Travelnotesfromtheworld

Located 58 miles south of Sicily is the unspoiled Maltese archipelago. The largest of the islands is Malta home to the magnificent ancient fortified city of Valetta, as well as the prehistoric Tarxien Temples, built way back in 3000BC. Of course, Malta is also a stunning seaside resort, with numerous places to stay and many stunning beaches just waiting to be discovered. A holiday here in this tiny little piece of paradise offers a variety of experiences and attractions. We had quite a lot of difficulty choosing just five places to visit. But here they are…

1. Valleta
The walled city of Valetta is Malta’s capital city. It was built in 1568 by the Knights of the Order of St John and it’s a joy to explore with its many historic buildings, museums, churches, gardens, restaurants, cafes and shops. All of the buildings were erected in the 16th Century, so Valetta is a veritable living museum, which is why it’s been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. One of the most important sites to visit is St John’s Co-Cathedral and Museum, home to frescoes by Mattia Preti and two paintings by Carvaggio. The Grandmaster’s Palace and Armoury is the home of Malta’s House of Representatives the office of the island’s President. Then there’s St Paul’s Shipwreck Church, a beautiful 17th Century building that is one of the most important churches on Malta. It contains a wooden statue of the Saint carved in 1657. If you have time, you should also visit the National Archeological Museum, which has items dating back to Malta’s Neolithic period, and the National Museum of Fine Arts.

2. Valletta Castle
Also known as Casa Rocca Piccola, Valetta Castle is a magnificent 16th Century castle that boasts 50 rooms in all. You can explore some of its beautiful rooms, which have been meticulously preserved. Interestingly enough, this casle is still a residence, home to a Maltese noble family to this day.

3. Rabat
This ancient town settlement is located just outside the old town walls. Today, Rabat is a commercial centre but it still boasts a number of historic sites, including the famous Roman Villa, also known as Domus Romana, which is a museum containing the remnants of a Roman townhouse erected in the First Century BC. On the outskirts of Rabat you’ll find the Catacombs of St Agatha, and a chapel originally built in the 3rd Century that is decorated with some exquisite frescoes. You can also visit St Paul’s Catacombs, a maze of inter-connected narrow pathways leading to ancient tombs. Underneath the Church of St Paul you’ll find St Paul’s Grotto, a cave where the saint apparently sheltered in 59AD. The walls of the cave apparently have miraculous healing powers.

4. Spinola Bay
For night-time entertainment, head for Spinola Bay, which is part of St Julian’s. Up the hill leading to St Julian’s you’ll find a number of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes, and in the summer months this is the place to hang out. St Julian’s is more vibrant, while Spinola Bay offers a more genteel nightlife. The lovely outdoor restaurants and fashionable bars offer a pleasant break from the noise higher up the hill.

5. Tarxien Temples
These four megalithic temples were built between 3600 and 2500BC. They lay hidden for thousands of years and were only discovered in 1914. All four temples are connected by a square courtyard and although each is different, all four are finely crafted. One hundred meters away is the Hypogeum, a rock structure that was used for burial and as a place of worship. It’s the only remaining prehistoric underground temple in the world, so it’s certainly worth exploring. The temples and the Hypogeum have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

We often use Rome as the gateway to beach destinations on our summer holidays, and yet, there is so much to see and do in this glorious Italian city, that it’s a pity not to spend some time here discovering its magic.
Here’s a list of our top 5 places to visit next time you’re in Rome…

1. The Colosseum
This famous Rome landmark is also the city’s greatest architectural treasure. The Colosseum is the biggest Roman ampitheatre on earth. It was built in the 1st Century AD to seat up to 45 000 people at any given time. In its heyday the Colosseum had 80 different entrances and a 5m high wall, which gives a good indication of just how enormous it was.

Today all that is left of the Colosseum is ruins that reach up to four storeys, and a circumference of 527 meters. There is no floor in the central arena but you will be able to see the underground passages that used to be hidden below the floor.

2. The Sistine Chapel
This famous chapel is located in one of the oldest churches in Rome, the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The Sistine Chapel opens onto the right-hand nave of the church. This magnificent chapel is decorated with famous pictures by Michaelangelo. In the lower level of the chapel is a museum where you will be able to view some fine sculptures by Arnolfo da Cambio, created in the 13th Century.

There are a number of other lovely chapels in the church, including the Sforza Chapel, which was designed by Michelangelo and is home to the tomb of the 16th Century artist and architect, Bernini. When the chapel is lit up at night, it’s a magnificent sight.

3. Vatican City and St Peter’s Square
Located in St Peter’s Square, the magnificent Vatican City is entered through an enormous bronze door. It’s home to about 800 people and more than 70 000 priceless artworks, which you can view in the Vatican Museums. But before you enter the Vatican, take a look around St Peter’s Square, home to St Peter’s Basilica. Inside, there are some exquisite works of art to see, including the Pieta by Michelangelo. For the best view of the city, climb the 323 steps to the top of the church’s enormous dome.

4. Capitoline Hill
At the top of Capitoline Hill, which is the most sacred of Rome’s seven hills, you’ll find Capitoline Hill. Climb the sloping steps to the top of the hill to visit Piazza del Campidogio, a magnificent square with one side open that was laid out by Michelangelo. The other three sides of the square are lined with important historical buildings, home to some of the greatest classical sculpture to be found in the world. The three buildings are the Senatorium, or Town Council, Capitoline Museum, where you can view Michelangelo’s exquisite equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, which once stood in the centre of the square and the Palace of the Curators.

5. The Spanish Steps
The famous square Piazza di Spagna is home to a number of churches, monuments, fountains and marble remnants of historic Roman events. The square extends from the bottom of Pincio Hill and connects to the 16th Century Church of Trinita dei Monti located on the top of the hill by the famous Spanish Steps. This area is a shopper’s delight and you’ll find some of the city’s most fashionable streets here including the renowned Via Condotti, all lined with luxury designer boutiques. Make sure you spend some time exploring the area, even if you can’t afford to buy anything.