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Our last port was Malta. As we sailed in we immediately fell in love with the beautiful city built on the hill.
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We took a tour of the island, beginning with a glassblower's shop and a silversmith to admire the local crafts.
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Then we continued on the Mdina, the old walled city hidden behind thick walls.
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The streets were very narrow, but no donkeys this time! [A few motor scooters, maybe.] | |
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The buildings are very attractive and very well-maintained. These were some of the prettiest balconies we had seen on the trip.
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Like all the towns we visited, the dominant building was the church. | |
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The church was part of a main square with wonderful old buildings.
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Inside the church was a fascinating floor that resembled a series of Persian rugs all done in marble. | |
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The High Altar emphasized color and the use of marble and other stones.
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One of the side chapels was done all in silver. | |
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Leaving Mdina, we headed for Mosta, where the domed church completely dominates the skyline.
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This round church has one of the largest domes in Europe. | |
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| The decoration was dazzling, with gold, white, and blue predominating. | But Mosta is best known for the bomb that was dropped on the church during WWII. The bomb didn't explode and damage was minimal, which the locals considered a miracle.
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We left Malta in late afternoon and the sun and clouds made a perfect backdrop to the end of the cruise.
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As we headed past the ancient fortifications and towards the little notch in the breakwater, Pat wondered how the captain would maneuver the huge ship through such a small opening--but he knew what he was doing. And so we headed home once again. . . |
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