Tuesday, November 6, 2018 -- Valletta, Malta

The white line on the map shows this stop, southern most point, and our next port in Sicily.

 We sailed into Valletta, in one of the most fortified harbors we've ever seen. It's a challenging entrance requiring 'S' turns and impossible to enter if there's weather. Once inside we we passed by a modest little 311' yacht, the Neom. A Google search didn't help me with ownership.

The history of Malta, with its numerous invaders and conquerors over the centuries, seems most influenced by the rule of the Knights of St. John, who brought their wealth and aristocracy to bear on this European island closest to Egypt. They drive on the left, thanks to British dominance in the 19th century, and seem to survive on tourism.


Suzy and I were on the same excursion today. Palaces, cathedrals and some museums we can take in moderation. I found the turtles at San Anton Palace most interesting.

Another stop was at Meridiana Winery for our morning cheese and wine fix. They age their red juice in Hungarian or French oak barrels.

Another stop was at Mdina Glass. Nothing too spectacular nor collectable in our estimation.

Meridiana Winery

Mosta Dome Church

We ask you read this wiki note on the interesting history of this church, especially the 1942 German aerial bombardment. If you look closely in the 2nd photo just left of center you might notice an area where the paint is lighter. This is where a German bomb entered the dome, but didn't explode. Our guide explained the bomb has been sabotaged at a bomb factory in Poland by Jewish forced labor.  It was told to us that this is the 3rd largest dome in Europe, after the Vatican and St. Paul's in London.
                
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotunda_of_Mosta

In ancient times, the Port of Valletta was one of the major shipyards in the Mediterranean; it still has some activity.