10 Fun Facts about Malta
As a picturesque archipelago ideally located in sunny Southern Europe, it’s no surprise that Malta is a popular choice for holidays. If you’re planning your next trip there, or are simply searching for a perfect summer location, here are some fun facts about the country that are sure to pique your interest!
1. Situated in the central-eastern portion of the island, Malta’s capital city is Valletta (known colloquially as “Il-Belt” in Maltese, aka “The City”). Baroque in character, Valletta was originally built by an Order of Knights known as the Knights Hospitaller, lending the city an historic air.
2. Surprisingly enough, though there is a well-known breed of dog called the Maltese, Malta’s national dog is actually the Pharaoh Hound, with a sleek tan coat and a profile resembling ancient Egyptian statues.
3. Film-lovers may recall the epic battle scenes set in Rome’s Coliseum in Russell Crowe’s Gladiator. What they may not know is that those scenes were actually filmed in a replica built in Fort Ricasoli, Malta.
4. The Megalithic Temples in Malta are, in fact, older than Egypt’s pyramids and England’s Stonehenge.
5. Many people with an interest in ancient myths and legends believe Malta to be part of the Lost City of Atlantis.
6. Malta is the most successful country never to have won the Eurovision Song Contest, having come 2nd twice (in 2002 and 2005) and 3rd twice (in 1992 and 1998).
7. According to the Bible, Saint Paul was shipwrecked in Malta in 60AD and stayed on to minister.
8. The country has been given the nickname “the land of honey”, partially due to its large production of honey thanks to an endemic species of bee living on the island, but also in part to its name, which may have derived from the Greek word for honey.
9. A predominantly Roman Catholic country, Malta has over 360 churches – that’s roughly one for every 1,000 residents.
10. A traditional form of Maltese music is known as ghana. It is comprised of folk guitar music and a few people, usually men, taking it in turns to debate in a sing-song voice. The lyrics are improvised, and debates are usually friendly yet challenging.
If you’re planning to follow the trend of travellers taking holidays in Malta, there are many companies out there – like mercury-direct.co.uk – who offer great deals on everything from flights alone to package holidays. Discover for yourself the many quirks and opportunities that Malta has to offer, and find out some new fun facts to share with your friends.
1. Situated in the central-eastern portion of the island, Malta’s capital city is Valletta (known colloquially as “Il-Belt” in Maltese, aka “The City”). Baroque in character, Valletta was originally built by an Order of Knights known as the Knights Hospitaller, lending the city an historic air.
2. Surprisingly enough, though there is a well-known breed of dog called the Maltese, Malta’s national dog is actually the Pharaoh Hound, with a sleek tan coat and a profile resembling ancient Egyptian statues.
3. Film-lovers may recall the epic battle scenes set in Rome’s Coliseum in Russell Crowe’s Gladiator. What they may not know is that those scenes were actually filmed in a replica built in Fort Ricasoli, Malta.
4. The Megalithic Temples in Malta are, in fact, older than Egypt’s pyramids and England’s Stonehenge.
5. Many people with an interest in ancient myths and legends believe Malta to be part of the Lost City of Atlantis.
6. Malta is the most successful country never to have won the Eurovision Song Contest, having come 2nd twice (in 2002 and 2005) and 3rd twice (in 1992 and 1998).
7. According to the Bible, Saint Paul was shipwrecked in Malta in 60AD and stayed on to minister.
8. The country has been given the nickname “the land of honey”, partially due to its large production of honey thanks to an endemic species of bee living on the island, but also in part to its name, which may have derived from the Greek word for honey.
9. A predominantly Roman Catholic country, Malta has over 360 churches – that’s roughly one for every 1,000 residents.
10. A traditional form of Maltese music is known as ghana. It is comprised of folk guitar music and a few people, usually men, taking it in turns to debate in a sing-song voice. The lyrics are improvised, and debates are usually friendly yet challenging.
If you’re planning to follow the trend of travellers taking holidays in Malta, there are many companies out there – like mercury-direct.co.uk – who offer great deals on everything from flights alone to package holidays. Discover for yourself the many quirks and opportunities that Malta has to offer, and find out some new fun facts to share with your friends.
