Scenes from Malta

Another stop on our recent holiday in the Mediterranean was the island country of Malta. Malta has a fascinating history. Its location between Sicily and North Africa has made it a strategic asset over the centuries. Navies based in Malta have always enjoyed the ability to control access through the passage between Europe and Africa. As a consequence it has been occupied by many invaders over its history; the Greeks, Phoenicians and the Romans, followed by Arab occupiers and a host of others during the Middle Ages, then the Knights of Malta and the French and lastly it was part of the British Empire. It became an independent republic in 1964 and today it is home to 450,000 Maltese who speak English and Maltese.

Two things about Malta really stand out; the fortifications and the beautiful harbours heavily populated with boats. This first picture shows Fort Manoel, built by the Knights of Malta. It commands the entrance to Marsamxett Harbour and was part of the fortifications constructed by the Knights to improve the security of the island.

The next picture is a close-up of Bighi, a British naval hospital built during WWII. This tower is a descent from the hospital to the waterfront on Grand Harbour.

I was able to get these previous photographs from our boat cruise around the main harbours of Malta, Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. We also visited a smaller harbour Marsascala, home to large fishing fleet on the east end of the island. This is a beautiful place, very photogenic. I got many pictures, more than I can share in this post. I start with the view that caught my attention as I got off the bus.

I really liked the light and the colours. The reflections on the water are very compelling and I found it difficult to refrain from shooting this same scene over and over. I did move on and I was able to find a small dinghy floating quietly on the placid waters of the harbour. Again, great colours and a clear reflection.

Back in the City of Valletta, I saw more great water scenes including this shot of a water taxi. I couldn’t resist.

Walking the streets of the city was interesting as well. By this time, we had become very accustomed to the narrow, European streets and never passed up the opportunity to capture an interesting “narrow street” scene. I got several on Malta, including the following picture, my favourite.

The next picture is another taken from our harbour cruise boat. I found the scene appealing, a glimpse of a current day city neighbourhood through a very old archway.

My last picture is another contrast of the new and the old. As I rounded a corner on our walking tour, the cruise ship MS Splendida dominated  my view. Despite its size and sleek modern lines, it looks quite at home in this ancient harbour, once frequented by sailing ships of the great navies of the past. Not unlike other old cities we visited, it’s difficult to get a picture of the classic architecture without a sky crane in the viewfinder. I don’t find those as appealing as a cruise ship.