The 10 Best Historic Sites in Island of Malta, Malta

Koperattiva Rurali Manikata has developed a Rural Heritage Trail along the fields of its farmer members, in the peaceful, picturesque area of Manikata. Along the trail visitors can walk through fields and learn about agriculture, local trees and flora and visit the historical and archaeological remains found in the area. These include a World War II pillbox, a small Roman tomb and a medieval village which is being restored by the cooperative. Food tasting of typical local products and fresh fruit are also served in our picnic areas. Only group visits of 10 or more persons are accepted and pre booking is necessary.

Built between 1573 and 1577, this cathedral contains two masterpieces by Caravaggio. St John’s Co-Cathedral is a gem of Baroque art and architecture. It was built as the conventual church for the Knights of St John. This church is till this very day an important shrine and a sacred place of worship. It is also a venue for cultural events. The construction was commissioned in 1572 by Grand Master Jean de la Cassière to serve as the conventual church of the Knights of Malta and designed by the Maltese military architect Gerolamo Cassar. The church was dedicated to St John the Baptist, the patron saint of the Order. The oratory holds the biggest and only signed masterpiece by Caravaggio. St John’s church is administered by the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation responsible for the religious cultural heritage of the monument.

The temple of Ħaġar Qim stands on a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet of Fifla, not more than 2km south-west of the village of Qrendi. At the bottom of the hill, only 500m away, one finds the remarkable temples of Mnajdra. Both sites are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

If you fancy seeing something a little bit different when visiting Valletta go to Casa Rocca Piccola. Often described as a ‘living museum’ it is the only privately owned palace open to the public in the city. Built over 400 years ago for a Knight of Malta, Don Pietro La Rocca it is now the ancestral home of a Maltese Noble family. On your tour the guides will point out interesting things to see such as an 18th Century golden Sedan Chair. There are literally hundreds of magnificent objects to see including modern paintings interspersed with the ancestral portraits of the Marquises de Piro and the Barons of Budach. You will also see a network of tunnels cut out from the rock under Casa Rocca Piccola which were used as Bomb Shelters in World War 2. Over 100 people sheltered here from the Nazi bombs that poured on Valletta. To finish your tour in the cellars of the house there is a delightful Sicilian restaurant called La Giara.

An extraordinary collection of art and antiques (including paintings, furniture, silver, armour, jewellery, coins, etc.) displayed in one of the oldest buildings in Malta. The Collection was put together by the Palazzo’s most recent owner and resident, Captain Olof Frederick Gollcher who was an artist, philanthropist and avid collector. Opening times: Tue to Sun 10am-5pm (last visit 4pm). Facilities include audio guide, panoramic view rooftop cafe, gift shop, special needs toilet.

The Lascaris War Rooms consist of an underground complex of tunnels and chambers that housed the War Headquarters from where the defence of Malta was conducted during the Second World War.This secret complex contained operations rooms for each of the fighting services from where not only the air defence of Malta was coordinated, but also some of the greatest battles fought in the Mediterrean during the war. In July 1943, the Lascaris War Rooms served as the advance headquarters for the Invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky)by Generals Eisenhower, Montgomery, Alexander and Clark and Air Marshal Tedder and Admiral Cunningham. It went on being used under different forms by both the British services and Nato up to 1977.

During the past thousand years, whoever gained control of Fort St Angelo could effectively rule the Maltese Islands. Strategically located on a hillock, at the end of the Birgu peninsula, the fort dominates the Grand Harbour. During the Second World War, Fort St Angelo offered protection against Axis air raids and suffered 69 direct hits. After the war, the fort continued to serve as the headquarters of the Royal Navy in Malta, until the last detachment of foreign forces departed Fort St Angelo in March 1979. Fort St Angelo offers spectacular panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and its surrounding fortified towns. Through traditional and innovative immersive displays, visitors can experience the colourful history and various architectural styles of this fort, together with staggering examples of artillery.