Monaco and Malta
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MONACO & MALTA
What do Monaco and Malta have in common? They
both start with an "M."
Seriously though, they have very little in common except that I visited
both of them during a vacation a few years ago.
Both places have long held a certain fascination for me as exotic
locales. While Monaco is more glamorous
as the playground for the rich and famous; Malta has an incredible history
sitting as it does smack in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. I didn't
know anyone who had been to either so I made the trip to see what it was all
about. I could not have had a better
vacation. My Hub Pages AVATAR is a photograph of me in Monaco.
MONACO
Monaco is the most densely populated country in the world; and the smallest, save Vatican City. You can walk across it in about an hour. Only 33,000 people actually live there. Monaco is in the French Riviera, surrounded by France but only ten miles from Italy, on the shores of the Mediterranean. It is also home to the longest ruling family in Europe, The House of Grimaldi, which has ruled Monaco since 1297 from the same Royal Palace.
MONTE CARLO
Monte Carlo (Mount Charles) is a district of Monaco with 3,000 residents, widely known for its casino gambling. Citizens of Monaco are forbidden from entering the casinos. But I'm not. I played blackjack in the Monte Carlo Casino; won a few hundred dollars in an hour or two; and walked away a winner!
GRACE KELLY IS BURIED HERE
Besides the Casino at Monte Carlo and the Royal Palace, I also visited Old Monaco and the St. Nicholas Cathedral. The Cathedral only dates back to 1875. but sits on the site of the old Monaco Church, built in 1252. Most of the Grimaldi family are buried there including Grace Kelly.
MALTA
Malta (which means honey) is 58 miles from Sicily and has approximately 400,000 full time residents, densely packed onto about 100 square miles of three inhabited islands. I first became intrigued by Malta when I read the accounts in the Acts of the Apostles that St. Paul had been shipwrecked there. Due to its obviously strategically important location, these tiny pieces of land have been fought over for millennia.
HISTORY OF MALTA
The ancient Greeks settled on Malta 2700 years ago; followed by the Phoenicians about 100 years later; the Carthaginians 200 years after that; then the Romans another 200 years later. The Byzantines took control in the 4th Century A.D. and held on, despite brief conquests periodically by the Goths and Vandals, until the conquest of Malta by the Arabs in 909. Then it was the Normans turn in 1091; followed by the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation in 1194. The French took over for around 12 years in 1266 before finally, the Spanish settled in for a long reign. Then it gets really interesting.
KNIGHTS HOSPITALLER
In 1530 Spain gave Malta to the Knights Hospitaller. Also known as the Order of St. John, these knights were a Christian military organization founded in Jerusalem in 1080. The original purpose of the Knights Hospitaller was to protect Christian pilgrims who traveled on foot from Europe to the Holy Land, often coming under attack from Muslims (and especially to care for the poor, sick or injured—hence their name, Hospitallers). The Arabs had taken Jerusalem and The Holy Land from Christians in 638, and it long had been a dream in Europe to retake the Holy Land where Jesus Christ lived, died and was resurrected. When Jerusalem was conquered by Christians during the First Crusade in 1099, the Knights Hospitaller became the defenders of the Holy Land. Within 100 years they lost Jerusalem to the Muslims again, and within 200 years were driven completely out of the Holy Land. Given Malta by Spain as their new home, the Knights stayed for 268 years there, transforming what they called "merely a rock of soft sandstone" into a flourishing island with mighty defenses.
NAPOLEON COMETH
Napoleon, through legerdemain, captured Malta in 1798 but two years later the Maltese were rescued by the British. Malta remained a British Dominion until 1964 when it became an independent nation.
GRAND MASTER'S PALACE
After that lengthy history lesson, which I apologize for to the uninterested, let's proceed to my visit there, which encompassed four cities. The main attraction is the capital city of Valletta. I toured the 500-year-old Grand Master's Palace, which houses the President of Malta and its House of Representatives, as well as The Amoury, which displays the finest collection of weapons used by Knights. The walls of the palace feature fabulous tapestries and frescos.
ST JOHN'S CATHEDRAL
The ultimate experience for me though, was my visit to St. John's Cathedral. The Knights built it in the 1570s. The marble mosaic floor is inlaid with the tombs of 400 Knights. The more important knights were placed closer to the front of the church. These tombstones, richly decorated the coats of arms of the knight buried below as well as images relevant to that knight, often telling a story of triumph in battle, form a rich visual panoply in the church.
SIDE TRIPS IN MALTA
I also made side trips to the ancient capital of Mdina, where the Cathedral of St. Paul is a main attraction; to Mosta, to see the Assumption Church, which holds 12,000 people; and to Vittoriosa, a principle maritime Medieval town. Enough talk—let's finish taking a look at the pictures.
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Comments
Douglas— Thank you for being my first visitor. I did not visit Gozo. Next time. I appreciate your comments.
Wonderful hub, James. You should be a travel writer. I have been to Malta twice and didn't find out half the facts you unearthed. Monaco looks Marvellous but out of my league. Interesting place. You saved the best til last, Hercules, adorable! Thanks
Beautiful places. Thanks.
James,
Loved the history lesson, perhaps a teaching career is what you need. Great photos. Can you climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and take some pics for us???
Gypsy Willow— Thank you! Your travel Hubs are the best. Monaco is expensive. No doubt about that. A one time deal. Hercules is fine lad. You're welcome!
Vladimir Uhri— Always a good day when you stop by. You are welcome.
Robert— Thank you, sir. I have thought about teaching, actually. I have long thought that a noble profession. haven't done any mountain climbing. I will take that under advisement. I appreciate your comments.
I have a Maltese too! Seraphina. She's quite a best little friend. Hercules looks just like her. (More manly of course, well, not really.)
I'm in a bit of shock because the dome in St. Nicholas Cathedral where Grace Kelly is burried, has the exact same painting as in the dome at St. Nicholas here in St. Louis.
Well, I found the history very interesting, especially the passing of hands of Malta. Wonderful photos. Glad you shared.
It must be awesome to retrace the paths of so many in history.I think I'd be intimidated to walk along the floor of St. John's Cathedral though,as it is truly a work of art.
Do you have to sail into Malta,or is there an airport?
Frieda Babbley— Seraphina is a lovely name. We have something in common—again! That is interesting about that church dome in St. Louis. Thank you for your comments. The pleasure was all mine.
TheMindlessBrute— There is a modern airport in the capital city, Valletta. I went there by ship myself. That floor is something one never forgets. I wish I had a clearer photo of it. The coats of arms are fabulously done. And to think you are walking on the tombs of 400 Knights. It sticks with you. Thank you for visiting and leaving your comments.
Monaco looks well worth a visit. Have been to Malta and loved it. They say you either love or hate Malta but that there is no happy medium. This hub is fascinating as the photos are brilliant.
ethel smith— I loved Malta; and Monaco. But in different ways. In Monaco, the parade of the rich and beautiful was an amazing sight to behold. A definite atmosphere I have experienced no where else on earth. In Malta, the history of the place was unforgettable to witness. Thank you for visiting and for your comments.
James,
Enjoyed all the pictures and information.
Have been to Monaco many years ago when Princess Grace was living.
My husband and I along with two other couples stayed in the Princess Hotel in Monte Carlo which was Princess Grace's favorite hotel.
One evening as we sat in the lobby of the Princess Hotel she and Prince Rainer walked within two feet of me. It was interesting to look at both of them that close - her jewelry and the way they both were dressed. She was beautiful and he was handsome - a stunning couple.
We, also, visited the Monte Carlo Casino. Some really high stakes gambling went on. My gambling was fun, but much more fun to watch a handsome Prince gamble that evening. We were told by the hotel that he lost over a million dollars that evening.
Monaco is a beautiful place.
Thanks for writing and posting the beautiful pictures.
Betty
Betty— Thank you for a tremendous and fascinating contribution to this article! WOW! 2 feet from Princess Grace! Now that's a story to tell one's grandchildren! I appreciate you for taking the time to view this Hub and your comments are priceless!
Gorgeous hub and filled with all kinds of interesting information regarding Knights Hospitaller and the Church. I was fascinated.
Iðunn Why, thank you so much! The history of the Church is something I have spent a lot of hours studying. And Knights have always held a certain fascination for me, too. I am glad you liked it. Thanks for coming!
James, Thank you for the extraordinary picture of St. John's Cathedral's floor. It really makes me dream of going to visit the island. You might want to go deeper in the history of the Knights Hospitaller and the Order of Malta. They are still up and running, and very much devoted to their original mission to tend to the sick and the poor. One of their special missions I know they had during the XX century --and they still have but happily with new medical resources-- is the care of lepers. The name of the Order is Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta.The names of places indicate the history of the Order's seats and displacements. Curiously it does not reflect that their present seat, now for a couple of centuries, is the city of Rome, where they have their Magisterial Palace, house of their Prince and religious Superior, who is also a Cardinal in the ranks of the Catholic Church. The Order of Malta is practically a state without a territory. It is a sovereign subject of international law, with military rights, its own government, laws and even mint. It has ambassadors to more than a hundred countries including the United States and to the main international institutions like the United Nations. But of course their military role is just a romantic memory, although it was quite formidable for several centuries. Anybody can become a volontary member of the Order. I don't know if they demand from volontaries the Catholic faith. The Knights and Dames of Malta have definitely to be very virtuous Catholics.
rosariomontenegro— Thank you for the great addition to this thread! I knew the Order still existed, but I thought it was largely ceremonial, for some reason. I did not know any of the information you illumined me about here with these outstanding comments. Thank you very much!
James, the only word on these locales is: wow. I find it hard to believe that there has only been one James Bond movie ("GoldenEye") filmed in Monaco! (Granted, the producers have to keep the locales varied, but...) The principality looks like paradise on Earth, and I have a little theory (nothing big) as to what may help make it that way...I'll present this in my next hub. Again, a most entertaining and informative job!
Drake's Compass— Thank you for your gracious words! It is the nicest place I've ever been. It takes a lot a chips to stay there for very long.
I'll be on vacation for a week sans computer but when I get back I'm going to catch up on your Hubs. Getting packed to head to the airport now. ciao!
Ciao, James - have a safe trip!
Drake's Compass— I just got home today. I have 1000 emails in my box. Not 1001 and not 999. 1000. Looks like I have some work to do.
James, I lived on the island of Malta. I loved it. I can not wait to go back! I want to take my husband and children there and introduce them to the wonderful History and architecture. It is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth! I was able to see what is left of the Roman Baths, the Monolithic Temples, where it is said that Paul was shipwrecked, the slave caves, and so much more.... I hope to return in 2011.
Kebennett1— You did!? That's amazing! I have never met anyone who actually lived there. I love Malta. What beauty and what history. A truly unique corner of the earth. Thanks for your comments.
James, don't you find it absolutely incredible that Monaco has had the same ruling family for over 700 years? By the time we've had a president here in the US for 4 years - at the most 8 - we're ready for a 'change,' like a change of linen after wash day.
Hercules is the most handsome boy! We have a Maltese named Sissy in my family. I'm her aunt - she actually belongs to my sister. Sissy is thirteen years old and everybody's sweetheart! (If you promise not to tell, I'll make an admission - Hercules looks much nicer in his picture than Sissy does most of the time. Sissy, being a tomboy, likes wallowing outside a little too much).
Staci-Barbo7— That is indeed incredible that Monaco has been ruled so long by the Grimaldis.
Thank you for complimenting my boy. He is a handsome lad, to be sure. I am glad to hear you have Sissy in the family. That's cool.
Thank you for viewing my article and leaving word that you did.
I love armchair traveling with you James. I learned so much.
The citizens of Monaco can't enter the casinos? Who works in them?
That floor of St. John's Cathedral is amazing! All the photos were wonderful.
Loved reading the comments also.
Peggy,
That is a good question. The casino workers must come from nearby France or Italy. Unless . . . I am certain the citizens cannot gamble there, maybe they can work there?
That floor was the highlight of my trip. I actually found some better photos of Malta (and the floor) the other day by accident, when looking for other pics, but have been too lazy to change them. :-)
Thank you so much for the kudos. I appreciate it.
Beautiful Pictures! My husband and I had a wonderful time visiting Monaco several years ago. We went to St. Nicholas Cathedral, Royal Palace as well as the Casino. The cruise down the Mediterranean Sea was absolutely gorgeous . We actually started out in Spain after visiting “The Montserrat.”
The architecture in Europe is simply beautiful! We have wonderful memories of our visit there. I am quite thankful for it was a beautiful vacation. By the way Hercules is beautiful as well or should I say handsome? Thanks for refreshing my memory. Blessings
DeBorrah K. Ogans— Thank you! :-)
I was on a Mediterranean cruise, too, that started in Barcelona and ended in Athens. The best vacation ever. I am glad you have been to Monaco. What a place! Hercules is a handsome lad and I appreciate you saying so. :)
James,
All the places in your travel Hubs are of interest to me and these two are the first out of all of them. This similar interest stuff is getting weird. Anyway...one of my classmates was from Malta. Great people, a fascinating place and a most intriguing history.
Tina Irene— Your remarks have brought joy to me. I love to travel. Malta and Monaco were two of the more interesting places I have been. There is a Hubber who used to live in Malta "Kebennett1"
The history of Malta sitting as it does in the crossroads of the Mediterranean is engaging.
Thanks for your kind comments. :D
Your photos are gorgeous. Thank you for sharing them. I would love to go visit one day.
trimar7— Both of these places are very cool to visit. They are both interesting and unusual because of their histories. Thanks for the compliment. I hope you do get to go. :-)
Fascinating and noble places you have been too and seen. Thank you for sharing the beauty.
stars439— I have never had such a loyal supporter. I am flattered. I will surely be coming by to read your Hubs later today after my expected company leaves. Thank you so much for your encouragement.
Congratulations for your blog.
The more you know about your destination, the more you enjoy your holiday trips. Maximise your visit time in Malta. With the CityGuide you would be like having a car GPS device that will guide from one attraction to the next.
Enjoy every detail of history during your stay whilst you roam around like a local.
Get free ebooks from www cultel com
www cultel com explains it all
Monaco is on my radar! I must refer back to this article when I plan my trip. Excellence photos and great puppy dog ending!
lawrence— Thank you for that fine tip. I appreciate the visitation.
KellyEnglando— That's my boy! :D
Monaco is fascinating and great fun. Thank yo so much for coming by to visit. I appreciate your comments, too.
Interesting articles and so well presented. Have never been to Malta and was asleep on the train when we passed through Monaco but would love to visit both places. Thanks for the site.
donna bamford— Welcome to the Hub Pages Community! You slept through Monaco!? Well, maybe next time. :) Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!
I was in Malta on the mid-60's when I was in the Navy, and your Hub and pictures brought back some VERY OLD memories.
Great work, and Thanks!
Don Bobbitt— Hey Don! I've been meaning to get over and visit your work. I'll do that tomorrow at the latest. I've got one more Hub in the works and then I'm taking some time off for real life and to read a lot of Hubs.
That Malta is a fascinating place with an extraordinary history. I loved it there. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed my Hub. :)
Douglas says:
6 months ago
While I have not been to Monaco, I have in the last two years been to Malta twice. They make wonderfully colored glass both there and on the neighboring island of Gozo.
Thanks for the snapshot of history James.