St John’s Cathedral in Malta Day 1
Having a brilliant time so far in this tiny island nation, Malta is country in the EU made up of three islands (Malta, Gozo and Comino) that sit on the edge of Europe in the Mediterranean Sea, a stones throw from Africa.
The 93rd country I’ve had the pleasure of living, working, studying in or simply backpacking around and exploring to date!
Awoke in Malta’s beautiful capital city of Valetta and made a bee line for St John’s Cathedral and the stunning work of Caravaggio contained within it, amazing frescoes and murals.
“The beheading of the baptist” – a fascinating work to see first hand!
The stunning St. John’s Cathederal!!
Headed through the labyrinthine streets and beautiful squares, churches and battlements of Valetta up and down hills with stunning views out to the sea appearing from time to time, the architecture is unlike any I’ve seen in Europe before (tall houses with intricate wood and glass balconies) and a unique feel to the place with influences from the Greeks, Italians, Africa and the Middle East among countless others over time – headed up to the lovely upper barrakka gardens for excellent views across Valetta harbor and out to the three cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea & Cospicua.
Ate my own body weight in pastizzis before jumping in the rental car and driving to the other side of the island to the city of Mdina – adored the tiny former capital with its honey colored walls perched on a hilltop it has beautiful views over the surrounding hills and arguably one of the best preserved old cities in Europe.
Headed through old farming communities and tiny rocky outcrops of the island (a world away culturally from Valetta yet only a handful of kilometers away) to the tiny village of Mgarr to visit a little rundown old place (on the advice of local friends) that supposedly serves the best rabbit in Malta only to find out they aren’t serving the dish until Saturday when the grandmother of the family is back to cook for everyone! Heading back then for sure!
In the evening drove to St Julians to wander the streets filled with bars and clubs, nice waterfront with a distinctively tourist feel much more so than anywhere else on the island then drove over to Bugibba where we’ve found an awesome place for a few euros!
Just came back from demolishing a delicious meal of Fenek (Rabbit), Bragioli, Pasta and a baked date cake and ice cream dessert all washed down with a tall glass of Kinnie (essentially the Maltese equivalent of Chinotto in Italy – bitter orange and aromatic herb soft drink).
Tomorrow morning off to Gozo and beyond!