About Malta

Getting Around

Malta has a very extensive, efficient and inexpensive public transport system. The rates range from 10 cents to 23 cents per adult on the normal bus routes that travel from and to Valletta, and approximately 50 cents per adult on the specialized routes. Since Rabat and Mdina are on the agenda of most tourists who visit the island, there are several bus routes that pass directly in front of the Guest House. In fact, the bus station for Rabat is only 50 metres away from the Point de Vue.

The bus routes that pass through Rabat are as follows:

The Guest House also provides assistance and information for residents who prefer utilising taxis or hiring their own car for the duration of their visit.
 
Tours
 
Situated 100km south of Sicily, at the gates of North Africa and the East, Malta blends an intense celebration of sun and sea with over 6000 years of history. Every inch of the island, bears witness to past, ancient civilizations. Malta and its sister island Gozo, are dotted with numerous temples, monuments and fortified cities, some older than the pyramids in Egypt and Stonehenge.

The Point de Vue Guest House can assist its guests with information and recommendations about places to visit and contact with reliable tour agencies and tour guides that will help bring to life Malta’s unique history and culture.

Roman Villa

What’s On
 
     Around Rabat and Mdina

          Rabat
 
Rabat was separated from Mdina in 870AD by the Arabs, and deprived of its protective bastion walls, was exposed to various attacks which has changed its landscape forever. Although not as rich in treasures as Mdina, Rabat can give visitors a taste of ‘real’ Maltese life. However, there are also many historical sites to be visited here.

          1. The Domus Romana and the Museum of Roman Antiquities
 
The Museum stands on the remains of town house (often erroneously referred to as ‘villa’) dating back to the Roman Republic period (1st century BC). Many exquisite, wonderfully-preserved mosaics and remains of the town house were discovered in 1881. The present building which houses this monument was build in order to preserve these antiquities. The mosaics rank amongst the finest and oldest in the Mediterranean, and can be compared to those in Pompei.

The Domus Romana is open daily between 9am and 5pm. It is closed on Good Friday, 24th, 25th, 31st December and 1st January.

          2. St. Paul’s Church & St. Paul’s Grotto

The church of St. Paul’s, which was originally built in 1572, was enlarged in the 17th century. The altarpiece is by Italian painter Mattia Preti who spent many years in Malta until his death in 1699. Mattia Preti is buried in St. John’s Co Cathedral in Valletta.

To the left of the church is a small cave known as St. Paul’s Grotto. The church was dedicated to St. Paul because it is believed that when he was shipwrecked in Malta in 60AD, St. Paul spent three months praying in the cave, while trying to convert the Maltese to Christianity.
There is also a legend associated with the grotto. It is believed that the rocks in the grotto can heal snake bites and fever. But the legend goes further, stating that if any of the rocks are taken away from the grotto, they grow again overnight in order to maintain the grotto’s shape and size.
Below St. Paul’s church, there are also two small chapels. It is believed that the first Sacraments were held here. Publius, the Governor of Malta was baptized and also consecrated as bishop. Before being consecrated as chapels, these rooms were used by the Romans as prison cells. One can still see the loops in the ceiling which were used to tie up prisoners.

          3. St. Paul’s Catacombs and St. Agatha’s Catacombs

St. Paul’s Catacombs and St. Agatha’s Catacombs (see following Section) are the largest of several hundred other catacombs scattered all over the Maltese islands. Both catacombs date back to the 4th-7th centuries AD and are typical of the underground Christian cemeteries prevalent at the time. The catacombs consist of long, underground tunnels flanked by hundreds of tombs. One can still see round tables cut out of the rock, known as ‘agape tables’, where families and friends enjoyed a farewell meal in honour of their departed loved one.
St. Agatha’s catacombs are also believed to have been the hiding place of St. Agatha who fled from Sicily and the persecution of Roman Emperor Decius in 249AD. After spending some time hiding in the catacombs and teaching Christianity to the Maltese children of the area, she decided to return to Sicily and face her fate. On returning to Sicily, she was condemned to torture and imprisoned. She died a few days later.
Many impressive frescoes, dating back to the 11th century can still be seen in St. Agatha’s Catacombs.
Both catacombs are open every day except on Good Friday, 24th, 25th, 31st December and 1st January.

Casino Royale

          Mdina: The Silent City

The skyline of Mdina may well be one of the most recognized landscapes in Malta. With a history of over 4000 years, its ancient walls and domes rule the horizon. Mdina’s history dates back to Roman times where at the time it was called Melita. Mdina served as Malta’s capital city from the Romans’ times until the arrival of the Knights of St. John in 1530.
Mdina’s architecture today reflects predominantly the Norman and the Baroque period, with its abundance of churches, museums and palaces. The Cathedral of St. John was built by the Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa after the older one was damaged in an earthquake in 1693. The present Cathedral is believed to stand on the site of the house of Publius, the Roman governor at the time of St. Paul’s shipwreck.

An article about Mdina (click to enlarge)
 

          Buskett Gardens

Lying within walking distance from Rabat, Buskett Gradens represents the only wooded area in Malta. Overlooking the gardens is Verdala Castle, built by Grand Master Hughes Loubenx de Verdalle in the late 16th century. It now serves as the summer esidence for the President of Malta.

          Dingli Cliffs

Also within waking distance from Rabat, Dingli Cliffs mark the highest point in Malta, around 230 metres above sea level.