There are definitely moments when I think Malta is a little bizarre (and once you visit, I’m sure you’ll agree) but I never thought of writing a book about it. Thankfully, Oliver Gatt did, and his new book Bizarre Malta is out now, having been in the making for three years.

“It all started over a festive whisky with some friends,” Oliver tells me, “when I brought up the subject of a book about the quirkier side of Malta. After dealing with a few raised eyebrows and with pen and notepad in hand, I jotted down a list of tentative topics. These ranged from whimsical structures to baffling or tragic events such as the accidental execution of the executioner in 1802.”

Oliver cites his favourite local author as Giovanni Bonello, who has written extensively about myriad subjects related to Maltese history. “Most of the topics he covered dealt with the more peculiar side of our past,” Oliver continues, “with chapters that I often found myself reading time and again. It was then that the idea of a small ‘history’ book aimed at those who hate history, or books, began to coagulate.”

That’s when he decided to start thinking up articles with Bizarre Malta in mind. Then, when he had a list of some 40 or so articles to serve as the framework of the book, he got in touch with Fiona Vella, a personal friend and published author, to ask if she’d be interested in penning his fantasy. “Off the bat, she shared my enthusiasm for the project and we would be on the phone for hours, talking about which topics to include and which ones would not make the cut. In keeping with the theme, we resisted giving the book any structure in terms of chapters,” Oliver says. “Throughout the journey I have enjoyed exploring, on foot, by boat, by drone or even by taking to the sky myself, the less reconnoitred corners of our islands.”

Without giving too much away, I ask Oliver to let me into the world of Bizarre Malta and highlight some of his favourite curious spots. “One of my absolute favourites is Villa Mystique in Madliena. This Gaudiesque folly, perched on the rim of the valley like an abandoned medieval castle, has always held a special place in my heart.

“Another favourite would have to be Harq Hamiem Cave in St George’s Bay. I love the fact that this subterranean oasis lies a stone’s throw away from the bars and congestion in Paceville. I am still in utter disbelief as to how a hotel that will envelop, and possibly compromise this unique geological wonder, has recently been given the green light.

“Finally, the marvellous Xlejli Tower, located in the beautiful private estate of Palazzo Dorell in Gudja, and the sunken temple in Valletta known as the Chapel of Bones, are also among my top favourites. I am of the opinion that a part of this once-famous crypt may still be buried beneath the Evans Building carpark, waiting to be rediscovered.”

Of course, Oliver is eager for visitors to the islands to have a go at finding bizarre spots all of their own. “The fun is to be had in veering off the beaten track and discovering places that even most Maltese would find bewildering. The book is not a guide, and some of the places discussed in it are private property or have perished. That being said, a fair share of the sites are at least visible, accessible, or fall within the conventional touristic itinerary, while others should encourage the more adventurous to explore further.”

Bizarre Malta is out now and can be purchased online at BDL Books