Malta Attractions

Casa Rocca Piccola is the result of the Knights of St. John attempting to build a city beautiful enough to rival Venice and Paris. The 16th century palace was designed with aesthetic appeal in mind to beautify the streets of Valletta. The result is something that visitors today still view in awe; the house has over fifty rooms comprising interconnecting bedrooms, two dining rooms, two libraries, many drawing rooms, and its own chapel. Visitors will also come across stunning furnishings from all over Malta and Europe including a collection of paintings, silver antiquities, and furniture. They can also view one of the largest private collection of antique costumes in Malta as well as a large collection of Maltese lace.

74 Republic St, Valletta, Malta, Phone: +3-56-21-22-14-99

The ruins of Domvs Romana, a museum run by the Heritage Malta, is dedicated to the findings from a site that was once a Roman-era house built in 1st century BCE. In the 11th century the site was also used as a Muslim cemetery, and it wasn’t rediscovered again till 1881 when archaeological excavations found a number of tombstones, artifacts, statues, and Roman mosaics. There are guided tours of the museum that give visitors insight into the many pieces that are seen there as well as the history of the site and its surroundings.

Gheriexem, Ir-Rabat RBT 1202, Malta, Phone: +3-56-21-45-41-25

Fort Rinella, or the Rinella Battery, was built in 1878 by the British to contain a single Armstrong 100-ton 450 mm gun that was to be used to protect the route to India through the Mediterranean from other countries. In 1996 the fort was restored and reopened as an open-air museum. In addition to the gun, which still works and is shot once a year, visitors can also see a steam engine and hydraulic machinery. There are full-scale military reenactments throughout the year with soldiers in attire and live firings. Visitors can either use an audio guide or go on a guided tour to better experience Fort Rinella.

Kalkara, Malta, Phone: +3-56-21-80-09-92

A large bastioned fort that can be found in the middle of the Grand Harbour, Fort St. Angelo was originally built to serve as a castle and was called Castello al Mare or Castrum Maris. The Order of Saint John rebuilt it as a fort, and it is best known for being the Order’s headquarters during the 1565 Great Siege of Malta. Visitors can go on a guided tour and explore the many aspects of the fort, including the main gate and the Chapel of the Nativity of Our Lady. Those who love the supernatural can ask their guide to tell them about the many ghost stories affiliated with the fort, including that of the Grey Lady and Ottoman soldiers who were executed during the Great Siege.

Birgu Waterfront, Il-Birgu, Malta, Phone: +3-56-22-95-40-00

Ghar Dalam, which translates to the Cave of Darkness, is a cave that contained the skeletal remains of animals that were stranded and then became extinct in Malta during the Last Glacial Maximum. The remains, which belonged to dwarf elephants, deer, bears, and hippopotamus, were excavated and gave insight to Malta’s history; the cave also had evidence of the first human settlement in Malta. The cave’s interesting history also shows that it was used as an air-raid shelter during World War II. Visitors can now explore the cave as well as the on-site museum to learn about its past and get up close and personal with the animal bones and human artifacts.

Ghar Dalam Cave, Triq Ghar Dalam, Birzebbuga, Malta, Phone: +3-56-21-65-74-19

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Having opened in 1960, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology was the first public museum in Gozo. The museum can be found in a 17th century house called Casa Bondi, which is listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands. Visitors can observe the many exhibits that focus on archaeological relics and artifacts from the Island of Gozo, starting from present day and going back to the prehistoric era. One of the most popular exhibits at the Gozo Museum of Archaeology is the Majmunah Stone, a 12th century marble tombstone that is said to be the biggest and only visual relic of Islamic presence in Malta. The stone put the museum on center stage, and visitors flock to its exhibit throughout the year.

Triq Bieb l-Imdina, Ir-Rabat Ghawdex, Malta, Phone: +3-56-21-55-61-44

The Gozo Nature Museum highlights many of Gozo’s natural resources and how they were used in the past. The museum can be found in a group of houses within the Cittadella in the oldest part of Gozo. Visitors will come across many artifacts that display the island’s minerals, geology, insects, marine life, habitats, ecosystems, and human and animal evolution. Some of the more popular displays are of the marine organisms that were deposited on the seafloor over 35 million years ago, a tiny specimen of a moonstone, and fragments of fossil bones from the Maltese Islands.

Triq il-Kwartier San Martin, Ir-Rabat Ghawdex, Malta, Phone: +3-56-21-55-61-53

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Formerly known as the Folklore Museum, the Gran Castello Historic House is a historic museum that can be found within several 16th century houses in the Cittadella. The museum has exhibits dedicated to the Gozitan folklore, and the collection has many artifacts from rural and traditional households on the Maltese Islands. Some of the most popular exhibits include those dedicated to agriculture, which can be seen in the reconstructed mill room, the cotton industry with the spinning wheel and cotton gin, and the room that showcases local crafts such as weaving and lace-making.

Triq Melite Bernardo de Opuo, Ir-Rabat Ghawdex VCT 1860, Malta, Phone: +3-56-21-56-20-34

Hagar Qim, which translates to “standing/ worshipping stones,” is a megalithic temple complex that dates back to the Ggantija phase from around 3600 to 3200 BCE. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most ancient religious sites in the world and is considered a unique architectural masterpiece. The temple is constructed from globigerina limestone, the second oldest rock in Malta. The temple complex has one main temple and three additional structures; visitors can explore these as well as the dedicated sections for offerings, animal sacrifices, and other rituals within these.

Triq Hagar Qim, Il-Qrendi QRD 2501, Malta, Phone: +3-56-21-42-42-31

The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum was discovered in 1902 by accident when workers were doing construction for a new housing development. The Neolithic subterranean structure has since then been excavated and identified as a sanctuary dating back to the Saflieni phase from 3300 to 3000 BCE. Visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site from which archaeologists uncovered the remains of over 7,000 individuals. Designated areas include the main chamber, the oracle room, a snake pit, and the Holy of Holies. Because the hypogeum is a popular attraction and only a limited number of visitors are allowed per day, visitors are urged to book tickets in advance.

Triq Ic Cimiterju, Rahal Gdid PLA 1116, Malta, Phone: +3-56-21-80-50-19