This article provides information on some of the few of the most interesting museums in Malta, as well as on the sights in Malta during your vacation.
Malta is considered one of the largest historical park with more than 7000 years of history. With more than 30 museums on such a small island, no doubt including all aspects of Malta’s heritage, it’s not surprising that both tourists and heritage enthusiasts will be satisfied! In Citadella in Gozo and Valletta, the capital of Malta, each of them contains the largest number of museums on any island, all of which are beautifully located within walking distance of each other. However, instead of listing each museum in order of location, they are listed here in the order of the topic, which makes it easier for you to find the ones that interest you most!
Maltese archeology
The first settlers of the island went by boat to Malta from Sicily around 5000 BC, and are said to be responsible for the excellent megalithic culture of the island’s temple, known, in particular, for its temples and for its distinctive set of figurines. Since the temple grounds were open-air, most of the original features were replaced by replicas to ensure that the originals were kept in secure locations. The National Museum of Archeology in Valletta is in fact the main site for original objects, as well as finds from all prehistoric sites. The same can be said about the Museum of Archeology in the Citadel, Gozo, which presents the results from the sites of Gozistan, with particular attention to the recent finds from the prehistoric tombs of the Xagra Circle.
The archeology of the Phoenician and Punic period is also in the National Archaeological Museum, but the newly renovated floor is currently closed to the public and is scheduled to open soon. As for the Roman period, Domus Romana in Rabat is an ideal portal in time, with the remnants of a townhouse that was active in I-II centuries AD, including toiletries, imperial sculpture and spectacular mosaics. In the center of Rabat, you can also find the Museum of St. Agatha, which is a small, crowded museum, with a collection of artifacts discovered by farmers in time, which were bought by a priest, whose main interest was to protect the ancient material.
Architecture and Art in Malta
The National Museum of Fine Arts Valletta exhibits many works of art from the early Renaissance to modern times, as well as both foreign and Maltese artists. Some of the most exciting works in the museum are, of course, those that were Mattia Preti, Guido Reni and J. M.W. Turner. The museums of the Cathedral, Mdina and the Citadel also show a number of artworks - mainly religious, relics, vestments, ancient manuscripts and much more. The Cathedral and Museum of St. John offer a unique display of art, marble work, altar pieces and architecture dating back to the Knights. The highlight of this building, which attracts art lovers from around the world, is the "Decapitation of St. John" by Caravaggio.
Palazzo Falzon in Mdina, Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar, Casa Bernard in Rabat and Casa Rocca Piccola in Valletta are four impressive palaces and noble houses that not only showcase artistic and antique furniture, but also provide interesting information about the nobility of Malta.
Malta History
As an island, the sea has always been an important factor in the history of Malta, and it is not surprising that there are two Maritime Museums to visit, one in Birgu and one in Nadur. They show an interesting story about the use of the sea from prehistoric to postcolonial times. Also presented is the history of the traditional “Luzzu” boat. The Palace Armory in Valletta, the Palace of the Inquisitor in Birgu and the Old Prison in the Citadel, show another critical period on the island - the Knights of St. John. The Armory has one of the world's greatest collections of weapons, still in its original building; The Inquisitor’s Palace displays magnificent architecture, old cells and antique furniture from the 1500s. and the Old Prison displays graffiti-covered cells used by knights to cool "their noisy members."
World War II left an incredible echo in the history of the islands. Again, in this difficult time, two museums are dedicated - the National Military Museum in Valletta and Malta in the Military Museum in Vittorios with the original underground shelter, which is part of the latter. They show the original form, insignia, parts of the spitfire and wings, relics, convoys and equipment.
Maltese traditions and folklore
The Citadel Folklore Museum and the Garba Folklore Museum in Garba are two of the most fascinating museums in the Maltese Islands and display a mixture of several traditional Maltese objects depicting rural lifestyles. These include items related to traditional hobbies, agricultural implements, professions, and skills. Similarly, the Ta-Kola mill in Xagra, which was built in 1725 and transformed into a museum, is almost a frozen moment in time and reflects the rural life of a miller.
Other sights of Malta
Two other interesting museums are the Manoel Theater Museum in Valletta, which includes old costumes and the history of theater in Malta, including a description of the rise and fall of the Valletta Opera House, which was destroyed during World War II, and the limestone heritage, which explains the creation of islands and the use of its limestone over the centuries. Other diverse thematic museums include the Valletta and Hagra toy museums, the Natural History Museum in Mdina, the Citadel Natural Science Museum, the Ta-Kali Aviation Museum and the relatively new classic Car Museum in Qawra, a few years ago.
There is certainly a museum to satisfy all interests!
