TOUR MALTA E GOZO

 Valletta
Valletta, the city-fortress, "City Humble", "a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen", is the capital of Malta: a pulsating city, always in turmoil, which represents the commercial and administrative heart of the islands. Valletta takes its name from its founder, the beloved and respected Grand Master of the Order of St. John, Jean Parisot de la Valette. This imposing fortified city was erected on the rugged rocks of the Mount Sceberras peninsula, a mountain that rises above the two inlets of Marsamxett and Grand Harbor. Built in 1566, Valletta was completed, with its imposing ramparts, fortresses and cathedral, in an extraordinarily short period of time, or in 15 years. The definitions that have been attributed to this city are very many, all referring to the historical riches of its past. Valletta is the "modern" city built by the Knights of St. John; a baroque masterpiece; a city of European art and a city cultural heritage of humanity - this center is one of the richest areas in the world of historical value. In the day the city is chaotic, but still has all the flavor of a timeless place. The narrow grid-lined streets are home to some of Europe's greatest artistic masterpieces, including ancient churches and splendid palaces.

Mosta
At 13 Km from Valletta, towards the interior of the island, is Mosta. The name Mosta or Musta, as it was formerly called, means "hidden place" or more widely is translated as "central place". It is located in a central position in the heart of Malta. What makes Mosta a tourist attraction is the "Rotunda", the grandiose church with a round plan dedicated to Maria Assunta which is also known by the name of St. Mary. The building is very reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome, but its dome is the decorative element that everyone wants to see. In fact, it is one of the largest domes in the world, together with the Dome of St. Peter's in Rome. that of St. Paul in London and that of Gozo.The church was built in 1833, above the area where once stood the old church and on February 26, 1860 the first Mass was celebrated.This building experienced a dramatic moment in the April 1942 when a bomb of 500kg entered from the dome, piercing it, and settled inside without exploding, during a function. Still today, visiting the sacristy it is possible to see this huge bullet, kept in memory of the episode. The dome, however, even if well restored, on the right at the top, there is a colored tile, different from the others, which indicates the exact point of the impact.

Mdina
When you arrive, after an hour's journey from Valletta surrounded by palms, olive trees and fig trees, the first thing that strikes you is the tranquility. For this reason Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta, is better known as "the silent city". To make it fascinating, the location: with its 190 meters high above sea level is a privileged spot to observe from the top of the island and, in particular, Rabat, the district inhabited outside the walls. Mdina, once, was the residence of the most important noble families of Malta, Sicilian feudal lords and Spaniards who, since the twelfth century, had found on the island a pleasant and peaceful residence. To prove it the imposing Norman and Baroque style buildings that mark its profile, along with the many closed balconies in Arabian style from which - they say - the ladies observed life on the street without being seen by passersby. Now only four hundred people live there, often living in isolation and rarely mingling with tourists visiting one of the last Renaissance fortified cities left intact in Europe. Defense to such an extent that not even the Ottomans, during the siege of 1565, succeeded in conquering it.

Rabat
Mdina's history dates back over 4,000 years. This city bears witness to the origins of Maltese Christianity: it is here, in fact, that St. Paul the Apostle seems to have lived in 60 AD, after being shipwrecked near the islands. Illuminated at night and known as "the silent city", Mdina fascinates its visitors with its timeless atmosphere and its cultural and religious treasures. With the succession of different rulers and different roles assumed, Mdina has had more names and definitions, but the most appropriate label is attributed to it in the Middle Ages: the 'Notable City': the noble city. At that time, as it is today, it was the residence of the noble families of Malta; some of them descend from the Normans, great Sicilian feudatories and Spaniards who made Malta their home from the twelfth century. Their impressive buildings line the narrow, shady streets. St Paul's CatacombsMdina is one of the most representative examples of ancient fortified city in Europe, and is extraordinary in its perfect combination of medieval architecture and baroque architecture. Like neighboring Mdina, Rabat plays a key role in the past of Malta and is the first direct reference to its great cultural heritage. This small but provincial town was once part of the Roman city of Melita: the ruins and archaeological sites found in fact, they witness the importance of this city during the age of the ancient Romans. For many centuries religious orders found hospitality here, especially within the borders of Rabat; Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians still live in these areas, in their great convents and monasteries, ready to meet the spiritual needs of their parishioners. The city is a real commercial center, a market of vital importance for the agricultural economy of the vast hinterland. But it is also well marked on all tourist maps, thanks to its historical and archaeological sites: the Roman House (Roman Villa), the Catacombs, St. Paul's Grotto (the cave of St. Paul), as well as numerous churches and beautiful monasteries.
 

Gozo
Gozo is renowned for being a quiet paradise for those who want to jump back in time and space. The charm of the sister island of Malta is immediately evident: it is greener, more rural and smaller, with the rhythms of life dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture.Immersa in myth, it is thought that Gozo is the legendary island of Calypso cited in Homer's Odyssey, a peaceful, mystical remote place. Baroque churches and stone farms outline the landscape.
The wild territory of Gozo and its spectacular coastline are waiting to be explored presenting some of the best places for scuba diving. The island's tourist offer includes historical sites and wonderful views. The best preserved prehistoric temples in the archipelago are also unavailable, Ġgantija.Gozo also features an intense cultural calendar and a brilliant nightlife with some excellent restaurants.