Aegean Odyssey S. Med. Cruise - Part 2 MALTA | Mdina & Valletta

Malta

After docking in the beautiful golden city of Valletta built by the Knights of St John,  we boarded a bus for a tour of the ancient city of Mdina -also known as the Silent City

The ancient walled hill town of Mdina is unique for its mixture of Medieval and Baroque architecture.  It has been home to Malta's noble families since the 12th century to the present day.
        The town was the old capital of Malta, and with its narrow streets, alleyways and beautiful views over the Island it is truly a magical town. Mdina is referred to as the “Silent City” by Maltese and visitors  - no cars (except those of the 250 residents) have permission to enter Mdina.     

  The front gate and courtyards were used as  filming locations for Game of Thrones (Season 1)

Inside the walls

Beautiful old mansions: many of these very large single family homes will probably be made into boutique hotels soon as the population of the noble families is dwindling.  According to our guide, only 2 people live in this huge home.

Countryside as seen from the town walls

The covered balconies seen all over Malta were of Arabic influence where women could sit hidden and look out on the streets, but still feel like they were outdoors (no glass back then).

 Thick inner walls

....and even thicker outer walls.

VALLETTA  - A UNESCO Heritage Site

Our bus let us off at the front gates of the city.  If walking from the port, though, you would have to take an elevator up to the Upper Barrakka gardens.

 The grey modern vertical structure seen on the wall is the top of the  elevator to get up to the old city.

Our bus dropped us off at the very modern square at the top of the wall.  Here is the statue commemorating Malta's independence from Great Britain in 1964.

We walked across the bridge, over the ditch/moat and through the gates to Valletta.

 Built in the 16th and 17th century, the magnificent  walls around city of Valletta are very impressive and are certainly an historical treasure.   Originally designed to keep out the invading Turks, they were used by the Knights of Malta in the Middle Ages to protect their galleons.

But...after going though the ancient wall, we were greeted by the new and modern parliament buildings  ...wow, didn't see that coming!

All construction in the city, old and new is with the golden limestone that Valletta is famous for.

The Royal  Opera House was bombed in 1942 during WWII,.  The building has not been rebuild and has been left as a reminder.   Ruins seen at right below.

But seats and stage have been set up on the gutted shell of the opera house, and is used for open air theatre and concerts.  -the shot below is from the back of the stage.

The Grand Master's Home

Upper Barrakka Gardens

Fence has a Maltese Cross design

Our ship getting gassed up.

It was Good Friday and the processions were starting in the streets

A really good wind ensemble performing for Good Friday processions.

St. Francis of Assisi Basilica

Time for a coffee and a Maltese Jam Donut

St. John's Co-Cathedral.  No photos of the beautiful interior because of Good Friday Services.  Don't let the plain facade of the church fool you. This building is known for some of the most outstanding Baroque design in Europe.  Just stunning!

A beautiful day for the sail-away out of the magnificent harbour.

Who's that driving the ship .... a new captain!!  We all assumed the other captain probably resigned due to the poor conditions of the engines over the past few months.

Sail-Away party was fun - beautiful views, great weather, and free champagne.   And also a little DISCO DANCIN'

to be continued in part 3   

... 2 days at Sea with one disabled engine, Crete, no Santorini, and Athens