The Infant Jesus of Prague
The Infant Jesus of Prague statue is a key point of interest for many tourists visiting Prague's Church of Our Lady Victorious. This article explains the legends behind it, and associated with it.
Do you know about the explosion in Birgu?
One of Malta's worst peacetime disasters took place in 1806. A military gunpowder store exploded in Birgu, across the harbour from Valletta.
How did the British take control of Malta?
I often discuss Maltese history with others and have written about unusual parts of it here. Often people claims that ‘the British illegally took control’ of the Maltese islands. This is not true, but few are aware of this part of our history.
The shock of the 1908 tsunami in Malta
One side effect of an earthquake in a coastal region is a tsunami that rips through the sea around it. Malta is close to a major earthquake fault line. In 1908, a major earthquake hit Sicily causing a tsunami in Malta.
From death to delight – Msida, Malta
Towns evolve for various reasons and we often marvel at how different things were in the past. It doesn't take too long for some stories to fade into obscurity which makes rediscovering them all the more surprising. What I discovered about the central Maltese town of Msida is one of these stories.
The Unexpectedly Polish National Library of Malta
Valletta is an ornate and Baroque city built by the Knights of Malta. One of it’s most famous historical buildings is neo-classical which contrasts with the rest of the city. Welcome to Malta's (Polish) National Library.
The Secret of the Grey Lady haunting Fort St Angelo
There are many ? stories of Grey Ladies that haunt certain places. It's interesting that most of these ghosts that wish to warn the living about something or other. The Grey Lady of Malta's Fort St Angelo is no exception.
I didn’t know about these connections between Malta and Prague
I no longer am surprised at unusual connections between places. I've travelled enough over the years to know many things are connected in the strangest of ways. Imagine my surprise though, when I found an unusual connection with St Anthony's Church in Prague.
Do you know when the Union Jack first flew over Malta?
Maltese history is a rich tapestry of events, influences and wars. The Maltese are proud of British heritage, but few seem to know where the British flag was first flown over the islands.
Maltese windows
When the Knights of Malta built Valletta in the seventeenth century, it was admired by all who saw it. We don’t realise that it took 400 years or so to