The island at the bottom of Italy that is its own country

So, there is an island chain in the Mediterranean Ocean at the bottom of Italy (no, it's not Sicily) that really is its own nation. Comprised of several islands, only three of which are inhabited, it is very small and charming and full of historical, religious and architectural charm and importance. I especially enjoyed seeing friends there and spending some time in a place where time seems to have slowed a bit.


A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, with a dash of Arabian influence and the most pristine waters in the Med, Malta is gorgeous. Here are a few glimpses:








More ceilings which produces a crick in your neck as you stare upwards for several minutes at a time without pausing.







The floor in the Cathedral in Valleta where marble epitaphs in Latin cover the floor and pay homage to a rich and colorful past complete with the Maltese knights.








The walls of this church are covered with this beautiful carving complete with Maltese crosses. I've seen ornamental churches, but this one wins the prize.














They're everywhere! I can't escape them...

But only in Malta would there be a McDonalds in the bottom level of a 17th century Baroque bulding.

The walls of the citadel in Valletta, where the Maltese held off the invasion of the Ottoman-Turks in the 16th century.

One of the many ports in this tiny island nation.

Malta has a rich cinematic history, whihc includes the filmings of Troy, and the Count of Monte Cristo. The not so rich history includes the filming of Popeye The Movie, starring Robin Williams. It was filmed in this little village, constructed especially for the film.

This scene makes me want to live here.

More outdoor art in the walled city of Mdina.

Mdina is a beautiful walled city on top of a hill surrounded by the original walls. The streets are cobbled with large flat stones and driving is limited to the residents so as to preserve the city. It's like wandering through a set for the filming of a 16th century movie. I love the red raspberry colored door and windows.

One of the views from Mdina, looking at the dome in the next town over.

Another glimpse... and a bright navy blue door.

Okay, someday I want a house with an upstairs terrace where I too can grow oranges.

Another reason to look up.

14th Century fresco in the prison where the shipwrecked Saint Paul was imprisoned for several months.

More outdoor art--these particular pieces are everywhere and very beautiful.

The Azure Window one of the natural wonders of the world; maybe not officially, but it is.

One of the beautiful views on the island of Gozo.

Another beautiful glimpse of raspberry red.