When you think of Paola, you might not immediately consider spending the day in the locality - well, at least that’s what I used to think! My experience of the town used to be coloured by errands I would have to run in the area or, when I did think of it at all, it was to consider it as a route to somewhere else I was going.
But Paola has so much to offer. From history, to shopping, and even people-watching, there’s a lot you can do in this southern town. Here's what I mean.
People watch in the pjazza
Slap bang in the middle of the village square is the Antoine De Paule Pjazza - a newly converted area with cobbled streets, a cute little kiosk in the centre and an overall good vibe. The area is closed off to traffic, so children are left free to roam as eager shoppers pop in and out of the shops.
Hit the high street and roam the shopping complex
Many modern towns have a high street and a shopping complex and Paola delivers in bucketloads on both fronts. The high street always reminds me of the back streets of Rome, especially when the church is in distant view. There’s also Main Street Shopping Complex where all your fashion needs can be met.
Pay some reverence
Did you know that the church in Antoine De Paule Square is the largest in Malta? Stunning! Dedicated to Christ the King, this colossal beast serves as the parish church to a large, populated area. The architecture of the building is quite amazing, with the columns on the façade and its bell tower giving off a Continental feel.
Prehistory 101
Situated within the periphery of Paola, two major attractions draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to our country every year: the Kordin temples and the Hypogeum. These prehistoric remains of our (distant) ancestors are major attractions and the latter is probably one of the most spectacular spots on the island.
Snap some shots, take some flowers
Malta’s largest cemetery is also found in Paola. Now, as morbid as this may sound, the architecture on site serves for some super cool photography. Needles to say, a certain amount of respect is needed when capturing the Emanuele Luigi Galizia architectural wonders.
Paola is also known as Rahal Gdid, the new village, and it truly comes to life with beauty, culture and entertainment. So, why not find a small café, grab a quick coffee in a pjazza, visit a temple, do some shopping and call it a day.