Foto: The dome church of Mosta (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Malta - The St. Marija Assunta is a stunning domed church in Mosta, in central Malta. The enormous dome of the Rotunda (dome) has a diameter of 40 meters. It is said to be the third-largest domed church in Europe, surpassed only by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The design is heavily inspired by the dome of the Pantheon in Rome. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was built between the 1830s and 1860. The Rotunda was designed by Maltese architect Giorgio de Vasse. In a rather revolutionary approach, the new church was built around and over the existing church, which was then demolished. In 1942, during World War II, the church took a direct hit from a German bomb while more than 300 people were inside attending Mass. The bomb pierced the dome and landed on the ground—but did not explode. The military removed the bomb and detonated it safely outside. No one was injured. The event has since become a legendary miracle. A replica of the 200kg bomb is displayed in the sacristy.
Colorful harbor of Marsaxlokk
Malta - The natural harbor of Marsaxlokk Bay is the second-largest in Malta. It is the best place to see the traditional, colorful Maltese fishing boats known as luzzu, with their mythical eyes painted on the bow. The village is the main fishing port of the islands. ...
The Blue Lagoon
Malta - The Blue Lagoon in Malta is truly a paradise on Earth. It is located between the small island of Comino and Gozo and is surrounded by a serene, tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation. The water has a stunning azure-blue color due to its shallow ...
The Narrow Streets of Valletta
Malta - Valletta is the capital of the Republic of Malta and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. The city was built in the 16th century, with the foundation stone laid on March 28, 1566. Pope Pius IV commissioned engineer Francesco Laparelli to ...