A MALTESE EXPERIENCE
With a coastline sheltered by the Mediterranean, Malta is a small country south of Italy with loads of history.
Toowoomba resident Mary-ann Zammit recently visited Malta, where she visited family and revelled in her Maltese heritage.
While on holidays, Mary-ann delved into Malta at full speed under the clever guidance of her family.
She discovered Hagar Qim, an archaeological site dating back to 3200BC, and was amazed by the unique Tarxien Temples.
A replica is now on display of the Mosta Dome, a church that survived a direct bomb hit when the bomb did not explode.
Malta is surrounded by forts and bunkers as it was the most bombed nation during World War II.
“The most memorable one for me would have been the World War II bunkers at the site of the St Paul’s Catacombs, the largest Roman underground cemetery in Malta,’’ Mary-ann said.
“On the day I visited I was informed one of my aunties was born in these bunkers.
“St Paul’s Grotto is also located on this site. It is where the apostle Paul took refuge after being wrecked off the coast of Malta.”
Malta has a Christian background and churches are prominent. They are lavishly decorated on the inside, unlike Italian churches, where they prefer their patrons to be focused on the service rather than the decorations.
Malta is known for its beautiful food, and Mary-ann tasted some renowned delicacies, particularly at Elia Cafe, recommended by her father.
Founded in 1953, the cafe is still run by the same family.
Mary-ann recommends trying their pastizzi and cannoli, along with Kinnie, the national Maltese beverage.
When travelling to Malta, Mary-ann suggests taking your own hand sanitiser and tissues or toilet paper as a lot of public toilets don’t offer them.
Alongside this, plan ahead for Maltese weather – it can often have four seasons in one day, and definitely bring an umbrella.
“Definitely try as much Maltese food you can – you can buy Italian food anywhere,” Mary-ann said.
“I was able to bring back Maltese sweets I cannot buy in Australia.”