Discover the Magic: 12 Amazing Fun Facts About Malta You Never Knew

1. Temples of Temp-itude

Who needs pyramids when you've got temples of impressive "temp-itude"? Hold onto your archaeologist hats, Indiana Jones: Malta's Ġgantija Temples are not only older than the pyramids of Egypt, but they are the second oldest manmade religious structures in the world, dating back over 5500 years! These UNESCO-protected hotspots once hosted fertility rites and animal sacrifices, with enough figurines and statues for an archaeological gala of epic proportions.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. Game of Thrones, Mdina Edition

Get ready to have your (Throne) game changed: Malta, a tiny archipelago in the Mediterranean, not only served as the backdrop for some iconic Game of Thrones scenes, but it's also home to the ancient walled city of Mdina, with its history dating back to the 8th century BC and the Phoenicians!
Source => thewholeworldisaplayground.com

Did you know that Bologna once had over 180 medieval towers, resembling a skyscraper jungle from Middle Earth? Discover the fascinating history behind these ancient structures!

=> Fun Facts about Italy

3. Maltese Linguistic Frappuccino

Malta, the linguistic superblend Frappuccino: Sprinkled with a dash of Sicilian Arabic, a dollop of Italian and Sicilian influence, and a generous helping of English, this linguistic concoction is sure to give your mind a delightful whirl! In reality, the Maltese language is derived from late medieval Sicilian Arabic, with about half of its vocabulary stemming from standard Italian and Sicilian, and English words making up around 6% to 20% of its lexicon.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

4. Malta's Transit Rollercoaster

One might think that Malta's transit history has more routes than a spider web on caffeine: from horse-drawn carriages whizzing like molasses to trams chugging along like a child's oversized toy train. But here's the serious reveal: Malta's public transport history is truly a rollercoaster ride, boasting the island's singular railway from 1883-1931, vibrant mid-20th century buses, and a tram system sharing the tracks from 1905-1929!
Source => vassallohistory.wordpress.com

5. Atlantis Meets The Little Mermaid

If Atlantis and The Little Mermaid had a love child, it'd probably be Malta's diving scene: Known for Europe's most captivating underwater adventures, Malta invites divers to explore shipwrecks like Um el Faroud and HMS Maori, and marvel at the stunning aquatic landscapes of Xatt L-Ahmar and Irrqieqa Point.
Source => welcome-center-malta.com

6. Pastizz-pocalypse

Feeling peckish for a Maltese tease that's savory, flaky, and selling faster than the iPhone 13? You're in for a "pastizz-pocalypse" takeover: Malta's scrumptious pastizzi, a traditional pastry filled with ricotta or curried peas, is all the rage in villages, bars, and exported to countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US by enthusiastic Maltese immigrants. These tasty morsels prove to be so popular that they've woven themselves into the very fabric of the Maltese language, with "pastizzi" becoming the Maltese equivalent of "selling like hotcakes"!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Life Imitates HBO in Malta

"When life imitates HBO, you can bet it's filmed on Malta: This island nation has witnessed epic love stories such as Daenerys and Kahl Drogo's nuptials in Game of Thrones, hosted spinach-champion Popeye's Village, and provided historic backdrops for Gladiator, Troy, and Assassin's Creed, making it a sought-after destination for big budget productions and entertainment enthusiasts alike."
Source => axhotelsmalta.com

8. Hare-raising Comino

Whoever said the pig population took a "boar-ing" nose-dive on the island of Comino probably never expected its fortunes to be altered by a different kind of "hare-raising" invasion: Tourism in the mid-1960s brought new life to this once desolate haven for wild boar, hares, and strategically placed Knights of St John defending against the Ottoman Turks.
Source => carwiz.rent

9. Mosta's Divine Bomb Dodge

In an incredible case of divine intervention, a German bomb played hide and seek with over 400 holy souls, and nobody died: Malta's Mosta Rotunda, with the third largest unsupported church dome in Europe, was struck by a 200 kg bomb during World War II that miraculously didn't explode, and you can see a replica of the almost-deadly intruder in the sacristy.
Source => travelthruhistory.com

10. Jazz Meets Knights in Malta

Pack your sax and follow the swinging beat to the land of knights and fortresses, where brass meets bastions in a jazzy extravaganza: Malta is the go-to destination for jazz lovers, with an annual three-night Malta Jazz Festival held under the stronghold of Valletta and set against the stunning backdrop of its mighty docks, featuring renowned jazz artists from all around the world.
Source => maltalingua.com

11. Caravaggio's Maltese Masterpieces

If Caravaggio were to paint his life, it'd be titled: "The Not-So-Still Life of a Rowdy Baroque Bad Boy": Malta is home to St John's Co-Cathedral, housing some of the rebellious artist's most significant works like 'The Beheading of St John the Baptist' and 'St Jerome Writing,' making it an unexpected treasure trove for art enthusiasts everywhere.
Source => stjohnscocathedral.com

12. Sea Adventure Safety Check

Ahoy there, sea-faring adventurers! Beware the sirens of the sandy shores, for not all Maltese bays are what they seem: some excursion providers in Malta may put profit above safety, so it's vital to examine reviews and research before embarking on a tour to ensure a smooth-sailing experience.
Source => tripadvisor.com