We left from Pozzallo Sicily, by fast ferry to Valletta the capital of Malta. It was a 1.5 hour trip.
The approach to this fortress town is dramatic. The history of this island is very complex as it was coveted by so many Mediterranean countries.
We had dinner at a great restaurant 'Barracoota' overlooking one of the many harbours. The next morning we took our luggage to BP which is in 'Grand Harbour Marina',
We do not get our usual guide as we have Anne Ahern with us who is very knowledgeable about the history here.
We visit Valletta, the oldest part of the city. It is very hot and we think visiting two major sites is all we can handle. One is the Cathedral and it's museum, the other is the Palace. The city is very attractive with neat square gridded streets and good shops.
JB bought some lovely watercolor paintings of old boats for MB's birthday.
The Cathedral. Malta has such a feeling of connection to the crusading knights. After these knights left Rhodes they established themselves in Malta. The St. John's co-Cathedral is a great example of their presence. It was built in the 16 th century and it's Baroque interior was embellished by successive grand masters of the order of St. John, later becoming the knights of Malta.
It is extravagant but beautiful. It houses two of the great paintings of the artist 'Caravaggio', who had a colorful history here, and was forced to leave Malta very quickly after a fight.
The grand master's palace also demonstrates the wealth this Island had in the middle ages. It remained powerful and wealthy up until the 18th century. Not only is the architecture impressive, but there are some of the most wonderful Flemish tapestries and this is the largest collection of these in the world.
The palace has a great armory and at the entrance an impressive sculpture of the Roman god Neptune. We leave Malta at 4pm on BP, and we feel we need to revisit Malta as there is so much more to see.
JB and Mick