Section # 30 Cities
As a continuation of last week's section in this Gallery, today I am presenting another three videos which describe Cities in Malta. These videos are again the work of Jasmine and Alfred Grech. They gave me permission to post their very interesting videos in my blog. I am obliged and I thank them heartily. Proset.
MDINA
Mdina is the old capital city of Malta. It is built on a hill and surrounded by bastions. Long ago when Malta was under the Arabs, they built this city which was a part of Rabat. In fact the words Rabat and Mdina come from the semitic language as is a large part of our language. Today this Medieval City is called 'The Silent City'. In it there are many historical places which form part of our History. Tourists visit Mdina to see the old Cathedral and a number of museums. In these past years, one can watch historical pageants connected to past events which happened in this old city when Malta was under several foreign powers. These pageants are really enjoyed by Tourists and Maltese alike.
MDINA
Mdina is the old capital city of Malta. It is built on a hill and surrounded by bastions. Long ago when Malta was under the Arabs, they built this city which was a part of Rabat. In fact the words Rabat and Mdina come from the semitic language as is a large part of our language. Today this Medieval City is called 'The Silent City'. In it there are many historical places which form part of our History. Tourists visit Mdina to see the old Cathedral and a number of museums. In these past years, one can watch historical pageants connected to past events which happened in this old city when Malta was under several foreign powers. These pageants are really enjoyed by Tourists and Maltese alike.
THE THREE CITIES
On the left side of the Grand Harbor, opposite Valletta are three old cities. Together they are called Cottonera. Their old names are Vittoriosa. Cospicua and Senglea but today they are better known as Birgu, Bormla and Isla. The three cities were of great importance during the Great Siege Of Malta of 1565. In fact the Knights of St. John and almost all the population of Mata were gathered in these three cities. As you can see on the video, these cities are well fortified and there are two great strongholds namely St. Angelo Castle and Fort St. Michael. The Three Cities witnessed much of the harsh fighting between the Knights and the Maltese on one side and the Turks on the other.
VALLETTA the Capital city of Malta
After the Great Siege, Grand Master La Valette decided to build a new city. He chose the promontory which was then called Gholja Sciberras. This place was ideal as it has a harbor on each side. The new city was named Valletta after the Grand Master who built it. One can see that it is also surrounded by high bastions which were built for the eventuality of other attacks by the Turks. In the new city, one can find among many large houses, several churches, palaces and auberges which were the quarters of the knights according to their nationality. in these past few years Valletta is being given a facelift. The old City Gate is being replaced by a new one and several modern building such as the Parliament, a theater and other modern structures by the famous architect Renzo Piano are already taking shape. Lastly Valletta was chosen as Europe's Cultural City for 2018.