For such a small island, Malta has been the target of many conquests. The Phoenicians, Romans, Fatimids, Sicilians, Knights of St. John, French and British have all taken turns invading and conquering the tiny island. In 1964 Malta finally gained its independence again. This from the United Kingdom. In 1974 She became a Republic remaining a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. She joined the European Union in 2004 and is a member of the United Nations.

Malta, more accurately, the Republic of Malta consists of the three inhabited islands Malta (the largest), Gozo, and Comino and the two uninhabited islets Comminotto and Filfla.Malta is known for its world heritage sites, most prominently the Megalithic Temples which are the oldest free-standing structures on Earth. There are so many Archaeological sites, Architectural Wonders, Artistic Wonders,Temples, palaces, cathedrals, and forts to see you could spend weeks here and never get bored.

Seven megalithic temples are to be found on the islands of Malta and Gozo, each a result of an individual development. The Ggantija complex on the island of Gozo is remarkable for its superhuman achievements dating from [the Bronze Age] 3,600 BCE On the island of Malta, the temples of Hagar Qim, Mnajdra and Tarxien are unique architectural masterpieces, given the very limited resources of their builders. The Ta' Hagrat and Skorba complexes bear witness to the development of the temple tradition in Malta. The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is an enormous subterranean structure excavated with cyclopean rigging to lift huge blocks of coralline limestone around the year 2500 bc (3,000 BCE). The Hypogeum, possibly conceived as a sanctuary, has been a necropolis since prehistoric times. http://web.infinito.it/utenti/m/malta_mega_temples/

You will find the Roman Baths a short distance up a hill on the road leading from Ghajn Tuffieha to Mgarr They are attached to the remains of a Roman country-house, or villa. The site was excavated in 1929.The villa remains are not in good shape but the baths are in reasonably good shape. Restoration of this archaeological site began in 1961 with UNESCO funds.They are very interesting to see and imagine life in the villa and baths.

Visiting the Mosta Dome is a must. It is a fantastic Architectural building filled with beautiful Art but what really makes it extra special is, during WWII while the church was filled during a Sunday morning service a bomb crashed through the ceiling and hit the floor. It did not explode! It was later deactivated and enshrined for all to see God's miracle's in action! I have seen it and it gives you a feeling of awe and wonder. It is awesome!

I lived in Malta for the better part of a year. I loved every minute of it. The people are pleasant, the food is fantastic, the way of life is simple and virtually untouched by industry, the scenery is wonderful and the history very evident. I can not wait to return for a visit.

Artwork via Art.com

Forty-eighth Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem; b. in 1494; d. in Malta, 21 Aug., 1568. He came from an old family of Southern France, several members of which had been capitouls (chief magistrates) in Toulouse. When still young he entered the Order of St. Johnas a knight of the Language of Provence. After the taking of Rhodes by the Sultan Soliman (1522), the order had, in 1530, settled in Malta which, with the city of Tripoli, the emperor Charles V had made over to them in full sovereignty. Here the knights devoted themselves to fighting the corsairs of Barbary, who were upheld by the Turkish Sultan. During this struggle La Valette made his first campaign, and soon rose to the highest ranks in the order.

After Fort St. Elmo fell in 1566, the grand master had another town built upon its site . This was the fortified city of Valette (or Valletta) which made Malta impregnable, and which was still strong enough in 1798 to stop Bonaparte. The last years of Valette's life were filled with conflicts with the pope. He died at 74 while preparing for another great war.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. flaky pastry dough
• 2 lbs. ricotta cheese
• salt
• 2 eggs

Directions

1. Note: You can substitute Pillsbury Flaky Pastry Dough for home-made flaky pastry dough...if you're lazy like me!
2. Mix the rikotta cheese with the two eggs until the eggs are thoroughly mixed into the rikotta cheese.
3. Add a bit of salt to the mixture for taste.
4. Roll out the dough (do not make the dough too thin.)
5. Cut the dough into three- to four-inch circles.
6. Put one tablespoon of the rikotta cheese mix in the middle of each circle.
7. Fold each circle from the top and the bottom to the centre and squeeze the edges together so that the pocket is sealed (the horizontal ends should be formed into points.)
8. Put the pastizzi on a margarine greased baking sheet.
9. Bake in a moderate oven (350-425 degrees) for about one hour.
10. You will need to experiment a bit with the oven temperature and the cooking time. The pastizzi should be a golden-brown colour when they're ready. They're best eaten when they are warm with a cup of good coffee or tea. Enjoy!
11. Notes:
12. * A variant of this savoury cheesecake is the pea cake where the ricotta, egg filling is replaced with mashed peas with curry seasoning.
13. ** This is not an easy to make dough but its worth the hassle as, once cooked, it gives light crisp layers that melt in the mouth, this thanks to air trapped between the dough layers.
14. *** Store the dough covered with a damp cloth in the refrigerator.
15. I do not personally suggest substituting the homemade crust with Pillsbury!