Mosta Dome and other Malta Things to Do Tips

Mosta is a little town in Malta and has a most remarkable church as it's claim to fame. Dedicated to St Mary, it was built between 1833 and 1860 entirely through public donations. It was built by local volunteers without the use of scaffolding!

The self-supporting dome is made from Malta stone assembled with practically no cement. It rises to about 60m and can be seen for miles around.

In April 1942 a German bomb penetrated the dome and fell amongst the congregation but did not explode. Miraculously nobody was injured. A replica of the bomb is on display in the little gift shop to be found within the church building.

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Address: Mosta town centre

All the churches are decorated inside and out at festa time (see my Local Customs for more information on these events).

Mosta's festa is one of the biggest in Malta and I was told by a relative that the local townsmen pledge huge amounts of money to the church, for the prestigious job of carrying the saint through the town. Only a few men get this opportunity each year and it comes at a price!

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Address: Mosta town centre

Several boats all with similar cruises on offer are moored at Sliema seafront. No need to book - we went at a busy time, and you can even negotiate the price!

We took a trip in a smallish boat, lasting 90 minutes and it was very good! The recorded tour information was perfectly adequate and there were toilets on board. A glass of wine was also included!

The views of Valletta and the bastions from the sea were truly stunning.

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Address: Sliema Ferry area
Directions: Lower Sliema

Walk through the real Medieval dungeon chambers - now transformed into a tourist attraction of course!

Interesting insight into Malta's dark and gory history. Wander through the dark passages and see the waxwork figures accompanied by descriptive plaques showing all the horrors of the past!

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Phone: +35621450267
Address: St Publius Square, Mdina
Directions: Just inside the gateway to Mdina, situated on the right hand side

Possibly the most photographed view in Malta. It has changed very gradually over the years with the addition of restaurants and the 'new' Hilton Tower which now dominates the background (but NOT in my photo thanks!)- but the bay of Spinola is still a beautiful sight.

A great place to stay too! Lively, scenic and with the best choice of restaurants and hotels on the island.

My only personal criticism is of the relatively new 'LOVE monument' that has appeared right in the centre of the optimum viewpoint. Supposedly modern art - but why put it right there? Like the Hilton Tower, I have purposely not captured it in my photo. See it on my Malta Intro page instead.

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Address: Spinola Bay, St Julians
Directions: At the foot of the hill

Named after Tomaso the developer, Portomaso is the new area of reclaimed land in St Julian's - it is a large exclusive development with a private marina. Also it is partly built on the sight of the former Hilton Hotel. The new Hilton tower with it's terracotta tile and blue glass facade is here too, dominating the skyline.

A luxurious area - definitely for the wealthy! It is said that a few England footballers own apartments here, but we didn't bump into them!

The public are able to walk through and it is a great place to stroll around. Many fine restaurants and bars are here too.

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Address: St Julian's