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Showing posts with label Malta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Malta. Show all posts

October 7, 2012

Hagar Qim

Hagar Qim is a megalithic temple complex dating from the Ġgantija phase (3600-3200 BC). The Megalithic Temples of Malta are amongst the most ancient religious sites on Earth described by the World Heritage Sites committee as "unique architectural masterpieces." In 1992 UNESCO recognized Ħaġar Qim and four other Maltese megalithic structures as World Heritage Sites.

The lowest temple is astronomically aligned and thus was probably used as an astronomical observation and/or calendrical site. On the vernal and the autumnal equinox sunlight passes through the main doorway and lights up the major axis. On the solstices sunlight illuminates the edges of megaliths to the left and right of this doorway.
Although there are no written records to indicate the purpose of these structures, archaeologists have inferred their use from ceremonial objects found within them: sacrificial flint knives and rope holes that were possibly used to constrain animals for sacrifice (since various animal bones were found). These structures were not used as tombs since no human remains were found. The temples contain furniture such as stone benches and tables that give clues to their use.
Many artifacts were recovered from within the temples suggesting that these temples were used for religious purposes, perhaps to heal illness and/or to promote fertility.






October 6, 2012

Blue Grotto

Every day from sunrise until about 1 pm a unique sight can be observed here. The location combined with the sunlight lead to the water mirroring showing numerous shades of blue.






October 3, 2012

Marsaxlokk, Malta



Marsaxlokk is a picturesque fishing village on the south-east side of Malta, it has an ancient history being the site of a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Juno, but no ancient remains are visible. On Sundays there is a fish market where one can get the best fish available, a particular local favourite is the Lampuki.
The sight of the traditional luzzu's (fishing boats built according to a design dating back to the Phoenicians) and the tranquil surroundings make this a very pleasant place to have lunch at one of the quayside restaurants.  



Waterfront
Fishing Boats
Marsaxlokk Bay

























 


October 1, 2012

St. James Cavalier Center for Creativity


Housed in a 16th Century fort, the centre is home to a small theatre-in-the-round, an art house, cinema, a chamber music room and gallerias.
A labyrinth of art gallerias and multimedia installations stretching into the ancient walls and towers of the fort, carefully placed in a unique architecture.
The centre has welcomed both local and foreign artists, writers, singers and actors, dancers, musicians as well as thinkers, scientists and other creators.Few examples of the original interior design are shown below.

 The Entrance
 
 Modern Art Wing
 
The Observatory
 
 

September 27, 2012

Palazzo Falson


Palazzo Falson was originally a one-storey high courtyard house that was built around the first half of 13th century on the remains of an even earlier structure known as La Rocca.  This area has also been associated with a synagogue and there is a strong verbal tradition which holds that the refectory and kitchen area of the house were part of the synagogue structure where the Mdina jewish community worshipped.
Palazzo Falson was inhabited by the de Falsone family and today is a unique palace-museum preserving an extensive collection of art. There are a number of 17th century paintings in this collection, including one by Mattia Preti, and others attributed to David Teniers the Younger, Nicolas Poussin and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.
The silver collection includes more than 800 items, and includes some noteworthy and significant pieces of Maltese, Continental and British silver.
An extensive collection of arms is on display in the Armoury, the walls of which are hung with an interesting array of swords, polearms, pistols and guns.
The library at the Palazzo boasts over 4,500 books consisting mainly of historical titles and renowned literary works in various languages.  Some highly valuable manuscripts can also be found in this collection.
More than 80 Oriental rugs make up this collection, hailing from different areas such as Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, most of which are displayed in the Carpet Gallery.

For more info: http://www.palazzofalson.com/palazzofalson/home.aspx     





The Courtyard

























The Artist's Studio
























The Library
























The Kitchen

























The Old Arch









September 25, 2012

Travels: Mdina, Malta

Mdina is the old capital of Malta a medieval walled town situated on a hill in the centre of the island.
If you are looking for a traffic and noise free experience with art and sophistication everywhere, this is the place you should visit. Worth spending a night or a weekend at Xara Palace one of the most unique hotels in Europe. The experience of staying in a 17th Century Palazzo with seventeen individually designed rooms and suites featuring unique pieces of antique furniture and paintings will justify the hefty bill.