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Malta is an interesting tourist destination with a plethora
of good hotels and a wealth of important historical sites to
visit. These range from some of the earliest known settlements
of mankind to the many beautiful churches and buildings
dating from the 16th century.
This was the time that the Knights of Malta fought and
won against the invading might of the Turkish Empire.
Amongst the many historical treasures mention must be
made of the magnificent Pro-Cathedral of St.John in Valletta
and the silent city of Medina, with its bastions surrounding
the narrow streets lending a sense of going back in time.
Medina was the original capital of Malta prior to the arrival
of the Order of the Knights of Malta in the 16th century. It is
here that the Pro-Cathederal of St. Paul ‘is found, situated in
St. Paul’s Square surrounded by old and imposing buildings
from an age when the pace of life was much slower than now.
Gozo, the second largest of the Maltese Islands, can be
reached by car/passenger ferry in a short crossing of the Gozo
Channel, a 30-minute passage on the newly-built ferries of
the Gozo Channel Company.
On Gozo there are many sites of historical and architectural
interest to see, such as the citadel in Victoria, the capital, and
the many beautiful churches around the Island.
The oldest archaeological site known to the world is at
G’gantijja. It dates from the Neolithic period and is well
worth a visit, as is the Azure window at Dwejra and the so
called inland sea, site of a mushroom-shaped rock from where
the Knights used to collect a rare plant to make medicines
used in the hospital in Valletta.
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Come and see us
A wonderful opportunity is available to overseas Masonic
Lodges to combine a holiday in Malta, as an alternative venue
for their Ladies’ Nights, golf meetings, diving events or even
to use the Masonic Hall in Valletta for a Lodge meeting.
The Lodge of St. John and St. Paul has the facilities and
organisational structure to arrange all of these. Where the
question of cost is concerned it would be very comparative to
that of holding a similar event in the UK, even when allowing
for air fares.
Further information can be obtained from:
Des Satchell
T: 00 356 21 585083
Mobile: 00 356 9945 5552
Tom Mattocks
T: 00 356 21311642
Mobile: 00 356 9924 2422
or: e-mail
The web site for Malta Masonic Lodges is
www.maltafreemasons.org
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The author wishes to thank W. Bro. R.J.W. Wilkinson
for the history of the Casa Viani, and Bro. Mohab Fahmi
for photographs of the Masonic Hall.
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Another place of interest is the small, but pretty bay at
Xlendi, where magnificent sunsets can be enjoyed in comfort
from one of the bars at the water’s edge.
In the main, Gozo is a much greener island than Malta itself
and this, together with the slower pace of life, combine to make
it a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
Right: Another splendid room at the Valetta Masonic Hall
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