19/12/2024
15 Interesting Facts You May Not Know About Malta
1. Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world, covering just 316 square kilometers, but it is one of the most densely populated.
2. The island nation is home to some of the world’s oldest freestanding structures, the Megalithic Temples, which date back to around 3600 BCE.
3. Malta’s strategic location in the Mediterranean made it a sought-after territory for numerous civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and the British.
4. The Knights of St. John, who ruled Malta for centuries, built elaborate fortifications that still dominate the island’s landscape.
5. Malta’s capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was one of the first planned cities in Europe, laid out in the 16th century.
6. Malta has its own unique language, Maltese, which is the only Semitic language written in the Latin script and contains influences from Arabic, Italian, and English.
7. The traditional Maltese fishing boats, known as “luzzu,” are painted in vibrant colors and often feature the Eye of Horus for protection.
8. Malta has been a filming location for numerous blockbuster movies and TV series, including *Gladiator*, *Troy*, and *Game of Thrones*.
9. The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni, an underground necropolis in Malta, is over 5,000 years old and features intricate carvings and red ochre paintings.
10. Malta is known for its stunning natural attractions, including the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island and the Dingli Cliffs.
11. During World War II, Malta was awarded the George Cross by King George VI for the bravery of its people during relentless Axis bombing campaigns.
12. Despite its small size, Malta has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the City of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples, and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.
13. The Maltese archipelago consists of three inhabited islands—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—with a few smaller, uninhabited ones.
14. Malta is famous for its festa celebrations, where towns and villages honor their patron saints with colorful parades, fireworks, and feasts.
15. The traditional Maltese dessert, *Kannoli*, is a crunchy pastry filled with ricotta or cream, often flavored with citrus or chocolate.
