Rotunda of Mosta Rotunda of Mosta Sponsored Links Rotunda of Mosta - The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady Rotunda of Mosta, the third largest unsupported dome in the World, is an amazing church in Mosta, Malta. The church is dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady and it is the main tourist attraction in Mosta. It is a really huge church frequently known as the Rotunda of Mosta or Rotunda of St Marija Assunta. It is a Roman Catholic Church and it has an incredible design. This church is known as Rotunda because of its round shape. All the paintings from inside the building are the works of Maltese artists. The beautiful, classic style of its interior attracts a big number of visitors and of Christians from all around the world. The church is very inspiring and worth to be visited. It is very easy to find because, from any direction, you can see the huge domed roof. A short History Rotunda of Mosta was built between the 1830's and 1860's taking almost 27 years to construct. It was finally consecrated on the 15th of October, 1871.

Built in the 19th century on the site of a previous church, it was designed by the Maltese architect Giorgio Grognet de Vassé. He was a French citizen but resident in Mosta. Mosta residents, at that time totaling not more than 1500, built this spectacular church with their own hands. That’s why it took so many years to complete this incredible building. But in result it became a tourist attraction of world standard. Grongnet's plans were based on the Pantheon in Rome. The original church was left in place while Rotunda was built around it, allowing the local people to have a place of worship while the new church was being built. On 9 April 1942, the church was nearly destroyed during World War II. The church took a direct hit from a German bomb while more than 300 people were congregated inside for Mass. The Axis bomb pierced the dome of the church but failed to explode. The bomb was taken outside and was diffused, and no one was hurt. Nowadays the area where the bomb hit is still visible. The event became legendary, many regarding it as a miracle. It was really a miracle that the church remained untouched.

The Church’s design Built in the 19th century the massive dome of the Rotunda is claimed to be the third-largest church dome in Europe - superseded only by St Peter's Basilica in Rome and the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Its Roman Catholic Church design is closely based on the dome of the Pantheon in Rome. Its internal diameter is about 37.2 meters (122 ft). The Rotunda walls are nearly 9.1 meters (30 ft) thick. Built on a circular plan and with a neoclassical facade, the Mosta Rotunda has a beautiful, classic style interior with six beautiful side chapels and a huge marble floor. There are some incredible murals by Guiseppe Cali that look almost three dimensional when viewed from several angles. An interesting fact about this Church is that the stone of the Rotunda baths in the sun and spectacularly has taken a yellow/orange/red color. One of the main features of the Rotunda is the Replica of the bomb which pierced the dome. The replica is now on display inside the rotunda under the words: The Bomb Miracle, April 9, 1942. Take your time and come and visit this magnificant Church.

It will be a great experience and its amazing design will leave you speechless. Bungalow In Mosta #002098 - Belair Property LOCALITY INFORMATION Mosta lies at the heart of Malta, along the Great Fault that runs east-west across the Island. The town's name derives from the Arabic 'musta', meaning centre. It was only a hamlet in medieval times, but began to develop at the turn of the 17th century after the Great Siege. Today it is a busy market town. At its centre is a magnificent domed church (completed in 1860), the Mosta Rotunda, said to be the third largest unsupported church dome in Europe. It was built to imitate the Pantheon in Rome, by Maltese architect George de Vasse. In World War II, the Church took a direct hit during a German bombing. The bomb pierced the dome, but failed to explode, leaving all those attending Mass,unharmed. This event is now regarded as miraculous intervention. A replica of the 200kg bomb can be seen in the church's sacristy.

The building of the church was revolutionary in its day: the Mosta Rotunda was constructed over the old church which was only demolished once the new church was finished. Mosta is associated with several legends which inspired the building of small devotional chapels: the cave chapel of St Paul the Hermit in a picturesque valley; and the Chapel of Our Lady of Hope, built as thanksgiving for the safety of a local girl attacked by pirates raiding inland from Salina Bay. Within the limits of Mosta there are also prehistoric remains such as catacombs under Fort Mosta, and Bronze Age dolmens. Mosta also lies on the Victoria Lines, the British fortifications built along the Great Fault. PROPERTY ADITIONAL Malta Travel Guide Information | TripExtras Tipping It has been said that the Maltese islands are the 'open air museum of the Mediterranean', offering 7,000 years or more of history to explore with numerous unique cultural and historical sites. The islands boast prehistoric ruins older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt, and are steeped in the legacy of the medieval order of the Knights of St John, who used the islands as their stronghold for defending Christendom.

Malta lies about 60 miles (97km) south of Sicily and 160 miles (257km) north of Libya, a strategic position in the Mediterranean that has made the islands a crossroads of history. The last occupiers were the British, who granted Malta independence in 1964, but the biggest and most unique influence was left by the Knights of St John, to whom the island was donated in 1530. The Knights reigned supreme over the island for 270 years, building magnificent churches and monuments. Malta has truly ancient mysteries too, primarily in the form of 30 prehistoric sites boasting massive Neolithic temples, considered to be the oldest freestanding stone buildings known to man. Malta and its little sister island, Gozo, are not stuck in a time warp, however. The islanders enjoy life to the full, and the calendar is liberally sprinkled with summertime festas, with fireworks and revelry in every little parish in honour of the village patron saints, as well as the major carnival in early spring every year.

The capital, Valletta, besides offering some awesome Baroque buildings and fortifications as its main sightseeing attractions, is bursting with restaurants and cafes. The island's compact size is also a plus for visitors; it takes no more than an hour to drive between any two points on the main island, and there is very little open space. The dense population means that the island is virtually one large urban area, with buildings occupying every inch. Malta is blessed, however, with a rugged and appealing coastline boasting secluded bays and sandy beaches hidden between rocky outcrops, which attract travellers at least as much as the historical sightseeing. The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries.

Additionally, non-EEA passengers to Malta must hold return/onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. For visitors who are visa-exempt, extensions of stay are possible, by reporting to the Police Headquarters in Malta, no later than one week prior to the expiration of the period of visa exemption. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. St Johns Co-Cathedral Address: Valletta Valletta's magnificent medieval cathedral is famous for the painting by Caravaggio, which hangs in its oratory, and the 369 inlaid mosaic marble tombstones that cover its floor. Each tombstone depicts the lives of the Grand Masters of the Order of St John, who are buried beneath.

The façade is rather severe and militaristic, but inside the cathedral is lavishly splendid in the grandest tradition of high Baroque, with every inch of wall covered by carving, while the vaulted ceiling sports paintings depicting the life of St John the Baptist, patron saint of the Knights. The cathedral benefitted greatly over the centuries from many donations from the Knights and their Grand Masters, and some of the most impressive works of art in the church were gifts from the order. It is still an active place of worship with frequent services, and is also used as a beautiful venue for cultural events. Travellers should be sure to check the website for visiting hours to avoid disappointment. The stunningly ornate cathedral is an amazing sight and a must for tourists in Malta; the experience is greatly enriched by taking a guided tour or renting an audio guide. Palace of the Grandmaster Address: Valletta The Grandmaster's Palace, built around 1571, today serves as the office of the President and seat of the Maltese Parliament. When parliament is not in session the palace and its State Rooms are open to the public.

The palace is a treasure house of art, from the unique collection of Gobelin Tapestries to frescoes depicting the Great Siege of 1565 by Perez d'Aleccio that cover the walls of the Halls of St Michael and St George. The Knights decorated the palace richly and elaborately, conscious of showing off their wealth and influence, and exploring splendid chambers like the Hall of the Supreme Council of the Knights is thrilling. Visitors can also view the Armoury and state apartments, which are adorned with friezes depicting the history of the Order of the Knights of St John. The Armoury is perhaps the greatest attraction of the palace and it boasts one of the largest collections of its kind in the world. Malta has a tumultuous history and the Armoury holds the assorted weaponry of centuries of invasions, sieges and battles, making it a paradise for military history buffs. Guided tours of the palace are available and there is a wonderful audio guide which gives comprehensive information. National Museum of Archaeology Address: Valletta The archaeological museum on Republic Street, Valletta, is housed in one of the inns of the Knights of St John, the Auberge de Provence.

The museum's focus on Malta's prehistory includes displays such as the reconstruction of prehistoric remains found at Hypogeum. Items such as pottery, sculptures, statuettes, stone implements and jewellery from the prehistoric, megalithic and temple-building periods are featured, as well as some Punic and Roman tomb furniture. All the exhibits were found on excavations across the Maltese islands and the age of some of the artefacts is staggering. It is fascinating to see the various items recovered from the ancient temple complexes in Malta, and a visit to the museum nicely contextualises these ancient attractions. It is a small but impressive museum, although its wonders will only be fully appreciated by those interested in archaeology; those who are easily bored by ancient artefacts, like young children, can probably give it a skip. The collection is well-maintained and labelled and the exhibition is in chronological order. Lascaris War Rooms Address: Valletta Valletta suffered a great deal of damage in bombing raids during World War II and the island has always had a strategic military importance far out of proportion to its size.

The Lascaris War Rooms are housed in a 17th-century underground complex of tunnels and chambers that once housed the secret War Headquarters from where the defence of Malta was conducted during the war. Some of the most famous battles fought in the Mediterranean during the war were coordinated and planned from this headquarters. The complex has been restored and now acts as a museum, with displays including charts, models and dioramas; a paradise for anybody interested in military history. It is fascinating to see all the old wartime paraphernalia and explore the once Top Secret military operating rooms. The guides are enthusiastic and well-informed volunteers who greatly enrich the experience. Tours are conducted in English and include a short film. The tour takes about 75 minutes and visitors are usually allowed to wander around the complex at their leisure afterwards. Malta Experience Address: Valletta A dramatic presentation that illustrates the history of Malta, from Neolithic to modern times, can be enjoyed at the Mediterranean Conference Centre at St Elmo's bastion in Valletta. The building itself has been impressively restored, having been built by the Knights in the 1500s as a hospital.

The wards, which are great sweeping halls with vaulted ceilings and marble floors, now serve as exhibition areas. A modern theatre has been added where the Malta Experience audio-visual show is offered in 17 different languages. The show is a sweeping expose of 7,000 years of history covering the original stone-age inhabitants, the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Knights of St John and the nation's modern history. It is as entertaining as it is educational. In fact, the Malta Experience is a great way to begin a holiday in Malta as it provides an overview of the archipelagos' dramatic history which greatly enriches the sightseeing to come, particularly as not all of the impressive ancient sites on the islands are provided with detailed information for tourists. The documentary also offers great insight into the Maltese culture and people. The show is immensely popular and more than four million visitors have seen it since its opening; it is about 45 minutes long. Mdina Address: Valletta Mdina, known as the noble city, was the original capital of Malta before the arrival of the Knights of St John in the middle ages. It was originally a Phoenician town but spent periods under Roman, Arabic and Norman occupation.

The elegant walled city, including the ancient suburb of Rabat, can trace its origins back more than 4,000 years, although today all that remains is the medieval town, which has been largely restored. Mdina is situated on a rocky outcrop about nine miles (15km) west of Valletta. At the heart of Mdina is its landmark Baroque Cathedral of St Paul. Mdina has a conservative atmosphere, in keeping with its noble past. While the Knights reigned over Malta the city became the home of the Maltese nobility, who lived there under autonomous rule, not being deemed worthy to be invited to join the Order of St John. The descendants of some of these families live here still. Mdina and Rabat not only offer some fascinating and valuable sightseeing opportunities, but the old city is particularly inviting at night when it is lamp lit and visitors can enjoy the ambience of restaurants tucked away in its bastions and palace courtyards. Motor vehicles are strictly not allowed inside the city walls, and pedestrians have free reign to walk the streets and take in a glimpse of life in the middle ages.

Three Cities Address: Valletta Malta's main maritime towns have merged into a fortified conglomerate known as the Three Cities, resting on the promontories opposite Valletta. Vittoriosa is the oldest town in Malta after Mdina. It features plenty of historical architecture, including several of the Inns of the Knights of St John, as well as a hospital built by the Order in 1672, which is still a Benedictine convent inhabited by devout nuns. Fort St Angelo, the oldest fortified part of Vittoriosa, dating from 1274, stands at the tip of the promontory, and the Museum of Maritime History is also well worth a visit. The youngest of the Three Cities, Cospicua, dates from 1717 and features some interesting churches, while Senglea, designed by Grandmaster De La Sengle in 1551, is an important place of pilgrimage. Senglea's parish church contains a statue of Christ the Redeemer that is said to have miraculous powers. There are many great restaurants and bars in the Three Cities and the marina area is becoming increasingly popular.

The best way to explore the area is on a walking tour, following which it is wonderful to just wander around the older areas seeking out unexpected treasures. Apart from the rich history, the Three Cities are famed for their residents' enthusiastic celebration of holy days and festas, the most exciting of which is the Easter procession, when statues of Jesus Christ are carried at a run through crowded streets. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum Address: Valletta The Hypogeum, just southwest of the Three Cities in the suburb of Paolo, is a labyrinthine complex of man-made chambers hewn out of limestone, extending about 36ft (11m) below the surface. Experts believe it was used as a burial site and temple by Neolithic man, who used antlers and stone picks to carve out the labyrinth in semi-darkness more than 5,000 years ago. It is comprised of several interconnecting chambers on three distinct levels and was used over a span of many centuries, with the oldest remains at the site dating back to about 4000 BC. The site has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Archaeologists have recovered numerous statues, amulets, figurines and vases, many of which are on display in the Archaeological Museum in Valletta. The remarkable site has been open to the public since 1908 and the droves of visitors have unfortunately had a negative impact on the ancient environment, so that now only eight tours a day are conducted and only 10 people are permitted in each tour. Tours are often booked up weeks in advance so tickets should be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment. The tours are about an hour long and audio guides are provided. St Marys Church Address: Valletta The centre of every Maltese town and village is occupied by a beautiful church. One of the most impressive of these is St Mary's in the central Maltese town of Mosta, also known as the Rotunda of Mosta or the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, which has a glorious blue, gold and white dome. The unsupported dome is one of the largest in the world and the design is visibly inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. Construction on the church began in May 1833 and it was completed in the 1860s.

St Mary's Church is regarded as having been the site of a World War II miracle: in 1942, while 300 people were praying in the church, a bomb penetrated the dome and landed on the mosaic floor, but did not explode. A replica of the bomb is today displayed in the church sacristy. This famous miracle draws many pilgrims and curious tourists to the church, but the stunningly ornate interior is reason enough for a visit. The church has a fine collection of religious art, including one of the largest collections of paintings by the famous Maltese artist Guzeppi Cali. The church is still an active place of worship and visitors are welcome to attend services. Entry to the church is free but donations are welcome. The church is usually closed between 12pm and 3pm. Hagar Qim Address: Valletta The prehistoric temple complex discovered in 1839 at Hagar Qim, in western Malta, dates from about 3,800 BC, and boasts some of the oldest known human structures in the world.

The Hagar Qim and nearby Mnajdra ruins are close to the village of Qrendi, about nine miles (15km) southwest of Valletta. The megalithic temple complex carved from giant limestone slabs is adorned with carved animals and idols, sacrificial altars and oracular chambers, all fashioned with flint and obsidian tools. The largest megalith is 23ft (7m) high and weighs about 20 tons. The complex was built during the late Neolithic, around 5,000 years ago. It should be noted that although the ancient ruins of Malta are generally called 'temples', very little is actually known about the purpose of these buildings. Many of the relics recovered from the Hagar Qim site, including the famous 'fat lady' statues, are on display in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. Unlike some of the other temples on Malta, Hagar Qim has an impressive Visitor's Centre that offers plenty of background information through interesting interactive displays. There are shelters over the complex to provide protection from the elements, but this hardly detracts from the otherworldly experience of exploring the ruins.

The Citadel Address: Gozo A good place to begin exploring Gozo is the Citadel, or Citadella, a historic castle or fortified village right in the centre of Victoria. The area that is now the Citadel was first fortified around 1500 BC and was later developed by the Phoenicians and then the Romans. Up until the 18th century it was the only fortified refuge against attack for Gozo's inhabitants. From the ramparts of this fascinating place visitors can admire sweeping views of the whole island. The Citadel houses a number of attractions and makes for an exciting visit. The Gozo Museum of Archaeology, found just inside the walls of the Citadel, in a 17th-century building that was originally the Town Hall, provides great insight into the history of the island. The museum illustrates the cultural history of Gozo from prehistoric times to the early modern era, with a collection presented chronologically which covers the Neolithic Period, the Phoenicians, the Romans, Medieval times and the emergence of the Knights of St John. The Citadel also houses the spooky Old Prison, which is also now a museum. One of the Citadel's greatest treasures is the beautiful 17th-century Baroque cathedral.

The Citadel could easily keep tourists occupied for a few hours; the views alone justify a visit. Ggantija Temples Address: Temples Street, Xaghra Gozo Two massive megaliths were carved into temples by the pre-Phoenician Gozitans somewhere between 4,100 and 2,500 BC, and now stand on the island as mysterious monuments to a bygone age. Legend has it that they were transported to the island by a giantess called Sansuna, hence the name of the site, Ggantija, which means 'giant'. Large stone balls in the area, however, have led archaeologists to conclude that the massive blocks were rolled into place atop these. The two temples have a common facade but each has a separate entrance; one is larger than the other. It is believed both originally had roofing made of wooden beams, and that sacrifices of animals were made in the temples during rituals. The temples, along with other similar temples on the main island of Malta, have been documented as the oldest free standing structures in the world.

The Ggantija Temples are a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and they are very impressive, but the site is not equipped with as much information as some visitors might desire; it is best to do some research beforehand or to join a guided tour as the experience is greatly enriched by some knowledge. A Visitor Center is under construction which should solve this slight problem. Caves of Xaghra Address: Gozo The alabaster caves at Xaghra feature amazing stalactites and stalagmites, and at least one of them, Calypso Cave, has an important place in Greek mythology. Calypso Cave overlooks the red sand of Gozo's best beach, Ramla Ihamra. The grotto is believed to be the one referred to in Homer's Odyssey as being where the beautiful nymph, Calypso, kept Odysseus as a 'prisoner of love' for seven years. A visit to Calypso Cave affords visitors fantastic views over the bay and below the cave are the remains of a fortification built by the Knights of St John as a defence bastion, which may also interest some.

Two other caves worth visiting at Xaghra are Xerri's Grotto and Ninu's Grotto, both more impressive geologically than Calypso, but lacking the love story and the phenomenal view. Xerri's Grotto and Ninu's Grotto were both discovered by local families when they were digging wells on their property and visiting the caves requires knocking on their doors and descending to the caves through their houses; the families are very friendly and happily show visitors around. Children enjoy exploring the caves and as attractions they are particularly recommended to those travelling in Malta with kids or to anybody interested in the geology of the region. Popeye Village Address: Valletta Also known as Sweethaven, Popeye Village is the actual set that was used for the 1980s musical of Popeye that starred Robin Williams and Shelly Duvall. Since then the set has grown into one of Malta's major tourist attractions and it is a must for those travelling with children in Malta. Kids can wander around the authentic wooden buildings such as the bakery, post office and school house.

There are lots of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy including meeting famous cartoon characters, boat rides, water trampolines, sun bathing decks, and lots of educational and creative games. The park also now boasts the Popeye Comic Museum, which showcases more than a hundred original comics dating back to 1936. For adults there is a winery that offers free wine tastings and the chance to learn something about filmmaking from the animation crew that gives tours of the set. There are various places to get food and drinks. There is also a small park with a number of rides designed for young children. Popeye Village hosts fun events for kids but also organises adult events like team building exercises upon request. The little village is gorgeously situated and quite charming. The opening times and activities vary according to the season so it is best to check the official website listed below for information before visiting to avoid disappointment. Azure Window Address: Gozo One of Malta's most picturesque sites, the Azure Window is a distinctive rock formation that forms a large arch over the brilliant blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Formed when several enormous caves collapsed, the arch has been featured in several films, including the 1981 Ray Harryhausen epic Clash of the Titans, the 1997 miniseries The Odyssey, and the 2002 film The Count of Monte Cristo. Located in Gozo, near the tourist village of Dwejra, the Azure Window is a popular scuba diving site in Malta, although tourists are no longer allowed to walk across the arch due to erosion. In fact, the site is considered in danger of falling apart altogether, in which case the laid-back Maltese are prepared to rename it the Azure Pinnacle. This stretch of coastline also boasts many secluded pebbled bathing pools and crystal clear water; swimming here is exciting because the strange rock formations have formed lovely little pools. It is known as the 'inland sea' and provides the enjoyable experience of diving into the 'blue hole' near the Azure Window. It's most famous formation is Fungus Rock, which was apparently heavily guarded during the era of the Knights of Malta because a special plant with healing properties grew upon it; stealing the plant was liable to earn the thief the death penalty.

There are no health risks associated with travel to Malta, and water and food is generally safe for consumption. Travellers coming from recognised infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Malta. A reciprocal health agreement exists between the United Kingdom and Malta and as a result British citizens receive emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Maltese nationals on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Visitors should, however, take out adequate medical and travel insurance in case medical evacuation or further treatment is required. Medication should be available in Malta but those requiring specific prescription medication should take it with them, in the original packaging and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what the medicine is and why it is needed. The wearing of skimpy clothing away from the beaches should be avoided, and dress should be conservative when visiting churches. A gratuity of about 10 percent is expected in hotels and restaurants if a service charge is not included in the bill. Most services are tipped about five to 10 percent (including taxi drivers). Javascript is required to view this map.

Learn and talk about Selected picture Photo credit: mxpule The temple of Ħaġar Qim excavated for the first time in 1839 , dates from the Tarxien phase (c.3200-2500 BC). It stands on a hilltop on the southern edge of the island of Malta overlooking the sea and the islet of Filfla and lies some two kilometres south-west of the village of Qrendi . Adjacent to Ħaġar Qim, further towards the cliff face, lies another remarkable temple site, Mnajdra . The surrounding area, which is typical of Mediterranean garigue and spectacular in its starkness and isolation, is designated a Heritage Park. Photo credit: Thoro The Mnajdra temple grouping lies on the southern coast of Malta . It is a complex of three Neolithic temples surrounding an oval courtyard, the oldest having been built during the Ġgantija phase (3600-3200 BCE), while the other two date from the early and mid Tarxien phase (3150-2500 BCE).

It has been stated by numerous historians that part of the Mnajdra Temples are the oldest free standing buildings in the world, much older than Stonehenge . Photo credit: jkb The city of Mdina displays an unusual mix of Norman and Baroque architecture, including several palaces, most of which serve as private homes. Photo credit: Ies The Lija Belvedere Tower , a beautiful piece of architecture and a landmark in Transfiguration Avenue in Lija , was built in 1857 as a folly within the garden of Villa Gourgion. Today the Belvedere is in the hands of the Lija Local Council and forms part of the heritage of Lija. Photo credit: Azhitsky St Paul's Bay (San Pawl il-Baħar in Maltese ) is situated in the north west of the island of Malta , sixteen kilometres from the capital city Valletta . Its name refers to the shipwreck of Saint Paul , as documented in the Acts of the Apostles , due to the tradition that Saint Paul was shipwrecked on the isles, named St. Paul's Isles, which are situated in St Paul's Bay.

The localities of Burmarrad , Qawra , Buġibba , Xemxija , Mselliet , and San Martin as well as part of Bidnija and Mistra , form part of the San Pawl il-Baħar Local Council. The area of the locality is 14.47km². edit Photo credit: Philip Serracino Inglott A typical Maltese farmhouse, called Razzett in Maltese. Typically the razzett was one or two storeys. The flat roofs are typical of Maltese housing. They serve many practical purposes, including: a place to hang and dry clothes; a place to spend a summer evening to catch the evening breeze; a place to watch fireworks displays from distant towns and villages; and for farmers, a place to let pumpkins mature. The roofs are also designed to catch rain water and to direct it to wells dug in the soft limestone. Photo credit: Väsk The Mdina Cathedral was designed by the well-known Maltese architect, Lorenzo Gafa . By this time he had already designed several churches in Malta and was at the height of his career.

The perfectly proportioned façade and the dynamic dome make this the most impressive of all his churches . The work took just five years to complete and a number of houses were demolished at the same time to make way for a pjazza appropriate to the size and splendour of the church. Photo credit: Väsk The old Maltese buses, which were converted ex- British Armed Forces vehicles, were pressed into public transport as long ago as the early 1950s . These classic buses have become tourist attractions among themselves due to their uniqueness, and are depicted on many Maltese advertisements to promote tourism as well as on gifts and merchandise for tourists. However, these old buses are slowly being replaced by a more modern fleet. Photo credit: jkb The old Maltese buses, which were converted ex- British Armed Forces vehicles, were pressed into public transport as long ago as the early 1950s . These classic buses have become tourist attractions among themselves due to their uniqueness, and are depicted on many Maltese advertisements to promote tourism as well as on gifts and merchandise for tourists. However, these old buses are slowly being replaced by a more modern fleet.

Photo credit: Väsk The traditional Maltese balcony, is a wooden closed balcony projecting from a wall. In the case of Valletta , richly decorated balconies also served another purpose. One of the building regulations laid down by the knights for their new city was that blocks had to display some form of sculptural ornamentation at the corners . These ornamentations took three distinct forms. They were either niches with religious images, monumental pilaster and cornices that complimented the architectural style of the elevations or balconies that wrapped themselves around the block. Such balconies can be observed all around Valletta. Examples of these are the side wooden balconies of the Grand Master's Palace , which were in place by 1741 . Photo credit: jkb A luzzu (pronounced loot-su in Maltese) is a traditional type of fishing boat from the Maltese islands . Traditionally, they are brightly painted in shades of yellow, red, green and blue, and the bow is normally pointed with a pair of eyes.

These eyes may be the modern survival of an ancient Phoenician custom (also practiced by the ancient Greeks ); they are sometimes (and probably inaccurately) referred to as the Eye of Horus or of Osiris . Photo credit: Jean-Christophe Benoist The Grandmaster's Palace in Valletta is built around two courtyards, one of which is dominated by a statue of Neptune . There are two entrances in the front and one entrance from Piazza Regina just west of the Bibliotheca . The entrance to the state rooms is in the Neptune Courtyard via a spiral staircase. The ceiling of this entrance was painted by Nicolau Nasoni da Siena in 1724 . Photo credit: Maltesedog Republic Street is the heart of the Maltese nation. People meet, shop, discuss and visit this pedestrianized street whenever they are in Valletta . Brimming with shops, cafes, restaurants and museums, this very busy street is usually packed with people going about their daily chores. Museums and historical attractions, including churches and palaces add to the uniqueness of Republic Street.

Photo credit: Philip Serracino Inglott The Sopu Tower is situated at the edge of a cliff between San Blas Bay and Dahlet Qorrot Bay. It was built in 1667 by Grand Master Nicolas Cotoner to guard this part of Gozo from the warships of the Turks who at that time sailed between Gozo and Sicily . The tower is unique in its kind in Gozo. It resisted the incursions of the French troops on 10th June 1798, who landed on this part to capture Gozo. Photo credit: jkb The earliest temple of the Tarxien complex , dates back to around 2,800 BC while the more recent ones date to seven hundred years later. The spiral, as a decorative motif, is found in many places in Europe from the North Atlantic seaboard to the Aegean; the ones at Tarxien, however, might have been invented, or at least developed, independently.

Inside these temples has been found what, for that age, was the most colossal stone sculpture then in existence: originally two-and-a-half metres in height, the statue, presumably representing a Mother Goddess, has been broken in half and the top part is missing. Photo credit: Jean-Christophe Benoist The Rotunda of St Marija Assunta is in Mosta, Malta and was designed by George Grongnet . Its dome is among the largest in the world, with a diameter of 37 meters (122ft). Grongnet's plans were closely based on the Pantheon in Rome . The building started in May 1833 and was not finished until the 1930s . The original church was left in place while the Rotunda was built around it allowing the local people to still have a place of worship while the new church was built. On April 9, 1942, during an afternoon air-raid, a 200kg Luftwaffe bomb pierced the dome (two others bounced off) and fell among the congregation of more than 300 people, awaiting early evening mass. It did not explode. Its replica is now on display inside the Rotunda.

Photo credit: Memecry The Second Siege of Malta was a significant military event in the Mediterranean Theatre of World War II that occurred between 1940 and 1943 on the island of Malta . The siege was conducted by Italian and German (Axis) military aircraft and ships. Malta was one of the most intensively-bombed areas during war – a total of 3,000 raids occurred during the two years of the siege. The Siege Bell Memorial was constructed to commemorate the victory of the Allied forces in this siege. Photo credit: jkb March 31, 1979 is remembered in the Maltese calendar as Freedom Day (Maltese: Jum il-Ħelsien). This is the anniversary of the withdrawal of British troops and the Royal Navy from Malta . The government of the day alleged that the military base was closed after the United Kingdom refused to pay the emphyteusis due to Malta in 1979 ; however, the contract between Malta and the United Kingdom was due for termination on April 1, 1979.

Photo credit: Jean-Christophe Benoist The Ghar Dalam Cave , one kilometre north of Birżebbuġa , housed evidence of the earliest human occupation of the Maltese Islands which dates back approximately 7,400 years. Remains of earlier Ice Age animals have also been excavated and presented in the nearby museum. The cave had an important role in World War II , when it was used first as an air-raid shelter before being used as a fuel depot. Photo credit: MalteseKnight The Azure Window, a table-like rock over the sea, is one of the most photographed vistas of the Maltese Islands, and its particularly spectacular during winter when waves crash high inside the arch. The Inland Sea, and Dwejra Bay itself, were created millions of years ago when two limestone caves collapsed. Photo credit: Philip Serracino Inglott The Dwejra Tower was built in 1652 . Its role was the defence of Dwejra Bay and the guarding of Fungus Rock (were there is a type of fungus which was thought to cure many diseases). During the course of history there were a small number of alterations in the building itself.

In both World Wars it served as an Observation Post. This tower was recently restored.

Question: Which town in Malta contains the replica of a World War II bomb in the roof of its local dome ?
Answer: MOSTA