A series of pictures that illustrate some of the iconic details of Malta.
It's the details that define a character. Yet, even 'characteristic' may be an understatement when these details have become iconic symbols of a Mediterranean island called Malta.
The village festa
A weekly occurrence across the island throughout the summer months and a huge annual event for every Maltese town and village, everyone who knows anything about Malta must know what a big deal this is.
The prickly pears
They grace the Maltese countryside everywhere you go. They make great boundary walls for fields, keeping out not only intruders but also the wind. And they make delicious fruit juice too!
The luzzu (Maltese fishing boat)
Colourful and with its traditional set of eyes to ward off bad luck, this Maltese fishing boat captures everyone's heart.
The eight-pointed cross
The eight-pointed cross was an emblem of the Knights of St John, but it has also come to be known as the 'Maltese Cross'. You'll see this decorative design absolutely everywhere.
The gardjola
This cute little piece of architecture from the time of the Knights was a sentinel engraved with an eye to watch, an ear to listen... and a goose to give the alarm!
The narcissus flower
It grew profusely across the Maltese countryside until over-picking made it scarce and protected. This flower is too pretty and smells too sweet for its own good.
The street niches
You'll find street niches being the permanent homes of various saints in every old Maltese town. These were generally the result of some affluent person obtaining a benediction or hoping for one.
The Maltese door knob
Maltese door knobs are quite a thing. From fish to lions and mermaids, these heavy brass knockers or door knobs decorated ancient heavy wooden doors. You can still see them in old cities such as Mdina, and buy them as a souvenir.
Handmade Maltese lace
Here's another souvenir to take home. Lace-making in Malta is a dying local craft but you can still see Gozitan old ladies passing time making lace in their front porch.
The Maltese balcony
The Maltese balcony is quite unique in design, and triggers the fascination and attraction of any visitor to the islands.
Maltese filigree
Delicate silver filigree work is carried out to a very fine standard in Malta, with designs ranging from the traditional Maltese cross to an amazing variety of contemporary designs.
The Valletta shop signs
Valletta is 451 years old, and within it you'll find all remnants from different eras of its history. Its antique shop signs remain one of the most iconic emblems of the city.
The rubble wall
Stone upon stone is carefully placed and the rubble wall holds together, through all kinds of weather, for centuries. The rubble wall has marked boundaries and levelled out slopes with terraced fields across the island, becoming a characteristic of the Maltese countryside.
The carob tree
The ancient carob tree is another Maltese icon; the subject of Maltese poetry and some of Malta's favourite sweets and syrup.
Which other details of Malta do you associate with Malta's unique character?