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Malta, Gozo and Comino lie at the heart of the Mediterranean, blessed
with near year-round
sun, crystal
clear sea, stunning scenery and a rich history that has seen many of
the glorious civilisations stamp their identity on these small islands.
Malta is
holidaying as the mood takes you,
you will be amazed as to what these small beautiful islands have to
offer.
In just 48 hours
and a kilometer or two, you can try a new sport, laze on an island cruise,
tour the most important historic sites, visit picturesque villages and
still have time to join in the nightlife. That’s the real advantage of a
stay here.
Through the Years
As a stepping-stone in the long
history of man on earth, the Maltese Islands went through a golden
Neolithic period, the remains of which are the mysterious megalithic
temples. Later on, the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Carthaginians and the
Romans all left their traces on the Islands before yielding them to the
Arabs and then the Normans.
But it was the Knights of St. John who, in restoring the links with
Christianity, a faith first brought to the Islands by St. Paul, took Malta
through a new golden age by making it a key player in the cultural arena
of 17th and 18th century Europe.
Key Dates
5000BC:
First known inhabitants come from Sicily
4000 - 3000BC:
The megalithic temples are built
700 - 218BC:
Phoenician and Carthaginian periods
218BC:
Malta forms part of the Roman Republic
60AD:
St. Paul is shipwrecked on the island and preaches Christianity
395 - 870:
Byzantine rule
870:
The Arab invasion
1090 - 1530: Norman, Swabian, Angevin
and Aragonese rule
1530:
Charles V cedes the island of Malta to the Order of Jerusalem
1565: The Great Seige:
The Knights of St. John defeat The Ottoman Turks
1566 - 1571:
The building of Valletta, the new capital
17th Century:
Malta under the Order of St. John prosper
1798: Napoleon
Bonaparte stops here on his way to Egypt and the Order capitulates
1800: The
British come to Malta's aid to defeat the French
1800 - 1964:
Malta becomes a British colony. 164 years of British rule
1940 - 1942:
Malta plays a key role in World War II and is constantly attacked
1947: Self-government restored,
administration back in the hands of Govenor General
1964: Malta
gains independence
1974: Malta
becomes a Republic. The first Maltese President takes office
2004: Malta becomes a full member state of
the European Union
2008: Malta
adopts the EURO currency
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About Malta
Introduction
Getting Around
Places to Visit
Valletta
The Three Cities
Mdina & Rabat
Gozo & Comino
Places of Interest
Historical Buildings & Gardens
Museums
Temple & Geological
Important Churches
Forts & Fortifications
Other Attractions
Shopping & Markets
Beaches & Bays
Nightlife & Theatre
Family Attractions
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