An area less than a quarter the size of Öland is home to 8,000 years of history. On Malta and Gozo, prehistoric temples and medieval towns stand side by side with the monumental architecture of the Knights of St John and today’s art and cultural scene. Few other places contain so many millennia of Mediterranean history within such a small area.
Its location in the heart of the Mediterranean, between Europe and North Africa, has brought various civilisations to the islands over the millennia. The Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, the Order of St John, the French and the British have all left their mark. Today, three sites are listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List: Valletta, the underground Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and the megalithic temples of Malta and Gozo.
Temples from Europe's prehistory
Malta’s megalithic temples are among the oldest surviving structures on the islands. They were built during the fourth and third millennia BC and are recognised by UNESCO as some of the world’s earliest free-standing stone structures. On Gozo lie the Ġgantija Temples, dating from around 3600–3200 BC. The name comes from the Maltese word for ’giantess’ and is linked to the belief that the massive stone blocks must once have been raised by giants.
On Malta are Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, two other temple complexes that tell the story of the communities that lived here more than 5,000 years ago. Also part of this prehistory is the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a unique underground complex carved directly out of the rock and used for several centuries.
The Knights established a new capital
Another decisive chapter began when the Order of St John arrived in Malta in 1530. Following the Great Siege of 1565, Valletta was founded the following year as a new, fortified city. Palaces, churches and defences were built during the Order’s time and remain an integral part of the capital’s character. Even today, there are 320 monuments within just 55 hectares.
Even older is the walled city of Mdina, Malta’s former capital, whose origins date back to antiquity. Behind the city walls, narrow alleys wind their way between palaces and churches, and the architecture bears witness to several periods in Malta’s history.
History is also evident in some of Malta’s more exclusive hotels. Within Mdina’s city walls lies The Xara Palace, housed in a 17th-century palace. In Valletta, another 17th-century palace has been transformed into the 25-room boutique hotel Rosselli AX Privilege. Cugó Gran Macina in Senglea, meanwhile, comprises 21 suites in a fortified building erected by the Order of St John in 1554. In this way, it is possible not only to visit Malta’s cultural and historical sites, but also to stay right in the heart of them.
From historic settings to contemporary art
Malta’s long cultural history coexists today with a vibrant contemporary art scene. In and around Valletta, you’ll find, amongst other things, MUŽA, Malta’s national art museum, and MICAS, the Malta International Contemporary Art Space, which opened in 2024 in the restored fortifications in Floriana. The Malta Biennale also brings contemporary art into the islands’ older architecture. The international biennale was held for the first time in 2024 and will return in 2026, with exhibitions and performances in venues including palaces, fortresses and public spaces.