MALTA - THIS IS MALTA!

Yesterday I received my new 8 postcards from Malta! New country in my collecton. 

Thanks a lot Malta Tourism Authority!

We can see:

Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni in Paola. 

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is an underground prehistoric burial site. Discovered in 1902 during construction works, the site was first excavated by Fr Emmanuel Magri between 1904 and 1906. Fr Magri died in Tunisia and his excavation notes have been lost. Excavations were taken over by Sir Themistocles Zammit, who continued works until 1911.

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a complex made up of interconnecting rock-cut chambers set on three distinct levels. Earliest remains at the site date back to about 4000BC, and the complex was used over a span of many centuries, up to c. 2500 BC.

The Hypogeum is a very popular tourist attraction. However, since only 60 people are allowed per day, Heritage Malta recommends tourists to book well ahead of time if they wish to visit. 

Cave overlooking Ramla Bay in Gozo Island

Ramla Bay is located at the bottom of a rich and fertile valley on the northern side of the island of Gozo. Gozo is one of the Maltese islands.

Large caves in rock overlooking the picturesque Ramla Bay.

Traditional Maltese Festa (party). 

St. John´s Co-Cathedral in La Valetta

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. The Grand Masters and several knights donated gifts of high artistic value and made enormous contributions to enrich it with only the best works of art. This church is till this very day an important shrine and a sacred place of worship. It is also a venue for cultural events.

Azure Window in Gozo Island

he Azure Window is made of a Maltese limestone known as Globigerina. This is the second oldest rock found on the islands covering almost 70% of its area. The rock, which is subject to erosion, gives Malta its distinctive coast and interior. 

The location used by Azure Window for the TV series Game of Thrones.

Lovely crystal clear waters framed by another large chunk of rock shaped into an arch by thousands of years of erosion by the sea and geological conditions.

Malta´s Grand Harbour

Grand Harbour (Maltese: il-Port il-Kbir), also known as the Port of Valletta,^[1] is a natural harbour on the island of Malta. It has been used as a harbour since at least Phoenician times. The natural harbour has been greatly improved with extensive docks and wharves, and has been massively fortified.

Manoel Theatre, La Valleta

It´s a theatre and important performing arts venue in Malta. The theatre is often referred to as simply "The Manoel", and is named after Grand Master of the Order of the Knights Hospitaller, Fra António Manoel de Vilhena, who ordered its construction in 1731. The theatre is reputed to be Europe's third-oldest working theatre (older than the San Carlo in Naples), and the oldest theatre still in operation in the Commonwealth of Nations.

The pale blue, trompe-l'oeil ceiling that resembles a round cupola.

La Valleta by night from Walls

Valletta contains buildings from the 16th century onwards, built during the rule of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as Knights Hospitaller. The city is essentially Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture in selected areas, though World War II left major scars on the city, particularly the destruction of The Royal Opera House. The City of Valletta was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980.

Fort Saint Elmo was built in 1552, as a result of the attack of 1551. The Ottomans attacked again in the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. Fort Saint Elmo fell after fierce fighting (in which the Ottoman general Dragut was killed), but the knights held out in Birgu and Senglea until a relief force arrived.