If you’re a history buff, you’ll love Malta. It may be one of the smallest countries in the world, but this island nation has a rich and colourful past.
Malta’s 7,000-year heritage contains traces of Roman, Moorish, French, and British influences. Moreover, the island is home to some of the oldest standing structures in the world.
So, here are five historical places in Malta you cannot miss.
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Top historical places in Malta
There’s so much to see in Malta, especially if you enjoy history and architecture. Here are my top suggestions.
Mdina
Mdina is an ancient walled city that was once the capital of Malta. The entire place is an open-air museum, with stunning Baroque buildings including churches and palaces.
Must-see sites include St. Paul’s Cathedral, a 17th-century masterpiece that houses several works of art, and Palazzo Falson, a medieval townhouse that also serves as a museum.
You could also visit the the National Museum of Natural History, which is housed in a beautiful 18th-century palace, and enjoy views of the island from the ramparts.
Recommended tour
The Rabat Catacombs
St. Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat give visitors an insight into early Christianity in Malta.
The catacombs consist of interconnected burial chambers from the Roman period, and they were used up to the 8th centuries AD.
There’s also the St. Cataldus Catacombs, which are located underneath a chapel near the main Rabat square.
Dating from the late 2nd to the 3rd centuries, these small catacombs were originally a Punic burial site.
Later, they were used by the island’s first Christians. In fact, these catacombs contain an excellent example of an agape table – a circular platform hewn out of rock which was used in Christian funerary rituals.
The Grandmaster’s Palace
Valletta has some of the most beautiful historical places in Malta. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with Baroque palaces and churches.
The city’s star attraction is the Grandmaster’s Palace.
Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, this building served as the palace of the Grand Master of the Order of St John. It is decorated with impressive frescoes and lavish tapestries.
Nowadays, the building houses the office of the President, though some of the rooms are open to the public.
St John’s Co-Cathedral
Another must-visit site in Valletta is the marvellous St John’s Co-Cathedral. This is a truly majestic building and will leave you speechless before you even step foot inside.
Built by the Knights of Malta, the opulent interior bears a strong Baroque influence, with stunning ceilings and marble tombstones.
The best thing to see here is the original painting of The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio, which is housed in the church oratory.
Recommended tour
Hagar Qim
If you love ancient history, a trip to Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples is a must. These impressive structures are over 5,000 years old and offer a glimpse into early civilization in Malta.
The on-site museum takes you on an immersive tour through pre-historic times in Malta and the discovery of the temples.
After exploring the temples, you can go for a beautiful walk along the coast.
Recommended tour
Fort St. Angelo
Another must-see site on your Malta holiday is Fort St. Angelo. This bastioned fort in Birgu offers spectacular views of the Grand Harbour and the surrounding towns.
The fort dates back to the 13th century. In the 16th century, the Order of St. John turned the building into their headquarters.
Fort St. Angelo played an important role during the Great Siege of 1565. During the Second World War, the fort suffered several direct hits, but it has since been restored to its former glory.
The Hypogeum
The Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni is by far the most fascinating place in Malta. It is also one of the most unique sites in the world.
This underground burial complex was in use between 4000 and 1500 BC. Some of its rock-cut chambers feature beautiful designs in red ochre and intricate carvings.
Pottery, human bones, and little carved animals were some of the objects discovered in this ancient site.
You can visit the Hypogeum on a guided tour, but you’ll need to book your tickets in advance.
Top historical places in Gozo
Gozo is much smaller than Malta, and more rural. However, the island is dotted with historical sites. Here are the top places to check out.
Cittadella
Like Mdina, Cittadella is an ancient citadel perched atop a hill. The area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, and may have once served as an acropolis of the Punic-Roman city of Gaulos.
Most of the structures you’ll see today where constructed by the Order of St. John during the 16th century. This includes the cathedral and the bastions.
The Gran Castello Historic House (also known as the Folklore Museum) offers an immersive insight into the history of Gozo and its people. The museum is located within a complex of 16th-century houses, and contains artefacts from different periods.
St. George’s Basilica
In the heart of Victoria, Gozo’s capital, you’ll find the Basilica of St. George.
Built in the 17th century, this Baroque church is completely in marble and gold stucco. It also houses two paintings by the famous Italian painter Mattia Preti.
The basilica is situated in a cosy little square, where you can enjoy a nice coffee and explore the local shops and market stalls.
Ggantija Temples
Gozo is the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago. It’s less developed than Malta, and has a very laidback vibe.
Ggantija Temples are one of the main attractions in Gozo. These ancient structures date back to between 3600 BC and 3200 BC, which makes them older than the pyramids of Egypt!
Legend has it that the temples were erected by giants. The largest rock comes in at five metres long and weighs over 50 tonnes.
