| A brief history of Malta |
| Malta is steeped with a rich history spanning over the earliest days of civilization up to the present times. Before it's Independence in 1964, Malta was under British rule for over 160 years which is why the Maltese people embraced English as its second language. Two periods in Malta's history stand out from the rest are the Neolithic period and the period of the Knights of St. John. The Neolithic temples on Malta are about 1000 years older than the famous pyramids of Giza. The earliest temple is found in Ggantija in Gozo . It still remains a mystery how these enormous rocks were moved or even lifted 5000 or 6000 years ago.After the Turks, under Suleman the Magnificient ousted the Knights of St John out of Rhodes, the Knights needed a new homeland and, in 1530 moved to Malta to which they were given tenure by Emperor Charles V. The Turks, wanting to destroy the Order completely, and needing a base to attack Southern Europe, set out with a strong fleet to drive the Knights out of Malta. This was known as the Great Seige of Malta in 1565. the Knights stood firm and finally won.Mdina, the once capital city of Malta was replaced by the still present capital-Valletta,by the Knights. Napoleon then took over Malta in 1798 on his way to Egypt. A siege that did not see any bloodshed, and which lasted till the arrival of Nelson in 1800 who managed to drive the French garrison out of Malta and seek protection under the British Throne. |
| The Maltese Lira(Lm), often referred to as the Maltese pound, is divided into 100 cents. Locals may sometimes refer to their Malta Liri as “ Pounds” however this emulates from the use of the old British “pound” used under the British Rule before independence day in 1964. |
| Banks & Currency Exchange |
Banks are normally open between 08.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and up to 11.30 a.m. on Saturday. Some banks work longer hours. Summer and winter opening hours may differ. Exchange Bureaux at Malta
International Airport are
open 24 hours a day. International
bankcards are accepted and
foreign currency is easily
exchanged. Banks, Automated
Teller Machines (ATMs) and
exchange bureaux can be found
all over the Islands. Rates calculated as at end March 2005 are as follows based on one (1)Maltese Lira :-
Many hotels and larger shops and restaurants accept foreign currency. Exchange rates offered by hotels, restaurants and shops may not be as competitive as those available at banks. |
| Credit Cards |
| Most hotels and restaurants, as well as many shops, accept Access, American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club International, Mastercard and Visa. |
| Religion |
| It is said that Malta has 360 churches and wayside chapels all over the island. It is hardly surprising that the Maltese are quite infamous for their religious devotion. Before the arrival of St Paul (believed to have been shipwrecked at St Pauls Bay) the local civilization's principal deity was the so-called "goddess of fertility".The conversion of the Maltese people was not sudden or by any way a simple process, as for a while paganism and the Christian faith co-existed.It was only on the arrival of The Knights that Christianity flourished amongst the Maltese, when the largest number of churches were built. |
| Maltese Festas |
There is something unusually captivating about a typical Maltese village festa. It is a time for both spiritual contemplation and for the whole parish to come together. The festa is the main social event in the village year. Festa week is the outcome of months of hard work by willing volunteers and villagers feel a strong, close-knit camaraderie after so many months of preparation. Under sultry, summer skies, families meet in the central village square to chat, joke and catch up on local news. Children have an excuse to stay out late and eat traditional festa snacks, which include a rich, colourful nougat. The church is illuminated with thousands of bulbs and festooned with decorations inside and out. Parishioners do the same to their own houses, often inviting family and friends over for a celebratory drink and to admire their handiwork. The church bells that ring all week are more than just a call to mass. They mark five days of spiritual preparation during which whole families flock to church. Celebrations begin with three days of prayer leading up to the feast day. Churches hold vespers and mass with special hymns dedicated to the patron saint. On the eve of the feast, vespers and mass are at around 6pm. Then, the village band clubs hold their concerts. Later on, around 10pm, is the fireworks display, known as the 'giggifogu' a corruption of the Italian 'giochi di fuoco', meaning literally 'fire games'. The Maltese Islands are well known for their splendid fireworks. On the feast day itself, Solemn High Mass is early in the morning at around 9.00. The priest will give a eulogy on the patron saint and call on his parishioners to lead more exemplary lives. The day is then relatively quiet until the evening when vespers are held again. The statue of the patron saint is carried shoulder high to the accompaniment of brass bands and showered with confetti as it winds its way through the streets. Throughout the week, there is a sense of spontaneity and merrymaking. Villages and town parish squares buzz with people well into the early hours. After such a build up, no one wants to see festa week end. |
| Entertainment & Culture |
| The Maltese people enjoy a vast choice of facilities to spend their leisure time. Valletta is always the center point for cultural activities including the recently opened St James Cavalier - a milestone for Maltese modern art and culture. The Manoel Theatre, one of the oldest in Europe, hosts many plays and orchestral arrangements with talent from all over the world.For those who enjoy a little gambling, The Dragonara Casino and Oracle at the New Dolmen Hotel offer you a great evening. Art exhibitions, museums and other regular shows are predominant at any time of the year all over the island. Many Night clubs, restaurant and bars all over the island (especially the Paceville area) have Rock, Jazz, Latin and classical bands playing Live Music. |
| Sliema, St Julians & St Paul's Bay |
| The area is Malta's most cosmopolitan area and the first buildings were erected for housing of the British Army officers during the second World War. Gun emplacements can still be found at Tigne Barracks. This area is a very popular tourist area (apart from it being a popular residential area) where one can find many cafeterias, shops , beaches and a wonderful yacht Marina . At the end of the Sliema Promenade one finds The Strand, a very popular and trendy meeting place overlooking Valletta Bastions and Sliema Creek.St Paul's Bay and the surrounding area has been a very popular area for visitors and locals alike. The recently built "Piazza" at Bugibba is the center point of this area. |
| Services |
| Scheduled Buses - A consistent bus service runs regularly, at very reasonable fees.Postal Service - Letters to Europe 16 cents (Euro0.4) - Other destinations 16-25 cents. Local Banks - All local banks are open till 1400 hrs Mon-Sat although all major Credit cards can be used through 24 telling machines. Currency Exchange machines are also available on a 24 hour basis.Food in Malta - is varied and of a good standard. The Maltese have many local dishes such as "bragioli" (rolled beef olive) and "Fenek" (rabbit). Local wine is excellent and recommended ! Dining out costs between Lm 4 and Lm20 per person. |
| Currency Rates |
| Visa Information |
| Travelers from all destinations listed below need not apply for a visa:-Austria, Liechtenstein, Belgium, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Portugal, Finland, San Marino, France, Spain, Greece, Sweden, Iceland, Switzerland, Ireland, Turkey, Italy, U.K.For all other destinations, please email us for the relevant forms to be faxed to you at least 4 weeks before your arrival in Malta.Select Malta shall process your application free of charge and which will be issued on your arrival at Malta International Aiport. Please be advised the Malta Immigration Police does make a charge for this visa of :-Lm10 (Euro 25). |
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