History and Culture
Malta’s culture is a combined upshot of diverse societies and civilisations that lived in and came across the Maltese islands throughout the history. Due to the archipelago’s strategic location, it has been seized and governed by several foreign colonies over the centuries. The succession of powers include Phoenicians, Arabs, Normans, Romans, Aragonese, French and the British. The Latin European heritage is predominant due to its strong influence as the longest rulers, with Arab influences playing a role in the Maltese language and the Mediterranean diet. Malta also shares most of its religious beliefs, customs and cuisines with its Sicilian and Italian neighbours. On your Malta cruise, get to know about the archipelago’s fascinating history and culture by visiting these important sites:
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Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1981, Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a Neolithic subterranean structure, comprising interconnecting rock-cut chambers set on three distinct levels.
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St. John’s Co-Cathedral that reflects the impressive Baroque architecture, adorned with intricate artworks by the renowned Italian painter, Caravaggio.
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Fort St. Elmo - National War Museum is a star-shaped fort showcasing the region’s rich military history.
