Posts Tagged ‘Valletta’
The Malta Museum of Archaeology
Posted on: April 14, 2017
- In: History | Travel
- 35 Comments
I love visiting museums and learning the history of a place, especially one as old as Malta. The only rainy day we encountered during our visit found me mesmerized by the Museum of Archeology in the capital city, Valletta. The museum is located in the Auberge de Provence, a baroque building built in 1571, which was house to the Knights of the Order of St John originating from Provence, France. It is a beautiful place to view these amazing ancient treasures.
The Museum exhibits artefacts dating back to Malta’s Neolithic period (5000 BC) up to the Phoenician Period (400 BC). On display are the earliest tools used by the prehistoric people giving an insight into their daily lives. Many interesting pottery pieces are also on display.
This is one huge coffee mug. Perfect for a Venti Latte!
The highlight for me was the 5000-year old ‘Sleeping Lady’ from the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. It is a small ceramic figurine about 12cm in length and was found in a burial pit at a prehistoric underground burial place. It is an amazing example of craftsmanship from prehistoric times. Seems creativity has been around a long time.
The Sleeping Lady
I found the anthropomorphic sarcophagus from the Phoenician Period also fascinating.
Parts of prehistoric temples with photographs of the original site they were found in. Swirls were a popular design those days.
Animals were often depicted
as were fish
Many of the goddess figurines were found headless, the heads found in another location. No one knows why.
Ancient writing unearthed in a neolithic temple.
A rare Phoenician carving of a human
I like how the museum featured cartoons throughout the displays making them more interesting and understandable for young people.
Do you like visiting museums? I would love to know about your favourite museum?
The Marvels of Malta
Posted on: October 23, 2016
- In: Travel
- 48 Comments
I can’t believe it has been a year since we went on our wonderful Mediterranean cruise. I wrote about it here, here, here and here. I realize I had not written a post on our favourite stop, the historic country of Malta. We only spent a morning at this amazing place but we loved it.
It was early morning as we entered the Grande Harbour where a mix of Middle Eastern and European architecture greeted us. Malta’s location has historically given it great strategic importance as a naval base, and a succession of powers, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, Knights of St. John, French and British, have ruled the islands and left their mark. I had read so much about this place and was eager to explore Valletta, the capital city. A short walk from the boat and up an elevator took us into the heart of the fortified city.
The fortified city of Valletta
A sample of the many sculptures found throughout the city
Wouldn’t you love to have a coffee by this unicorn fountain?
Queen Victoria graces the entrance to the impressive library
A fabulous fountain
The 8 point Maltese cross, the symbol of the Knights of St. John, is everywhere
Romantic windows grace many homes and apartments
Malta is well known for its unique door knockers
I visited St. John’s Co-Cathedral and was gobsmacked, as the British would say. The plain facade looked more like a fortress and gave no indication of the marvels inside. This was the church of the Order of the Knights of St. John and was completed in 1577. The interior was originally very simple but over the years the Grand Masters and Knights donated gifts of artworks and financial contributions to enrich it. One gift was the original painting of the beheading of John the Baptist by Caravaggio which hangs in the Oratory. I couldn’t believe I was standing in front of this amazing work of art. Of course, photographs were not allowed so you will have to take my word for it. I was, however, allowed to take pictures in the opulent Sanctuary.
The cathedral houses a museum with elaborate vestments and incredible Flemish tapestries. The urge to snap a couple of photographs was strong but I resisted. I also resisted touching those centuries old tapestries representing hours and hours of work. I was in awe.
The Grande Harbour is a busy place with a variety of boats.
A typical Maltese fishing boat
A yacht for the rich and famous
Me in Malta
We found a number of cute signs including this one. In case you are wondering, yes we had coffee and cake at one of the many charming outdoor cafes. I can’t remember the question.
As we left Malta, we promised we would be back.
