cig'art 28

has a talisman: the eye of Isis that protects from
harm. In the port area of Malta there are three
maritime cities, which bear the names of
Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. On a walk in
Vittoriosa, in the charming neighbourhood of
Collachio along the little winding streets one
can admire the inns, and houses that once
belonged to knights.
As from 1570, Valletta became the new capital.
A great number of architects and painters were
brought to create magnificent palaces and deco-
rate the interior of churches. Designed in 1576
by Girolamo Cassar, St John’s Co-Cathedral is
decorated with a sumptuous floor, covered by
approximately 400 gravestones commemorating
the Masters of the Order, which governed
Malta. In the oratory can be found Caravaggio’s
masterpiece “The beheading of St John”.
With its profusion of cultural sites and a geographical
terrain that encourages hiking, Malta
possesses many treasures. For swimming, you
will be tempted by the rocky creeks and white
and red sand beaches. A beneficial climate,
easy access, the quality of its hotels and the
legendary hospitality of its inhabitants -everything
invites you to come and take advantage
of the benefits that the archipelago offers.
www.visitmalta.com
Erica Camilleri
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