The ancient temple of Hagar Qim overlooking the sea on Malta. Photo © Scott Partee.

Malta is an island nation located on the southernmost tip of Europe, about 60 miles from Sicily and 180 miles from North Africa.

Malta has been inhabited since prehistoric times and is home to over 40 prehistoric temples — one of which, at Ggantija, is reckoned to be the oldest freestanding stone structure in the world. The country consists of three islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) and has a total population of 400,000. 98% of the population are Roman Catholic.

Over its 7,000-year history, Malta has been conquered by most of its Mediterranean neighbors at one time or another: the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, Angevin, and Aragonese. The great fortified cities of Malta, including the capital Valetta, were founded by the Knights of St. John, a Crusader order that arrived in 1530. A variety of grand historic cathedrals, churches and castles date from this time. The knights made Malta their home until they were driven off the island by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798.

Two years later, Malta became part of the British Empire and it remained under British rule until it was granted independence as a Commonwealth nation in 1964. It strongly supported the UK during both World Wars and successively resisted German and Italian attempts to take the island in WWII. British influence (including the iconic red phone booths) can still be spotted in the island's cities and English remains one of the island's two official languages (Maltese being the other). Malta became an independent republic in 1974.

In addition to prehistoric temples built in honor of the Earth Goddess, Crusader castles, soaring cathedrals, and sun-kissed village churches, Malta offers visitors sandy beaches with clear waters, excellent diving, and fine museums. Begin a virtual journey of Malta or make plans to visit this fascinating island nation with our resources below.

Malta Map Our interactive satellite map of Malta's cities and sacred places, plus more Malta maps.

Malta Sacred Sites List Our index of notable churches, temples and biblical sites on Malta.

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