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This blog is dedicated to Malta - my island home. My aim is not to bore you with history but to share my thoughts and a few facts together with a photo or two. For a more in -depth background of the island please go here. The purpose of this blog is not to point out the short-comings of the island. There are plenty that do that already. My wish is to show you the beauty of an island at the cross roads of the Mediterranean, a melting pot of history; a place where fact and fiction are sometimes fused to create unique myths and legends; a country that has been conquered so many times that our culture is a mish mesh of the lands that surround us and of lands far away. I confess that my greatest desire is to make you fall in love with this tiny enchanting island.

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Saturday 23 March 2013

Snapshots of … St Elmo Point, Valletta

There’s another aspect to Valletta. Away from the churches, palaces and shops there is the other Valletta – the city of forts and fortified walls, the military marvel designed  by Francesco Laparelli. A few metres away from the entrance to Fort St Elmo, a flight of steps will take you down beneath the city’s massive walls.

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There’s evidence here of a deadly conflict; strange passages cut in the rocks; half-hidden staircases and forgotten bridges; strange remnants that everyone has forgotten the reason for; rock-hewn caverns and time-worn walls.

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And, of course, rock pools, boats and a wonderful view across the harbour.

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Far from the Baroque  marvel, the military origins of Valletta slumber and dream …

Location: St Elmo Point, Valletta

4 comments:

  1. Ever since I was a child, I have wished for walls to be able to talk...

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a fascinating place! The imagination takes off!
    Great shots and that water looks amazing ... that deep, cool blue and green.
    hope you had a beautiful day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your island country is filled with history, mystery and beauty. I cannot even imagine the untold stories in these stairs and walls.

    Bises,
    Genie

    ReplyDelete

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