We made a list of interesting facts about Malta and the Maltese. Among these there are others, but here are the top 15 ones according to WheresMalta.
1. The Temple of Ggantija traces back its foundation for a time period much before the Egyptian pyramids.
2. There are more Maltese people in Melbourne, Australia then there are in the Maltese Islands.
3. The passion of the people Maltese people kill for two things: Religion and Politics.
4. The Mosta dome is the 4th largest unsupported dome in the world. During the Second World War, a bomb pierced the dome and fell through without exploding.
5. Malta is believed to have served as the site of the legendary city of Atlantis.
6. The University of Malta is one of the oldest universities in Europe and was founded in 1592.
7. Valletta has been named after Jean Parisot de la Valette, a Grand Master of the Knights of St John.
8. Mdina, the nation’s old, walled capital, only allows cars of residents on its roads.
9. The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground necropolis, was excavated around 2,500 B.C.
10. Valletta, its current capital, is one of the most concentrated historical areas in the world, according to UNESCO, in fact Valletta will be the Capital City of Culture in 2018.
11. The flag of Malta is a simple red and white flag with the George Cross in the top left hand corner.
12. Perhaps one of the Maltese favourite dishes among the locals is the rabbit fried with garlic.
13. There are over 350 churches on the Maltese islands. Many were built in the seventeenth century, making them sights to behold even for non-believers. With their bell towers and domes, the Maltese churches are an integral part of the island’s skyline.
14. There are no mountains or rivers in Malta.
15. In 1980 in Malta a set of films about Popeye were made. This place now is referred to as “Popeye Village” and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in this island.
