Litchfield enquirer., 1844-09-05
tSttsfs Tram Abroad.
NAPLES, Dec. 10, ls4S.

Manoel and our departure in the steamer, we had three entire days in which we were enabled to see the most curious objects and places in the vicinity and envirOns of Vaetta, the modern capital of the Island The Island itself when taken possession of by the knights of St. John, was a bed of barren rocks just rising from the sea; q had ever imagin ed it high rocky cli not Gibralter exactly, but still somewhat of natural fortress in itself@ but through the instrumentality of the indefatigable Knights. 1t was covered and enriched with the fruitful soil of Sicily. so that now the irregularities ofits rocky surface are entirely covered with beau- tul and vcrdant terraces, rising above the oth- CT, throughout the lsland the only trees visible in any part are the groves of olive, fig and orange, which of course are eulsiraied not indigenous, ! The ancient capital, Notabili, the Medina of the Saracens, now Cita Veccha. Cor old cty,) is stua- ted eight miles back of Valetta and of the sea- It was formerly the residence of the knights till the foundation of Valetta by the Grand Muster, La Va lette, the year after the famous siege of Solyman the Magnificent. 1565 Il is now a city of desert- ed palaces, built with great taste and maguAcence, as are aN their works; has a splendid cathedral, strong and extensive walls with castles forts, and gateways. But its streets are silent allits dwel- ings deserted. and the aspect ofthe place mournfl and desolate. valetta, at that time only well- fortified outpost, is now well.built city, beauti- fully paved, but from its streets following the ir- regularites of the rocks is for the most part paved in steps, and may we'll be called the "city of stairs" The Island furnishes from its own rocky foundation beautiful building material of yellow limestone, 80 soft that it may be cut with an axe or hatchet into blocks, and almost carved with pen.knifc yet so durable that the buildings formed from it have remained perfect for centuries. From its being easily cut, the buildings are much and beautifully ornamcnted with tasteful carving. The entire sides of the interior of the church of St. John is made of this stone, carved SO that the g- urcs stand out in relief, and are gilt, with the ground work painted blue, having the finest effect imaginable. On either side are chapels appropria. ted to the languages into which the order was divi- ded, according to the different countries from which they came, eight in all These chapels contain splendid monuments 10 the Grand Masters-altars rich in precious and variegated marbles and fine
 
 keys of the gates of Jerusalom, Acre and RhOdes, guarded in front by railing of solid and massive silver, and which only escaped the rapaeity of the French by being painted over. The ceilings arc painted in fresco, with rich gildcd compartments, and the pavement is composed of tablets of marble with inscriptions to the memory of the many knights of the order; each slab tablet exhibiting a beautiful specimen of rich Mosaic of many CO., ored stones, each forming the armorial bearing of the knight whose remains they covered, and many curious figures and e1nblems. We went through the palace of the Grand Masters. now occupied by the English Governor, where was some of the most exquisite Gohelin tapestry we have seen in any country beautiful antique clocks, vases and tables as well as some fine portraits of the Grand Masters portion of tine palace is appropriated as an armo. ", and contains suits of armor coats of mail, and implements of war used by the knights. During our stay the archbishop of Malta was at the point of death and every bell in the city (and place is so noted fui the nnber and excellence of its bells as this) was ringing from early in the morning un- til midday; and as a last resource the Host was carried through the streets preceded by Proces- sion composed of monks of the different orders, and ecclesiastics of every description. The monks wore the different habits of their order fraternity, which are many and various, each order having a crucifx of massive gold or silver, before each of which the assembled populace bowed with un- covered heads as they were borne slowly past; and when at last the Host was seen to approach with the old Rshop the erOecfaaS successor of the sick man, ali, both men and women, knelt upon the bare ,oes ground, (t had rained all night) bowed their heads and concealed their faces, that they might not profane by their looks the Holy of Holies All were mutrering prayers, which, mingled with the musical chanting of the monks and the slow toling of many bells, had an impressive effect. Even the Protestants who stood looking on, uncovered theii heads as the Host was carried by. Yoa may have some idea of this procession when tell you that il is estimated that there is here one priest to every ten inhabitants. and that the Island is more Popu lous in proportion to its surface than even Grea Britain. having 12O 600 souls with 12!Ooo priests These. with the many soldiers, among whom IS Highland regiment in their beautiful national dress and the costume of the Maltese ladies Ca black sill mantilla similar to the Moorish and Spanish) form picturesque assemblage. The language of tn Maltese is an impure Arabic; but many of then have learned the English from their constant inter course with the English soldiers and residents. received call while at Malta, from the Rev. Mi and Mrs. B., American missionaries While con versing with the latter. very lovely and intelgeu | ,n.~n