Wied Iz-Zurrieq
Wied iz-Zurrieq is a picturesque inlet at the end of a spectacular rugged valley leading down to the sea. From the inlet, you can take a short boat trip to a local beauty spot, the Blue Grotto, an arched hollow denting the sheer cliffs.
Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples
Hagar Qim, discovered under rubble in 1839. dates from around 2400 2000 B.C. The largest megalith at Hagar Qim is some seven metres high and weighs around 20 tons. Mnajdra is made up of two sizeable temples and is thought to date from around 3400 B.C. The third temple at Mnajdra is perhaps the finest surviving temple in Malta, The masonry shows intricate knowledge of building techniques and excellent workmanship.
The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
The Hypogeum has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hypogeum is a labyrinthine complex of man-made chambers hewn out of the limestone extending some 11 metres below ground. It appears to have been used both as a burial site and as a temple.
Traditional fishing village and fish market
Marsaxlokk Bay is Malta's second largest natural harbour. It IS the best place to see the colourful. traditional Maltese fishing boats, the iuzzus. with the mythical eye of Osiris painted on their prows, The Sunday fish and general market gives a fascinating insight into local life and a traditional industry.
Fort Rinella
Fort Rinella was builtby British Royal Engineers between 1878 and 1886 and equipped with a massive 100-ton gun as a coastal battery. Thegun, still on show at Fort Rinella, has a barrel elmost 10 metres long. Victorian period re-enactments takeplace regularly on weekends at the Fort.
Tarxien Temples
The Tarxien Temples are a unique group of temples, dating from 3150 to 2500 BC, and are the most complex of all the temples in Malta. They comprise four temple units linked by a square court. They were the last to be built on the islands.
The Xarolla Windmill
This windmill known as Tax-Xarolla was built in 1724 under the patronage of Grandmaster Manoel de Vilhena. In 1992, it was restored to its original working order and is now the only functioning windmill on the islands.
Old St. Gregory’s
The Old Parish Church of St. Gregory, dating back to 1436, is one of the most fascinating on the islands. In 1969, a network of secret passages was discovered in the church walls.
Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum
The cave of Ghar Dalam is an important site as it is here that the earliest evidence of human settlement on Malta, some 7,400 years ago, was discovered. The display area consists of the cave, some 144 metres deep, and the museum, exhibiting a wealth of finds from animal bones to human artefacts.
Source: Sky life, March 2007
