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Description
After the visit to Mdina and Rabat, and after peeking at the Dingli cliffs, we visit the gardens of the San Antón Palace, located in Attard. These were part of a palace built in the 17th century by a Grand Master who loved botany, so each visiting ambassador was asked to bring some plant from their respective countries, with which they decorated the gardens surrounding the palace, a custom that was maintained by the successive Grand Masters and governors. Today, the palace is the residence of the President of the Republic. The next stop is one of the most spectacular that can be made on our islands. We are talking about the Mosta Rotunda. It is one of the largest domes in Europe, located in a small village in the center of the island. During World War II, two bombs hit it, one of them piercing its dome, and although people were praying inside, no one was hurt, considering this event a miracle. Therefore, this "small" village church has recently been elevated to a Basilica, and its sacristy still houses the bomb that fell on April 9, 1942. Built by the Order of St. John, the first stone of the capital of Malta was laid in 1566, after the "Great Turkish Assault", seeking to block the passage to the Grand Harbour in a possible new Turkish attack. After that, many followed until it became the most modern city in Europe in the 16th century. At that time, its main charm lay not only in its honey-colored streets or its panoramic views, but also in the fact that the city of Valletta did not smell! as it was built on a sewage system that made it the dream city of the European nobility. Also from the hand of the Order of St. John comes the Baroque to the city, which modernizes in the new style losing its previous air of war fortress. The buildings rise on one floor and Baroque facades were superimposed that still observe us today from the large portals of the hostels and properties of the knights. In the early 21st century, the city retains all its charm. It is able to penetrate the spirit of the most experienced travelers, leaving a mark that is hard to forget. We will walk its streets and most emblematic points such as Upper Barraka garden, with its spectacular views of the Grand Harbour, we will walk its streets, which as we said show at every step palaces of different epochs, the hostels of the languages that made up the Order, countless churches... each step in the only European capital that is a world heritage site. A walk through centuries of history in this city built "by knights for knights". And behind the sober facade of the St. John's Co-Cathedral is one of the most impressive cathedrals that travelers can find throughout the world. Inaugurated in 1572, shortly after the great Turkish assault, the first intention is to build a conventual church for the new city of the order, for exclusive use for its knights, and due to the situation of the moment (a new Turkish attack was feared at any moment) a building was built according to the time: sober, military and resistant. But with the passage of time and the change of situation, the building also changed: with the arrival of the Baroque the building was decorated to the point that today it is considered one of the maximum exponents of this style. A riot of color that goes from the floor (which has been described as "the most beautiful floor in the world") full of worked marble tombs, to the ceiling decorated by Mattia Preti, through each and every one of the chapels of the different languages of the order. And as the culmination of this unique building, two Caravaggios: "St. Jerome Writing" and the artist's masterpiece, "The Beheading of St. John". This brings our detailed tour of Malta to an end. We've taken a journey through time, from the medieval city of Mdina, through the scenic cliffs of Dingli, the botanical wonder of the San Antón Palace, the awe-inspiring Rotunda of Mosta, and finally, to the baroque grandeur of Valletta. We hope you enjoyed it and found it informative. Malta is a land rich in history, culture and stunning natural beauty, and there's so much more to discover. We look forward to welcoming you on this journey of discovery.
Price
From 1 to 3 travelers: 525€
From 4 to 6 travelers: 525€
From 7 to 15 travelers: 600€
Details
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Duration: 5 h
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Includes: Official guide to Malta. Transportation.
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Does not include: Tickets. Entrance to Mosta Rotunda €2
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Accessibility: Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
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Important: We recommend comfortable shoes. Hat, sun cream and water in summer!
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Reservations: Reservations are accepted up to 72 hours before the tour, always depending on the availability of an official guide in the selected language.
Free cancellation
Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the start of the tour. If the cancellation is made with less time, or you do not show up for the activity, no refund will be made.
Meeting point
To agree with the client.