ROAD SCHOLAR
MALTA - Mediterranean Rock of Ages
ROAD SCHOLAR
MALTA - Mediterranean Rock of Ages
 In 1530, a group of second-tier aristocrats rented the islands south of Sicily and north of Africa from the Spanish King for an annual sum of one Maltese falcon. Three decades later, the Knights of St. John had fortified the rocky-outcropping against invading Turks and constructed the capital city of Valletta, resplendent with architecture, embattlements and a cathedral to rival any in Sicily. And that was in Malta’s later years. Experience Malta’s astonishing historical and cultural timeline in journeys to the 16th-century capital, prehistoric settlements and quaint harbors, and meet the people living at the crossroads of the Mediterranean. The arrow-straight streets of Malta’s Baroque capital give way to serene country paths on land inhabited since 5,200 B.C. Study the extraordinary breadth of history and natural beauty against a backdrop of pale stone and blue Mediterranean waters. Begin at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, then visit intact ruins that predate the pyramids by more than one millennium. At the Hagar Qim Temple overlooking the sea and in guided excursions to the Tarxien Temples and Hal-Saflieni, the world’s only prehistoric underground temple, consider the crude flint and stone tools used to carve the reliefs and caverns. On the picturesque island of Gozo, experience the true intersection of Maltese life as you study the tiny island’s prehistoric temples and legend of Odysseus, then stroll the rural backways past stone farmhouses and walk the eerie world of fossil-ridden rock formations washed by the sea. Over the millennia, Malta evolved under the influence of the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and British. Sample traditional Lebanese, Turkish, and Maltese cuisines and visit an early Christian shrine. The Imam at the Islamic Center in Paola gives a private presentation, and a heritage group highlights the history of Malta’s Jewish community at the Ta’Braxia Jewish Cemetery. In the magnificent Co-Cathedral of St. John, admire two of Caravaggio’s most famous works and enjoy a private performance on the 16th-century organ as you imagine Malta’s thriving evolution, where the past meets the present and ancient cultures evolve into modern life. Experience the rhythms of contemporary life through exclusive opportunities to spend time with Malta’s residents. In the home of a Maltese family, learn about local cuisine as you help prepare a traditional meal. Visit with members of a village marching band at their regular rehearsal and enjoy lunch at a neighborhood Bacci club to try your hand at one of Malta’s favorite pastimes. In the company of an expert environmentalist, walk the fields and countryside to learn about indigenous plants and the environmental threats facing Malta’s beautiful landscape. Global cultures meld with European traditions and the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle to create a unique nation that continues to thrive in the crossroads of the 21st century. |
 SPECIAL NOTE: After 10 years of conservation initiatives in cooperation with
UNESCO, the underground Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum reopened to the public in late
2000. Entrance to this eighth world wonder of the Maltese Temple Period is
restricted and must be pre-arranged. In the absence of unforseeable
circumstances, your OTSF coordinator will arrange an opportunity for Road
Scholar participants to visit this prehistoric site, guided by a museum curator.
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