenty of hideaway bays too. Whichever you prefer all have a shallow slope into the beautiful Mediterranean sea.



Ramla BeachLocation: Ramla Bay, GozoBeach: Golden fine sand Ramla Beach has been voted many years one of the top 5 beaches in the Mediterranean...





Calypso BeachLocation: Ramla Bay, GozoBeach: Golden fine sand The Calypso Beach is just below the Calypso Cave, probably where Ulysses did his beach walking every morning.




Qbajjar BeachLocation: Qbajjar Bay, GozoBeach: pebble & bouldersThe Qbajjar Beach is one of the preferred beaches for local people....





Salt PansLocation:Xwejni, GozoBeach: salt pans There is a stretch of land and sea between Marsalforn and the rural plots of Zebbug and Ghasri which must be seen for its unique landscape of historical salt mining methods and sweeping dunes.




Xlendi BeachLocation: Xlendi Bay, GozoBeach: sand and pebbles Xlendi is a family friendly bay with safe waters filled with waterfront cafes and restaurants.





Dwerja BeachLocation: Dwerja, GozoBeach: PebblesDwejra is a natural environment, where the swimming is safe for children. The inland bay is protected by cliffs where rare birds make their nests.

Kirkop

KIRKOP - PARVA NON INERS
GeographyKirkop is a little village situated near Malta International Airport on the way going to Zurrieq. It has a population of around 2500 but it is expanding rapidly to reach 3500 by year 2010. Kirkop was part of a larger community called 'Bir Miftuh' in middle ages when on the 29th May, 1592 it was declared a parish on its own right.Why Kirkop?The name of the village is derived from an ancient family name that had roots within the area. The village name was known as 'Casal Prokopju' and this name is found in old registers of the militia that existed prior to the coming of the Knights of Malta. It is traditionally known that the name described the place where this family lived. After a while the official name became 'KIRKOP' by the local people.

General Description
Kirkop is a very small village and yet it has a lot to offer to the visitor. One finds the Menhira monolith that has become the symbol of the village, Paleo-Christian Catacombs, the medieval Church of the Annunciation, the Parish Church dedicated to St. Leonard, two band Clubs, St Joseph Band Club, St.Leonard Band Club and the cemetery inside which there is a Chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas. A cross placed on column is found in Kirkop Square and it is called 'Is-Salib tad-Dejma'in Maltese. There is also a quite interesting collection of niches scattered around the village

The Parish Church
The parish church of Kirkop is dedicated to St. Leonard de Noblat, a french saint who lived in the 5th. century. It is the only parish church in Malta dedicated to this saint and the feast is celebrated on the third Sunday of September. An important secondary feast dedicated to St. Joseph is usually celebrated on the second Sunday of July.
The parish of Kirkop was established on 29th May, 1592. In fact the Local Council celebrates this date as the birth of Kirkop although the village existed much longer than that.
Several beautiful object d'arts are found in the church and the visitor is welcomed to explore, showing due respect to a sacred place.

The Chapel of the Annunciation
This Chapel is very old indeed. It was erected in the 1460 and re-erected in 1658. It is situated in Misrah Kirkop and it is still used for special ceremonies.

The Menhir
On entering Kirkop from St. Peter's one finds the Menhir, a monolith erected in pre-history. Its purpose is still a mystery, several experts believe it was a meeting point for the people of those days of pre-history. It has become the symbol of Kirkop.

Paleo-Christian Catacombs
These Catacombs were found in 1962. They are situated in Triq iz-Zebbiegh. Several human bones and pottery were found in it. In the moment, they are in a derelict state. The central government has promised to restore this site.

Niches
Several niches are found in Kirkop. They are dedicated to Saints that have a connection with the village. On the right side one finds the photos of several niches and their location but the list is not exhaustive. It would take two hours to stroll through the village and watch these beautiful niches.

Local Militia Cross
'Is-Salib tad-Dejma' as it is called in Maltese was a meeting point for the local militia founded in the middle ages prior to the arrival of the Knights of Malta. This Cross is situated in Misrah Kirkop.

The Cemetery.
The Cemetery is located at the outskirts of Kirkop in St. Nicholas Street. This is burial ground for several people who died of the Great Plague of 1592. In future, a burial list will published in this section.

Band Clubs
In Kirkop, one finds two band clubs namely St. Joseph Band Club and St. Leonard Philarmonic Band Club. They situated practically next to each other.
Although there is great rivaly between the supporters of the clubs, the village is one the most quiet in Malta!

St. James' Chapel
This Chapel does not exist anymore. However, one finds the entrance of this Chapel very similar to the Chapel of Hal Millieri situated in Mqabba. This arched entrance is in a derelict state. The central government has promised to restore together with the catacombs.

Paola-Rahal il Gdid

Paola, (or old name Pawla), is a town in the south of Malta. It is named after its founder, the Grandmaster Antoine de Paule, but is commonly known as Raħal Ġdid, which means new town in Maltese.Church of Christ the King Paola is renowned for its Good Friday procession, its football club, Hibernians FC, for the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and for its large church (in fact the largest in Malta).There are two parish churches one is dedicated to Christ the King and the other to Our Lady of Lourdes. The feast of Christ the King is celebrated on the 4th Sunday of July.The town is a commercial centre in the south of Malta, about 5 km from the capital Valletta. As the central hub for all traffic between the South and the rest of the island Paola today has one of the busiest town centres in the island. Paola is within easy reach of the capital Valletta and is nestled between the surrounding towns of Fgura, Luqa, Marsa, Sta Lucia and Tarxien.From a mere 200 inhabitants in its infancy, Paola now boasts a population of around 12,000.As well as providing the normal social services found in most modern towns Paola is also home to the most comprenhensive sports facilities on the island and has its own thriving industrial estate.

Historical Sites

Church of St. Ubakdeska

Fra Antoine De Paule became Grandmaster of the Order of St. John on the 10th of March 1623 when he was 71 years old. On the 20th July of 1626 he set up a new town which he named "PAULA" in his honour. De Paule wanted to build a church in the town which he wanted to dedicate to St. Ubaldesca who was a sister in the Order of St. John. Pope Urbanus VIII issued the Bull by which he gave permission for this church to be built. This Papal Bull was issued from the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome on 31st July 1629. An extract from this Bull reads as follows: "we accept this request and to the afore mentioned Antonius, with the Apostolic authority granted by this Bull, we give the authority that in the mentioned town in a location of his preference, as long as it is comfortable and just, a church can be built in honour of the afore-mentioned Saint" On the 12th November of 1629, the Council of the Order of St. John decided to effect what was written on the Bull. The laying of the first foundation stone of this church was celebrated in grand style by Grand Master de Paule himself on Sunday 25th August 1630

The Hypogeum

The Hypogeum has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hypogeum is a labyrinthine complex of man-made chambers hewn out of the limestone extending some 11 metres below ground. It appears to have been used both as a burial site and as a temple. Neolithic man carved out the Hypogeum using only antlers and stone picks as tools, and in semi darkness. The Hypogeum is made up of three superimposed levels. The upper level resembles the earlier rock-cut tombs found elsewhere on the Islands. The middle level, hewn out during the temple period (3800 - 2500 B.C.) is made up of numerous chambers. Many statuettes, amulets, figurines and vases were recovered here. The most famous figurine is that of the so-called Sleeping Lady, a reclining figurine, perhaps meant as a representation of eternal sleep. It is on display at the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta

"On the day of Sunday, the 25th day of the month of August 1630, which is the feast of the king Saint Ludovico, the Most Serene and the Most Revered Grand Master Fra Antoine de Paule went to the town, which for the past four years had taken the name of his family and which was established in the land of Marsa, and he was accompanied by numerous Venerable Gran Cruci as well as by numerous brethren from our Order and in front of a crowd of people he laid the first stone of the church which was to be built for the grace of God and the Holy Virgin Ubaldesca, sister of our Religion, with the permission of the Most Reverend Prior of the church, Fra Salvatur Imbroll, who was adorned with pontifical clothes and according to the rites of the Holy Roman Church. This was done with the apolostic authority given by the Magnificent His Holiness from Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, on the 31st of July 1629 and which was written in the public deed of the Notary Lorenzo Grima."St. Ubaldesca was the first parish church built in the village of Paola. It was originally built by Grand Master De Paule and dedicated to St. Ubaldesca, a saint venerated by the Knights of St. John. The first stone of this church was laid on 1630. It was enlarged in 1900 to accommodate the ever increasing population of Paola and it became a Parish in 1910 when it was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A new and larger church, dedicated to Christ the King, was eventually built to replace it.Today, the church needs urgent repair and restoration. It would be a pity if nothing is done for this little church which up to now has been an important landmark for the history of Paola. Immediate action needs to be taken by the appropriate authorities to save this church which forms part of the Cultural Heritage of Paola.

Kordin Temples

Kordin I formed one of three sites on the high plateau overlooking the Grand Harbour. Kordin I was excavated in part by A.A. Caruana, to be continued by Sir Themistocles Zammit in 1908 and finished by T. Ashby and T.E. Peet in 1909. The building was poorly preserved and consisted of small and irregular rooms. Kordin I was left open to the elements and air attacks during the Second World War, and the building of an industrial estate on the site, have obliterated all remains.
Kordin II Temples
Kordin II was first investigated by C. Vassallo in 1840. A.A. Caruana started to excavate the site properly in 1892. The excavation was continued by Albert Mayer in 1901 and finished by Ashby and Peet in their campaign of 1908-9. The chronology was difficult to figure out, and whether all of the building could be dated to the temple period is debatable. The site must have been used during all of the temple period since a small amount of pottery from all this period's phases were found during the excavations. Kordin II was damaged by the air bombardments of the Second World War and the new buildings that were constructed since.
Kordin 3
The temple, in a very ruinous condition, is of the standard Ggantija phase 3-apse design. It is the only temple whose forecourt, in front of the concave facade, is stone paved as is the entrance passage leading to the central court. Behind the temple and contemporary with it are small rooms possibly used for storerooms or the like, or even an irregular lobed minor temple. The most notable feature on the site is the 2.75 metre long 'trough' lying across the entrance to the left apse. It has seven deep transverse grooves produced by grinding. It is made of hard limestone brought from over 2 kilometres away so it is highly probable that it is for for grinding corn (a multiple quern) and contemporary with the temple rather than for grinding 'deffun', the traditional Maltese roofing material, which would make it considerably more recent. The site is in a walled enclosure next to the Church and is kept locked.
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Qawra, Bugibba, St.Paul's Bay

Qawra

Qawra TowerThis tower also known as Ta` Fra Ben was built in 1637 at the expense of the Universita, the Islands’ Government. It followed a standard pattern adopted for other watch-towers. They were designed to keep the surrounding area under surveillance and to relay warning signals to other towers.
Salt Pans at SalinaIn the 1560s La Vallette constructed these pans to replace the more exposed ones at Mellieha (Ghadira). Salt was exported to various countries. They fell into disuse in 1798 but were later repaired by the British administration.
Qawra Parish ChurchDedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, this modern church saw its beginning in 1993. It is quite revolutionary and original in its architecture. The objective of beauty and functionality are served in an optical cohesion by its Architect Richard England.

Bugibba

This is the hub of activity in the San Pawl il-Bahar area. From a humble holiday resort with houses at ground floor level, it has developed into a commercial centre with shops and restaurants. Its harbour is a mecca for boats whereas its pier is very popular for rod fishing.The salt pan situated on the foreshore next to the pier has been known to be here a long time. These pans are a pride to bygone engineering skills, basing its unique function on the simple law of gravity.
The Bugibba templeThis temple lies within the precinct of the New Dolmen Hotel and was discovered in 1928 by Sir T. Zammit. It has a neat trefoil plan. An interesting stone depicts a spiral design-continuity of life. Another unique stone portrays the carving of a fish for sacrifice. It was built between the years 3000 and 2500BC.

St.Paul's Bay

The Parish Church dedicated to our Lady of Sorrows is the outstanding landmark of the old village core. Built in 1900 on a piece of land donated by Anna Bugeja it is officiated by the Franciscan Conventual Friars. It is of Doric style with one bell-tower. Fifteen stained glass windows adorn the church. The paintings are the work of the famous painter Guiseppe Calí.

Wignacourt Tower was built by Grandmaster Wignacourt in 1610 to guard the bay from any sea-borne attack, it was the first of a series of coastal towers. It consists of a square block with thick bomb-proof sloping walls and turrets at the corner. Internally it consists of two barrel-vaulted rooms one on the other, whereas the main entrance was through the doorway on the first floor via a flight of stairs and a drawbridge, both of which no longer exist. It now hosts an exhibition of the knights` fortifications.
Chapel of St. Paul`s Shipwreck (of the bonfire)This chapel stands on the site where according to tradition the Maltese lit a fire for St. Paul and his companions. It is said that the first church was built in the first century. The roofing of the arcade consists of flat slabs laid upon arched ribs. Six flat saucer domes are built over arched openings that flank both sides of the nave. Three large canvases by Cassarino adorn the inside of the church.
During the Second World War it received a direct hit by an enemy bomb but was rebuilt in the same style.

Mosta

The town of Mosta is situated in the centre of Malta. It is located on a plain and is surrounded by fertile agricultural land. Neighbouring villages and towns include Lija, Burmarrad, Rabat and Naxxar. Mosta is found on the main route from Valletta to Cirkewwa and experiences daily heavy traffic flows from north to south and vice versa. Mosta is 9 km away from the capital city of Malta, Valletta. Mosta is in continuous development, new buildings are erected every day and the business community is quite active and flourishing. The population at about 18,000 inhabitants is one of the highest in the Maltese islands and has been given a boost in the last decades of the twentieth century by the establishment of a number of new housing estates (Santa Margerita, Tal-Blata l-Gholja, Ta’ Mlit, Iz-Zokrija).
Mosta’s motto “Spes Alit Ruricolam” testifies to its rural past. In fact, the motto translates to “Hope Strengthens the Farmer”. Yet, today urbanisation has taken a predominant lead over the agricultural activities of the Mostin and agricultural land has diminished significantly while the built-up area has sprawled out to the former rural outskirts of the small village of Mosta, now a significant and bustling town.
The name ‘Mosta’ has two plausible roots yet it has not been established which of the two is the correct one.
The first version is offered by the renowned architect George Grognet de Vasse who designed the famous Rotunda of Mosta. According to him “Mosta’ comes from the word ‘mistur’ or hidden, referring to the site which hosts the town. As this plain is surrounded by hilly land, Mosta seems as if it is hidden from sight. The second hypothesis focuses on the Arabic word ‘musta’, meaning central or in the middle. This version thus argues that the name comes from the position of the sight in the centre of the island of Malta.
Though there may be a question as to which of the two is the correct derivative of the town’s name, yet there is no question as to the age of Mosta. It is without any doubt one of the oldest settlements on the islands. Evidence for such a claim can be found in archaeological finds testifying to habitation as early as pre-history. Mosta’s history has been variegated with episodes of both joy and suffering. It has been one of the settlements hit by conflict such as corsair attacks in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Times as testified by folktales including that of ‘L-Gharusa tal-Mosta’ (The Bride of Mosta). Other attacks were experienced during more recent times in World War Two, when even the Mosta dome was pierced by a German bomb.
As in all other towns and villages of the Maltese islands, Roman Catholicism is very much alive and active. Thus Mosta’s titular feast, that of St. Mary or the Assumption of Our Lady, forms an apex in the local religious and popular celebrations where the Mostin rally in front of the Rotunda in a manifestation of joy, merrymaking and social well-being.
Similar to the greatest majority of towns and villages world wide, Mosta too boasts of its own coat of arms. Such a symbol reflects Mosta’s beliefs and assets which are projected in the various component parts of its coat of arms. The silver shield has a red cross in whose centre there is a golden circle within which is placed a sky-blue five-pointed star.
The red cross symbolises the Catholic faith which has always predominated the lives and beliefs of the locals. The circle represents the Rotunda, Mosta’s parish church, its main landmark and the building for which it is most famous with one and all, Maltese and foreigner alike. The blue star is the symbol of the Madonna, Our Lady, patron saint of the town, whose feast is celebrated on the 15th of August.

San Anton Palace & Gardens

History
The palace was built between 1623 and 1636, during the rule of the Knights, to serve as a summer residence for Grand Master Antoine de Paule. During the British rule over Malta it was the Governor's official residence, while Verdala Palace, in the Buskett limits of Rabat, was the Governor's summer residence.

Gardens
The public gardens of San Anton, open to the public since 1882, are laid out in a formal manner, with graceful walkways, sculptures, ornamental ponds, families of ducks and swans, and a small aviary. They contain a large variety of trees and flowers from around the world, including a variety of palm trees, cypress, jacarandas, araucarias and other exotic plants, some of them over three centuries old. For many years it has been customary for visiting Heads of State to plant a tree in memory of their stay in Malta. The gardens also contain an orangerie, and it was once the practice of incumbent Governors to give baskets of oranges grown in the palace gardens as gifts at Christmas time.

Culture
A number of significant annual events are held at San Anton Gardens, including the Malta Horticultural Show, and open-air theatre, dance and musical performances

Senglea- L-Isla

Senglea 400 Years of History
Senglea is the smallest of the Three Cities in the Cottonera. This less than a mile long and fairly new peninsula is situated between Galley Port (or Dockyard Creek) on the Cospicua side and the French Creek. Its sharp projection at the far end into the Grand Harbour is colloquially known as il-Ponta. However the popular name for this city derived from Italian l'Isola (L-Isla) meaning island, which basically indicates its geographic structure, nearly cut off by two hills Mill Hill and St. Julian's Hill.
After my struggle I emerged undefeated (Quo pugna vi invicta consido)
Although a peninsula it was referred to as Isola meaning island, the majority of its perimeter being surrounded by sea except the narrow fragment adjacent to the City of Cospicua. The local topography supplemented by the beauty of nature made Isola the favourite recreational site amongst the Knights of the Order of St. John. During his reign as Grand Master Fra Philipo Villers de l'Isle Adam planted large quantities of olive trees to make this stretch of land an ideal hunting ground. The Spanish Grand Master Fra Juan d'Homedes was fascinated by the pulchritude of the grove and as a matter of fact Casa Magistrale, the Grand' Master's resort was built here, he also initiated a program to fortify the peninsula. The activity of the Order's Arsenal and fleet generated employment with many workers were seeking accommodation in this region.
In 1553 the French Grand Master Fra Claude de La Sengle transformed this promontory into a fortified city still bearing his name, Senglea. In older to facilitate access the city was built on a grid plan, this arrangement proved very practical and was later adopted for the construction of the Capital City of Valletta. Families were encouraged by the Grand Master to dwell in Senglea by offering land and houses at nominal prices. The Fort dominating the city entrance was named St. Michael as it was commissioned on 8 May 1552, the Archangel's feast day. Sheer bastion, the palaces of the Captains of the Galleys and the store which housed the chain used to block the Galley Port during the Great Siege are existing structures coupled with the Order's naval activities.

During the 1565 Siege Senglea was ravaged by furious attacks launched by the Muslims who failed to conquer the city. Hence this city was bestowed with the title of Invincible City. Victory was declared on 8 September, the feast day of the Nativity of Our Lady, the city's Patron.
In 1596 the local mariners contributed for the erection of the Church and Convent overlooking Grand Harbour dedicated to Our Lady of Safe Haven. Governor Mayor Sir Henry F. Bourverie confiscated the convent to serve as a hospital during the 1837 plague.
The French Occupation of 1798 brought misery and hardships on the Maltese including the inhabitants of Senglea. A number of Sengleans were accused of committing treason against France and were consequently shot. Maltese soldiers positioned on Corradino Heights bombarded French contingents stationed in Senglea, this resulted in the destruction of seventy houses in the locality. The French Control was short lived and they were forced to leave Malta in 1800.
The British took over and gradually influenced the inhabitants' way of living. The British Admirality confiscated the site and wharves underneath Senglea bastions facing Corradino Heights to be converted into a naval dockyard. In order to suit Admiralty requirements, the configuration of the said bastions was altered. Established local shipyards and shipbuilders had to move to the new port at Marsa, at that time the shipbuilding industry was undergoing a period of transition, consequently the majority of these yards became redundant. The ship yards of the Sengleans Gregorio Mirabitur and Lorenzo and Salvatore German and many others provided for the local economy. The Senglean sculptor Vincenzo Bonnici built one hundred and fifty ship figureheads in his workshops in Victory Street, SengleaDuring World War II the city was shattered by enemy air bombardments and was reduced to a mere shell, many lives and possessions were lost. The Imposing Basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Victories was destroyed during brutal air strikes such as those on HMS lllustrious berthed in French Creek on 16 of January 1941. Air raids were a daily occurrence and the exodus of many Sengleans was inevitable. King George VI visited the devastated City in 1943 and perceived the catastrophe. On September 8 1943 Italy surrendered to the allies, a naval messenger delivered this news to the Parish Priest while the procession with the statue of Our Lady of Victory reached the Marina. Once again the city of Senglea established itself invincible.

Grand Master Juan D'Homedes
The Aragonese Knight Juan D'Homedes was elected Grand Master on 20 October 1536. The new Grand Master was a man of strong character and fought bravely for the Order, unfortunately he lost an eye in the Great Siege of Rhodes. In 1551 a fleet of ninety galleys and fifty galiots with ten thousand men on board under the command of corsair Dragut sailed towards Malta to conquer the Island. The Order was not prepared to meet this force and D'Homedes lost no time in disposing the army to the best advantage. Although outnumbered the Knights managed to keep the Turkish warships away from Grand Harbour. Consequently the majority of the Turkish Fleet anchored at St. Paul's Bay and the rest manoeuvred into Mgarr Harbour, Gozo. The Gozitans were forced to surrender and six thousand inhabitants were taken as slaves and the invaders pillaged the Castle and the nearby villages. In 1552 there were rumours of another invasion from the Turks, instead the Turkish Army attacked Tripoli and took it over.
The Order was aware that Malta would be the next target. Grand Master Juan D'Homedes planned to improve the defence of the island by enlarging Fort St. Elmo, building Fort St. Michael at Isola, and strengthening the bastions at Borgo. This feared attack did not take place thus the Knights afforded to send an expedition to the States of Barbary that resulted in a total failure.
Grand Master D'Homedes died at the age of eighty on 6 September 1553 and was buried in the vault of St. Angelo.

Grand Master Claude De La Sengle
Claude de La Sengle a French noble and Grand Hospitaller of the Order and Ambassador at the Court of Pope Julius III was elected Grand Master in 1553. La Sengle ordered the building of a strong bastion to be built at Isola Point within which a new city began to take shape. To honour her founder and benefactor, this city bears the Grand Master's name - Senglea. The building stone was taken from the ditches dug outside the bastions to ensure a speedy operation. This Grand Master commissioned the Italian engineer Nicolo Bellavanti to supervise work in connection with the strengthening of the fortifications.
In 1555 a hurricane struck the Maltese Islands and many houses and properties were damaged. The Galley Squadron in the Harbour was devastated, four galleys capsized and sunk causing the death of six hundred men. This was a great blow for Malta as no warships were available to defend in case of an eventuality. The Order of St John was not in a position to replace the lost warships mainly due to financial constraints. La Sengle contributed from his personal finances for the construction of a new galley he named San Claudio. Assistance came from Pope Paul IV, King Philip II of Spain, the Grand Prior of France Francois De Loriane and the Grand Prior of St. Gilves.
Claude de La Sengle maintained good relations with France and Spain as these two nations were at loggerheads with each other and were rivals for the supremacy of Sicily and the control of the Western Mediterranean. The Viceroy of Sicily, Giovanni De Vaga demanded the Order of St. John to conquer Mehdia in Africa, this demand was later rejected. In retaliation the Viceroy stopped the exportation of wheat to Malta. To mitigate this unpleasant situation, the assistance of the Palermitan engineer Vincenzo Vogo was sought to modernize the windmills, meanwhile the Pope intervened and sent enough wheat to meet demands.

The Prior of France De Loraine, a relative of the king of France, made pressure on La Sengle to hand him the command of the fleet. To sustain good relations with France La Sengle assigned De Loraine Captain of the Galley Squadron. This was an unwise decision opposed by the Italian and Spanish Knights, knowing that De Loraine lacked naval experience. In 1557 the Galley Squadron under the command of De Loriane was defeated and humiliated by the Turkish Fleet. This was a great blow for Malta and an embarrasment for the Grand Master.
After this incident La Sengle became ill and weak and tried to comfort himself by hunting at Boschetto. The Grand Master respected his subjects and never enacted any kind of injustice or hardship on the Maltese. Claude de La Sengle passed away on 18 August 1557. The Order inherited all his treasures including 80,000 scudi. His Corpse was laid in the vault of St. Angelo and his heart was deposited in the Carmelite Church of the Annunciation near Boschetto at Rabat.

Il-Girna- The Stone Hut

Nothing typifies the Maltese countryside more than the ubiquitous dry-stone wall that wind their way all over the land dividing the hot, dry soil into tiny parcels, from which the farmer ekes out an existence (Il-hajt tas-sejjieh). There, in the middle of it in the countryside of the western and northwestern part of the island lies the "girna", the Maltese stone hut.
The "girna", is a single room erected to meet the needs of farmers and herdsmen. It has a double wall built of undressed stones, which are left unplastered. Internally, its ceiling is shaped like a dome, while the external watt is usually circular, although it can be square or rectangular or, in rare instances, oval-shaped. Its convex-shaped roof is covered with fragments of rotten rock and stone and sometimes with sand and lime, and rarely, with ground pottery (deffun).
The Maltese "girna" looks an extremely plain structure; its beauty ties in the skill of its construction, built as it is with fairly sized stones ably laid next to one another. Since the "giren" are mostly located in the west and north west of Malta, where there are large quantities of loose limestone rocks on the surface, many of them are constructed with such material. The "girna" has one horizontal slab, or else is arched or triangular in form.
There isn't fixed rule that determines the size, height or width of the "gima"; it is probably built according to the needs of the owner and the actual skills the builder. The most beautiful and the largest circular "giren" are to be found in the stretch of fields and rocky ground between the Red Tower and Cirkewwa, while the largest square ones are to be found at Ix-Xaghra Il-Hamra,in the limits of Manikata.
Although some Maltese did use the'giren' for habitation, these structures were originally built to meet the personal needs of farmers and herdsmen and for the raising of live stock. Very often it was necessary for farmers to work fields situated a long way from their farmhouses and they had to have somewhere to shelter during the hot summer hours or during some sudden downpour.
In this shelter or "girna" they used to keep the food and drink they took with them and any small children they could not leave behind. In it they kept their tools, stored potatoes, onions, hay, etc. Some farmers used to dry figs, tomatoes and carobs in the suit on the roof of their "girna".

Malta Bus Services

Public transport buses are coloured yellow, with a horizontal red stripe on Malta, and Grey with a horizontal red stripe on Gozo

Malta

The Public Transport Association, (Assocjazzjoni Trasport Pubbliku or ATP) is the main provider of buses on Malta.
It is an association of bus owners, usually the driver owns his own bus.
Although many of the buses are ancient with additional moden ones they provide a cheap and reliable service.. Most buses go to Malta's main bus station situated around the Triton fountain, out side Valletta's City Gate in Floriana.

The service runs up to 11pm but a night service operates in winter on a weekend and every night in summer

If you want to do a lot of bus travelling you can buy a 1, 3, 5 or 7 day ticket, usable on all the buses except the night services.

Most services run a 30 minute service, but because several routes cover the popular tourist areas buses are very frequent during the day in these areas

Bus Travel Tickets
With a Bus travel ticket you can travel on all routes around the island of Malta from 5:30 till 23:00 i.e excludes night buses.
* One day ticket at Lm1.50 each.* Three day ticket at Lm 4.00 each.* Five day ticket at Lm 5.00 each.* Seven day ticket at Lm6.00 each.
When you buy these tickets you save money, you can help to render the service more efficient and avoid waste of time for the service and passengers. These tickets are available from the ticket booths, ticketing machines and from the bus driver.


Sliema buses
Savoy Route 60, 63 and 163
Routes 60, 63, 163 from Valletta proceed via Msida, Gzira Rue D'Argens and Savoy.While Routes 63 and 163 keep on going towards the Sliema Strand via Valletta, via Msida Creek, Rue D'Argens, and Savoy police station.
Sliema Ferries to Valletta
Route 61 is a complimentary morning service between Sliema and Valletta. At approximately 15 minute intervals. From Sliema Ferries via Msida Creek, Portes Des Bombes to Valletta.Sliema Ferries, St. Julians and Paceville
Route 62. via Portes Des Bombes, Msida Creek, The Strand, Tower Road Sliema, St. Julians Bay, and Paceville.
Swieqi, Pembroke & St. Andrews
Route 64, 67 & 671 Routes 60, 63, 163 from Valletta proceed via Msida, Gzira Rue D'Argens and Savoy, while Routes 63 and 163 keep on going towards Sliema Strand via Valletta, via Portes Des Bombes, Msida Creek, The Strand, Tower Road Sliema, St. Julians Bay, Paceville, Swieqi, Halland Hotel and St. Andrews.
Sliema via Ta' Zwejt and Rabat
Route 65 From Sliema Ferries via Tower Road Sliema, St Julians Bay, Paceville, San Gwann, Naxxar, Mosta Dome, Ta' Qali Crafts Village, and Mdina.
Direct Route 65 Sliema - Rabat - Mdina
Sliema Ferry- Sliema Front- Balluta- St Julians- Paceville- San Gwann- Naxxar Centre- Mosta- Mosta Dome -Ta' Qali Crafts Village- Rabat - Mdina and vice versa. Operating Hours Sliema Rabat Summer/Winter 08.30-17.30 09.15-18.30 Dep.every 30 mins.
Direct Route 70 Sliema - Bugibba - Qawra
Sliema Ferry- Sliema Front- Balluta- St Julians- Paceville- St Georges'- St Andrews'- Splash & Fun Park- Bahar ic- Caghaq- in front of Coast Line Hotel- Bugibba Terminus and vice versa. Operating Hours Sliema Bugibba Summer 07.30-20.30 08.00-21.00 Dep.every 15/20 mins. Winter 07.30-19.10 08.00-21.00 Dep.every 15/30 mins. Route 652 / 645 Passes through Bugibba / Qawra, at certain times, same route as Route 70.

Route 98 Valletta (circular)
This is a useful service that runs along the main road around the outside of Valletta. Can avoid you walking up the hill from the lower portions of Valletta near Fort St. Elmo, the Malta Experience bus stop, the sea front at Marsamxetto Bay or the harbour to the top end f Valletta at the bus station.
Marsamxetto Bay, War Museum St.Elmo, Conference Centre - Malta Experience, Grand Harbour, Floriana Policlinic, and Valletta.
This service runs from 6.30am till 9.00am, every 30mins, then every hour on the hour till 6.00pm
Route 627 Bugibba - Sliema (App. after 30 mins)
3 Cities - Marsaxlokk VIA St.Andrews-Paceville-St.Julians-Sliema Front-Gzira University-Marsa Sports Ground- 3 CITIES: Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua -to M'Xlokk Fishing Village and Open Market. BACK vai Tarxien - Paola Square - Msida - Sliema front - St Andresws to Bugibba. Operating Hours Bugibba M'Xlokk Summer/Winter 09.30, 11.00, 12.00, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00. 1 hour later On Sundays, departures are more frequent for M'Xlokk open air market
Route 645 Sliema - Cirkewwa (Certain times via Bugibba / Qawra.)
Sliema Ferry- Sliema Front- Balluta- St Julians- Paceville- St Georges'- St Andrews- Splash & Fun Park- St Paul's Bay- Mistra Village- Mellieha Village- Mellieha Bay-Popaye Village- (See Rt. 441) Cirkewwa ( Gozo Ferry Boat Terminal). Operating Hours Sliema Cirkewwa Summer 08.00-18.30 09.10-19.45 Dep.every 20 mins. Winter 08.00-18.00 09.10-19.10 Dep.every 30 mins.
Route 652
Sliema - via Bugibba - Qawra - Ghajn Tuffieha Bay - Golden Bay Sliema Ferry- Sliema Front- Balluta- St Julians- Paceville- St Georges'- St Andrews- Splash & Fun Park- Bahar ic- Caghaq- by the coast- Bugibba Terminus- St Paul's Bay- Ghajn Tuffieha Bay- Golden Bay and vice versa. Operating Hours Sliema Golden Bay Summer 08.45-18.15 09.40-19.10 Dep.every 15 mins. Winter 08.45-16.15 09.40-17.00 Dep.every 30 mins.

Night Routes go to/from Paceville, Malta's nightlife centre
Please note that the 1, 3, 5 or 7 day tickets can't be used on Night buses. Minimum fare is 50c
62 Valletta City Gate Term. - Paceville
Paceville Term - St. Julians, Sliema, Ferry, Strand Gzira, Ta' Xbiex, Msida Square, Pieta', Valletta City Gate Term.
Winter - Fri & Saturday
Summer - Every night
Various other routes


Malta transport maps and timetables are available at the Valletta bus teminus information desks, and at Malta Tourist Offices

Malta transport website

Malta International Airport

Malta International Airport (IATA: MLA, ICAO: LMML) is the only airport in Malta, and it serves the whole Maltese Archipelago. It is located between Luqa and Gudja in Malta. It occupies the location of the former RAF Luqa and was completely re-furbished, becoming fully operational on March 25, 1992. It is still referred to by locals as Luqa Airport, and sometimes as Valletta Airport internationally, as it is located 8 kilometres from the Maltese capital Valletta.
The airport serves as the main hub for Air Malta, though many other airlines also fly to the airport, including many holiday airlines. The airport is operated by Malta International Airport plc, a public limited company. It also hosts the Area Control Centre. The airport hosts the annual Malta Airshow, visited by military and civil aircraft from various European and other countries.

Airlines and destinations

Aeroflot (Moscow-Sheremeteyvo) seasonal
Aerosvit (Kiev-Boryspil)
Air Berlin (Nuremberg)
Air Malta (Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Basel/Mulhouse, Belfast-International, Benghazi, Berlin-Tegel, Birmingham, Bristol, Brussels, Bucharest-Otopeni [seasonal], Cairo [seasonal], Cardiff, Casablanca, Catania, Cluj-Napoca [seasonal], Corfu, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Exeter, Frankfurt, Geneva, Gibraltar [seasonal], Glasgow-International, Hamburg, Ibiza [seasonal], Istanbul-Atatürk, Kiev-Boryspil, Leeds/Bradford, Leipzig/Halle [seasonal], Lisbon, London-Gatwick, London-Heathrow, London-Stansted, Lourdes, Lyon, Madrid, Manchester, Marseille, Milan-Malpensa, Moscow-Domodedovo, Moscow-Sheremetyevo, Munich, Nantes, Naples, Newcastle, Nice, Norwich, Nottingham, Oslo, Palermo, Paris-Orly, Plovdiv, Porto [seasonal], Prague, Reggio Calabria, Rome-Fiumicino, Rostov [seasonal], St. Petersburg, Sofia, Stockholm-Arlanda, Tel Aviv [seasonal], Timişoara, Toulouse, Trieste, Tripoli, Tunis, Valencia, Venice, Vienna, Zürich)
Air Mediterranee (Lyon, Marseille, Paris-Charles de Gaulle)
Alitalia (Milan-Malpensa, Rome-Fiumicino)
Atlant-Soyuz Airlines (Moscow-Vnukovo)
Austrian Airlines (Vienna)
British Airways (London-Gatwick)
Clickair (Barcelona) [seasonal]
Croatia Airlines (Zagreb)
Easy Jet (London-Gatwick, Manchester)
EgyptAir Express (Cairo)
Emirates (Dubai, Larnaca)
Finnair (Helsinki)
First Choice Airways (London-Gatwick, Manchester)
Flyforbeans (Cardiff) [begins September 2008]
Futura International Airways (Dublin)
German Wings (Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart)
Girjet (Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia)
Jat Airways (Belgrade, Tripoli)
Jetairfly (Brussels)
Jettime (Billund, Copenhagen)
JetX Airlines (Stockholm-Arlanda, Gothenburg, Malmö)
Libyan Arab Airlines (Tripoli)
Lufthansa (Frankfurt)
Luxair (Luxembourg)
Malév Hungarian Airlines (Budapest)
Nordic Airways (Stockholm-Arland)
Norwegian Air Shuttle (Oslo)
Ryanair (Barcelona-Girona, Bremen, Dublin, London-Luton, Pisa, Stockholm-Skavsta, Valencia, Venice-Treviso)
Scandinavian Airlines System (Oslo)
Spanair (Barcelona, Madrid)
Sterling Airlines (Billund, Copenhagen)
Thomas Cook Airlines (Birmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow-International, London-Gatwick, Manchester)
Thomsonfly (London-Gatwick, Manchester)
transavia.com (Amsterdam [seasonal])
sevenair (Monastir, Tunis)
Volare Airlines (Milan-Malpensa)
XL Airways (Birmingham, Bristol, London-Gatwick, Newcastle)

Where Will You Be Cruising Next?

Get inspired for your next cruise with this photo gallery highlighting just a few of the many new ports of call that cruise companies arNestled between Sicily and Africa in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Gozo Island is the second largest of the Maltese Islands. Silversea Cruises will stop here in 2009, and travelers will be able to explore the island’s impressive citadel, prehistoric temples and sandy beaches.e adding to their itineraries in 2009.

Malta's National Anthem

In 1922, Dr. A.V. Laferla, Director of Primary Schools, obtained possession of a piece of music composed by Dr. R. Samut. He handed it to Dun Karm, a well-known priest and poet, to write the lyrics for it as a school hymn. As Dun Karm began writing, he suddenly conceived the idea of writing a hymn in the form of a prayer to the Almighty.
Dun Karm, who was later to become Malta's National Poet, wanted to bridge the gap existing between the political parties and to unite all with the strong ties of religion and patriotism. L-INNU MALTI was first played on the 3rd February 1923. In 1945 it was declared to be the official Anthem of Malta.
Lil din l-art helwa, l-Omm li tatna isimha,Hares Mulej, kif dejjem Int harist:Ftakar li lilha bl-ohla dawl libbist.
Aghti, kbir Alla, id-dehen lil min jahkimha,Rodd il-hniena lis-sid, sahha 'l-haddiem:Seddaq il-ghaqda fil-Maltin u s-sliem.
( Guard her, O Lord, as ever Thou hast guarded! This Motherland so dear whose name we bear!Keep her in mind, whom Thou hast made so fair!
May he who rules, for wisdom be regarded!In master mercy, strength in man increase!Confirm us all, in unity and peace!)
(Source: Malta Information, Dept of Information, July 1994)

The Maltese Flag

The Flag of Malta is a basic bi-colour, with white in the hoist and red in the fly: colours from the blazon of the arms of Malta. Tradition states that the colours of the flag were given to Malta by Count Roger of Sicily, in 1091. The banner of Count Roger was a chequered red and white flag and he gave a set from this banner. However, many say that this claim is only a legend developed through time. A key stronghold during the Crusades, much of the heraldry of Malta is influenced by the colors and devices of the Knights of Malta. Their badge was the characteristic Maltese cross, and their arms was a white cross on a red field. From these colors came the red and white shield that was used during the colonial period. The George Cross medal was added to the shield in 1943. It was awarded to the islanders by King George VI of Britain for heroism in World War II. In 1964, the blue canton on which the cross was originally placed was replaced by a red fimbriation.
In the upper hoist corner (in the canton of the white field) is the George Cross, outlined in red. The honour was awarded by King George VI to the entire Maltese population for their exceptional bravery and gallantry during World War II. This flag was adopted upon Malta's independence, on 21 September 1964. The Maltese flag is unique in that it is the only national flag in the world bearing a decoration from another country, in this case the United Kingdom.
The civil ensign is totally different: it shows a red field, bordered white and charged with a white Maltese cross.

Architecture

Malta has a long history of architecture, influenced by many different mediterranean cultures over its history, and most recently, British architecture. The first settlers on the island constructed Ggantia, the oldest manmade freestanding structure in the world.

M-Towers impression
Malta is currently undergoing a large scale mass building project, which include constructions such as SmartCity Malta, the M-Towers, and Pendergardens, while areas like the Valletta Waterfront and Tigne Point are being rerenovated.

Culture
Main article: Culture of Malta
The culture of Malta is a reflection of various cultures that have come into contact with the Maltese Islands throughout the centuries, including neighbouring Mediterranean cultures, and the cultures of the nations that ruled Malta for long periods of time prior to its independence in 1964.

Cuisine
Main article: Maltese cuisine
Maltese cuisine is the result of a long relationship between the Islanders and the many foreigners who made Malta their home over the centuries. This marriage of tastes has given Malta an eclectic mix of Mediterranean cooking. While many dishes are native to the island, some popular Maltese recipes are Sicilian-Southern Italian or Middle Eastern in origin. Celebrated examples include ftira biż-żejt, ġbejniet and pastizzi.

Media
Further information: Radio stations in Malta
The presence of the institutions – church, political parties, unions - in the print media is not as large as their presence in the broadcasting media; moreover they are absent from the ownership of the newspapers published in English. Unions are not represented in the broadcasting media, but in the print media; and only the General Workers Union owns a newspaper, the UHM, the second biggest union, has no newspaper, TV, or radio stations.

Broadcasting
Further information: Digital television in Malta

PBS Building

Public Broadcasting Authority Emblem
There are 5 major nationwide television channels in Malta: TVM, One Television, NET Television, Smash Television and Family TV - currently transmitted by analogue terrestrial, free-to-air signals. The state and political parties subsidies most of the fundings of these television stations. The Public Broadcasting Services is the state owned station and is a member of the EBU. Media Link Communications Ltd and One Productions Ltd are affiliated with the Nationalist Party and Malta Labour Party respectively. Smash Communications Ltd is privately owned. The Broadcasting Authority supervises all local broadcasting stations and ensures their compliance with legal and licence obligations as well as the preservation of due impartiality; in respect of matters of political or industrial controversy or relating to current public policy; while fairly apportioning broadcasting facilities and time between persons belong to different political parties. The Broadcasting Authority ensures that local broadcasting services consist of public, private and community broadcasts that offer varied and comprehensive programming to cater for all interests and tastes.
The only commercial TV station attracts an audience of 2%. Cable, terrestrial and satellite reception are all available, though the cable service is the most diffused. Cable subscriptions reached almost 124,000 in February 2006 reaching about 80% of Maltese households

Print
Further information: List of newspapers in Malta
The most widely read and financially the strongest newspapers are published by Allied Newspapers Ltd., mainly the The Times (27%) and The Sunday Times (51.6%). Due to bilingualism half of the newspapers are published in English and the other half in Maltese. The Sunday newspaper It-Torċa (The Torch) published by the Union Press, a subsidiary of the GWU, is the paper with the biggest circulation in the Maltese language. Its sister paper, L-Oriżżont, is the Maltese daily with biggest circulation. Newspapers are definitively losing out to radio and television (and radio is losing to television) as preferred source of news. There is a high number of daily or weekly newspapers, there is one paper for every 28,000 people. Advertising, sales and subsidies are the three main methods of financing newspapers and magazines. However, most of the papers and magazines tied to institutions are subsidised by the same institutions, they depend on advertising or subsidies from their owners.

Music
Main article: Music of Malta
While Maltese music today is largely western, traditional Maltese music includes what is known as għana. This consists of background folk guitar music, while a few people, as a general rule men only, take it in turns to argue a point in a singsong voice. The aim of the lyrics, which are improvised, are to create a friendly yet challenging atmosphere, and it takes a number of years of practice to be able to combine the required artistic qualities with the ability to debate effectively.

Sports
Malta has its own national football stadium. It is generally noted that the population tends to be split half and half with regards to supporting Italy or England in sports games, due to the cultural affinities of the island.
Special activities
In the last decade the aviation sport of Microlight Flying has been introduced on the island by the Island Microlight Club. In under ten years there are a total number of twenty two microlight aircraft that operate out of the Malta International Airport.

Healthcare

Malta has a long history of healthcare, and the first hospital recorded in the country was already functioning by 1372.
Modern-day Malta has both a public healthcare system, known as the government healthcare service, and a private healthcare system.
Malta was ranked number 5 in the World Health Organization's ranking of the world's health systems, well above the USA (at 37), Australia (at 32), and Canada (at 30). The United Kingdom, the best of this group of larger comparator countries, was ranked at number 18, which is interesting in that the healthcare system in Malta closely resembles the British system, as healthcare is free at the point of delivery. Also, like the UK Malta has a strong general practitioner-delivered primary care base, supplemented by secondary care and tertiary care provided by a number of public hospitals, some of which (such as St. Luke's Hospital) are large (see List of hospitals in Malta).
There is both a medical school and a dental school at the University of Malta, as well as a nursing school .
Malta has three major private hospitals. These are St Philip's Hospital, with a capacity of 75 beds, in Santa Venera, and St James Capua Hospital in Sliema, with 80 beds (the former Capua Palace Hospital) - St James Hospital also has other sites, including a 13 bed unit in Zabbar, as well as a partner hospital in Libya. There is also St Mark's Clinic, with a capacity of 5 beds, based in Msida and which offers private hospital services.
In recent years, Malta has been trying to develop as a medical tourism destination . However, up to 2008 no Maltese hospitals in either the public or the private sectors had undergone independent international healthcare accreditation. Malta is popular with British medical tourists , and logically this may point Maltese hospitals towards seeking UK-sourced accreditation, such as with the Trent Accreditation Scheme, or possibly to seek dual accreditation with the American-orientated Joint Commission if they wish to compete with the Far East and Latin America for medical tourists from the USA, as well as from the UK. A number of health tourism providers are involved in developing medical tourism in Malta.
The Maltese Ministry of Health advises foreign residents to take out private medical insurance.
The Medical Association of Malta represents practitioners of the medical profession. MMSA is a separate body representing Maltese medical students, and is a member of EMSA and IFMSA. MIME, the Maltese Institute for Medical Education, is an institute set up recently to provide CME to doctors in Malta as well as medical students. MADS, the Malta Association of Dental Students, is a student association set up to promote the rights of Dental Surgery Students studying within the faculty of Dental Surgery of the University of Malta. It is affiliated with IADS, the International Association of Dental Students.