Top 10 anecdotes about Malta: if one day you’re thinking of going to Malta, but you’re missing that little something extra that’s going to make you wobble, ahhhh my friend, I hope these fun facts will be decisive! Ready for your work placement abroad? The Top 10 anecdotes about Malta: here we go.
The megalithic archipelago
Malta is famous for being home to some of the oldest megalithic monuments in the world. The temples of Tarxien, Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are remarkable examples of this prehistoric architecture. These temples were built between 3600 and 2500 BC, making them older than the pyramids in Egypt.
The Tarxien temples, located in the town of Tarxien, are an impressive archaeological site discovered in 1913. They consist of a number of carefully carved stone structures used for ritual and ceremonial purposes. The temples feature complex motifs, including anthropomorphic and zoomorphic sculptures.
The temples of Ħaġar Qim sit on a hill on Malta’s south-west coast, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. They are famous for their huge standing stones, which once formed walls and altars. These temples bear witness to the architectural ingenuity of prehistoric civilisations.
Close to the Ħaġar Qim temples are the Mnajdra temples. They consist of three superimposed temples built of limestone. The Mnajdra temples are renowned for their precise astronomical orientations, which made it possible to observe the equinoxes and solstices.
Malta’s megalithic temples bear witness to the archipelago’s importance in the development of human civilisation. They offer a valuable insight into the life and religious practices of our prehistoric ancestors. Malta’s temples are also on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, underlining their historical and cultural importance.
Valletta, fortified capital
Malta’s capital, Valletta, is a spectacular walled city. It was built by the Knights of the Order of St John in the 16th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow streets and stone buildings offer a unique atmosphere. I won’t go into too much detail here, as we’ve already done several articles dedicated to Valletta: Living in Valletta, what’s it like and the Top 10 places to visit in Valletta!
The festival on the island of Malta
Every June, Malta hosts the Isle of MTV, a free outdoor music festival that attracts thousands of visitors. It’s an incredible event that takes place in beautiful surroundings, offering an unforgettable musical experience.
The Isle of MTV is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and exceptional music programme. Renowned international artists take to the stage, delivering live performances that delight music fans. You’ll have the chance to discover a wide variety of musical genres, from pop and rock to electronica and dance, something to suit all musical tastes.
The festival stages are usually set up in Malta’s iconic locations, such as Granaries Square in Floriana or Il-Fosos Square beach in Floriana. These open-air venues provide a breathtaking backdrop for the shows, with a lively atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
The Isle of MTV is not just about concerts, it’s a truly immersive experience. As well as the musical performances, the festival often features related activities, such as dance shows, art exhibitions, visual animations and interactive installations. You can enjoy the festive atmosphere, dance to the rhythm of the music and discover all the creative energy that drives the festival.
What makes the Isle of MTV unique is that admission is free. This allows you to take part in this musical celebration without having to spend any money. This accessibility attracts a large number of local and international visitors, creating a cosmopolitan and dynamic atmosphere.
In a nutshell, the Isle of MTV in Malta is an open-air music festival held every year in June. Here you can enjoy top-notch musical performances in a beautiful setting, all in a festive atmosphere. Whether you’re a music fan or just looking for an entertaining experience, the Isle of MTV is an event not to be missed on your visit to Malta.
The silence of the island of Comino
The island of Comino, located between Malta and Gozo, is a small paradise for nature lovers. It is the smallest inhabited island in the Maltese archipelago, and is best known for its famous blue lagoon. The island is almost entirely car-free, making it a haven of peace and tranquillity. As you will see, only one of the island’s beaches is visited by tourist boats, and the rest of the island is relatively unspoilt.
Famous films shot in Malta
Malta is often chosen as a location for film and television productions. Films such as “Gladiator”, “Troy” and “Game of Thrones” have been filmed on the island thanks to its picturesque landscapes and ancient natural settings. Here’s a thought for Ned Stark, who got his ass kicked by Jamie in the streets of Rabat!
Les chevaliers de Malte
The Order of St John has played an essential role in the history of the Maltese archipelago. Founded in the 11th century, this religious and military order was responsible for defending Malta against attacks from the Ottomans and other hostile forces.
The Knights of Malta were members of the Order of St John, clerics and noblemen from different parts of Europe. They were committed to defending the interests of the Church and protecting Christians in the Holy Land. Over time, the Order of St John developed into a powerful military and political force.
The Order established its main base in Malta in 1530, after being driven out of Rhodes by the Ottomans. The Knights of Malta set about fortifying the archipelago and reinforcing its defences. The city of Valletta, named in honour of the Grand Master of the Order, John of Valletta, became the capital of the archipelago and a truly impregnable fortress.
During the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the Knights of Malta defended the archipelago against a massive attack by the Ottoman Empire led by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The siege lasted almost four months and ended in a decisive victory for the Knights of Malta, marking a turning point in the fight against Ottoman expansion in the Mediterranean.
Today, the Order of St John is still present in Malta and exerts a significant influence. Although the Order no longer has territorial control over the archipelago, it maintains an official presence and is involved in charitable and humanitarian activities throughout the world. The Order also manages historic sites in Malta, including the Magistral Palace and St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
The legacy of the Knights of Malta is still visible in Malta, whether through the imposing fortifications that dot the archipelago or the many symbols and emblems associated with the Order. The history and influence of the Knights of Malta have left an indelible mark on Malta’s identity as a nation.
The Blue Grotto
Malta’s south coast is home to the Blue Grotto caves, a series of spectacular sea caves. Visitors can take a boat trip to explore these caves and admire the magnificent play of light created by the sun’s rays penetrating the water.
Village festivities
Malta is renowned for its lively village festivities, known as ‘festas’. Each village organises its own festival in honour of its patron saint, with religious processions, fireworks, music and traditional dances. It’s a unique opportunity to discover Maltese culture and take part in joyous celebrations.
Saint Paul is the patron saint of Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta. St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina is dedicated to this saint. Saint Helena is the patron saint of Birkirkara, Malta’s largest city. The parish church of Birkirkara, dedicated to St Helen, is a major religious attraction. Saint John the Baptist is the patron saint of the town of San Ġwann, located in the central region of Malta. The feast of San Ġwann is celebrated enthusiastically every year on 24 June. Saint Catherine is the patron saint of the town of Żejtun, located in southern Malta. The feast of Santa Katerina is an important celebration in this locality. Saints Peter and Paul are the patron saints of the town of Nadur, on the island of Gozo. Each year, the feast of San Pietru and San Pawl is marked by lively festivities. Saint George is the patron saint of the town of Qormi, also known as Città Pinto. The feast of San Ġorġ in Qormi is one of the biggest and liveliest of the year.
And if you want to find out more about local customs in Malta, we’ve thought of everything.
Maltese cuisine
Maltese cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Arabic flavours. Traditional dishes such as fenek (rabbit), pastizzi (stuffed puff pastry) and ftira (Maltese bread) are very popular. Be sure to sample the delicious local specialities during your visit to Malta. And if you’re interested in Malta’s culinary specialities, we’ve written a whole article about them!
Underwater heritage
The waters around Malta are home to a diverse array of marine life that fascinates divers. When you dive in Malta, you have the opportunity to observe a variety of colourful species and discover underwater archaeological sites.
Malta’s marine life is rich and varied. You can meet groupers, moray eels, octopus, parrotfish, barracuda, sars, rays and many other species. Schools of multicoloured fish add life and beauty to the coral reefs and rock formations. Sea turtles, dolphins and the occasional shark can also be seen.
When it comes to underwater flora, Malta offers an array of corals and seaweed that create spectacular seascapes. Colourful coral gardens add a touch of vibrancy and are home to a multitude of small marine creatures. Gorgonians, sponges and sea anemones also add diversity to the underwater ecosystem.
As well as the flora and fauna, underwater archaeological sites are a fascinating aspect of diving in Malta. The remains of prehistoric temples, statues and ancient amphorae submerged along the coast bear witness to the island’s rich history. You can explore these sites and find yourself immersed in the past, offering a unique experience of discovery.
It is important to stress that scuba diving in Malta is regulated in order to preserve these fragile ecosystems and precious archaeological sites. I recommend that you dive with a certified diving centre and respect the rules in force to ensure your safety and the conservation of the underwater heritage.
Whether you’re a lover of marine life or an archaeology enthusiast, diving in Malta offers you an unforgettable experience to discover the fauna, flora and underwater archaeological sites of this magnificent Mediterranean destination.
Top 10 anecdotes about Malta: that’s it! And there are many more to tell. Malta is a really nice place to do an internship abroad! You can read about one of our experiences here, or read the testimonials of Jeremy and Cecile, who used International Horizons to go on an internship in Malta! If you too want to find the perfect internship to improve your skills and chill out in the sun after work: register for free on our website, and a member of the team will get back to you asap!
For more general questions, visit the International Horizons Internships Abroad FAQ.