The history of Malta is very rich and it would be a shame to miss it… I’m listing the historical places, temples and museums that you must see in Malta and Gozo!
1. Mdina
Mdina, in the center of the island of Malta, is the former capital of Malta, today populated by about 300 inhabitants. This is one of the reasons why this medieval walled city is called “The Silent City “. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of this museum city on a sunny afternoon.
Embrace the view from the promontory to have all of Malta at your feet like the Knights of the Order of Malta once did! More about Mdina
👉 Book a full day to discover the history of Malta, from Mdina, Maltaʹs ancient capital.
Great deal: With our My Little Malta discount card, you’re entitled to 30% off entrance fees to historic sites and 15% off guided tours. It’s worth taking it, it’s immediate! More information here.
2. St John’s cathedral (the co-cathedral of St John)
St. John’s Co-Cathedral is located in the heart of Valletta. It was built between 1573 and 1577 by the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem.
The exterior may not look like much, but take the time to enter this unique building to discover the exuberance ofBaroque art and to walk past the marble inlaid tombs of the Knights!
It is said that the clever knights, upon the arrival of the French in thirst of precious stones and gold would have painted the gilding and frames in solid gold to “deceive the enemy”. Well done knights!!!
👉 Book the unmissable guided tour of Valletta, Malta’s capital. In English.
3. The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni (and its small…)
Incredible gems: the Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni, classified as a UNESCO heritage site (like dozens of sites in Malta, we’re varnished here!), is a unique place, older than the Pyramids of Egypt! The site has about fifty rooms on about 2,500m2 spread over four levels. WARNING: Despite what the guides say, it is difficult to visit it now because of conservation and current production of a replica (like the Lascaux 2 caves) by our partners from Heritage Malta. Don’t worry, another site has just opened in Mosta: Ta’Bistra and it is less frightening to visit for claustrophobic people!
👉 Book the guided tour of the Hypogeum. To be reserved (well in advance).
4. The Manoel Theater
In the series of “Older”, I ask for the “Manoel Theater”. This theater, built from 1731, is the third oldest in Europe and the oldest among the Commonwealth Nations: hurray, because it is one of the only ones to have survived unscathed to bombings and wars!
My Little Malta recommends a visit with a guide or audioguide to hear all the stories and anecdotes.
5. The megalithic temples of Mnajdra
Composed of two very well preserved temples in the middle of a beautiful environment of the South of the island of Malta, Mnajdra is one of the oldest religious sites on Earth: Imagine -3600 BC! The temples are located 500 meters from Ħaġar Qim (which is also worth it). Do not hesitate to take the audio-guide which will allow you a great freedom in the visit. Learn more about Mnajdra and Hagar Qim.
👉 Book the guided tour of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim on a half day tour.
👉 Book the full day to visit the historic Hagar Qim temple, Ghar Dalam, Limestone Heritage and Marsaxlokk market.
6. St Paul’s catacombs
These catacombs located in Rabat were dug by the Romans to bury the dead (I promise, we’ll stop with the graves later!). They were also used by Christians to meet secretly and escape persecution. Learn more about Saint Paul’s catacombs.
7. The temples of Ä gantija
Ä gantija, it means ” tower of the giants ” in Maltese and it is the name of a set of two megalithic temples located in Gozo near Xagħra. As you can imagine from the name, these temples are staggering in their gigantism. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, both impressive and intriguing! Learn more about the temples of Ä gantija.
The discount card
In possession of the card, save 30% on entrance tickets to Heritage Malta national museums and historical sites and 15% on bookable guided tours.
