A profusion of souvenir stores on the island of Malta and Gozo! From the emblematic cross to the flag of Malta or the reproductions of old buses and armors of Knights… There is something for every taste and budget. Visiting Malta recommends the best of Malta’s handicrafts: you will be sure to bring back an authentic “Made in Malta” item as a souvenir of your vacation in the Maltese archipelago.
The blown glass of Malta and Gozo
A blown glass object from Malta and Gozo is unique! Any size, any shape and for any budget: vase, pocket, pendants or beautiful glass balls to decorate your Christmas tree! We advise you to visit the workshops of Mdina Glass in the handicraft village of Ta’ Qali: you will see the blowing techniques. On the island of Gozo, other collections are made in a workshop with the same refined style but with different themes. Parts with a slight defect are sometimes very well sold.
Address: Mdina Glass Workshops – Ta Qali Artisan Village – Malta
Address : Ateliers Gozo Glass-Ta Dbiegi Crafts Village- Gharb- Gozo
Silver filigree jewelry from Malta and Gozo
One of the characteristics of the handicrafts of Malta and Gozo is the handmade filigree jewelry. The work of silverware has existed here since the Phoenician era and then developed during the presence of the Knights of Malta: the most beautiful pieces of Europe were created in Malta. A delicate art of jewelry making, filigree consists of twisted gold or silver wires. The more complex the design, the more valuable the jewelry. It is in Valletta, the capital of Malta, that the jewelers are concentrated. They sometimes work in front of their store, an opportunity to admire their skill and to offer a Maltese Cross as a pendant or to order a more personalized jewel.
Address: many jewelers to visit in Valletta.
The lace of Malta and Gozo
The lace of Malta (Bizilla) is mainly an art of Gozo. Practiced on a small cushion with the help of “ghazel” (threads wound around elongated spools), the Maltese lacemakers date of 17th century Its characteristics: a honey color with the use of silk threads from Spain and of course the motifs of the Maltese cross. Handed down from generation to generation, this goldsmith’s work is still learned in lacemaking clubs in Gozo and is the subject of serious studies in the “history” section of the University of Malta: Maltese lace is among the most beautiful and renowned in the world!
Address: Bastions Lace – Victoria Citadel in Gozo.
The ceramics of Malta and Gozo
Pottery(ceramika in Maltese) is the oldest craft in Malta: the fragments found in the various archaeological sites testify to an ancestral art. Today’s ceramics workshops still make useful and decorative pieces, but the designs have evolved! Typically Mediterranean, the deep blue and sunny yellow harmonize on vases, plates or lamp bases. Some ceramics workshops offer introductory courses for adults and children: why not create your own Maltese ceramics during your vacations in the Maltese archipelago!
Address : Ceramika Workshops of La Villa Bologna in Attard.
The stone sculptures of Malta and Gozo
Globigerine is the stone of Malta and Gozo. Soft and limestone, it is used for the construction of buildings and gives this beautiful “honey” color to the whole archipelago. It is mined in open pits, especially in southern Malta. Visiting the Limestone site is instructive on stone work and for budding designers, an opportunity to learn about and carve Maltese stone. The Maltese love globberin and sometimes make it a creative hobby by reproducing a particular church or monument of Malta. The most famous of them, Jo in the village of Ta’ Qali, with today, a beautiful range of products widely distributed throughout the Maltese archipelago. There are also quarries in Gozo, next to the Azure Window, where hundreds of blocks of stone are piled up: impressive result!
Address: Limestone Heritage Azzopardi Street- Siggiewi: stone museum in Malta (entrance 7 euros/adult).
Address: Heritage Homes of Malta – Ta’Qali Artisan Village – sale of Maltese stone sculptures (free entrance).
Practical advice
If you are buying a fragile item, ask for suitable packaging so that your purchase in Malta travels safely.
Choose the artisanal workshops in Malta and Gozo: don’t always trust the labels of “tourist” stores.
If you make several purchases from the same craftsman: he will probably be willing to give you a discount…
Find the souvenirs to bring back from your trip in our article.
