Sometimes, as you go about your daily online business, you come across a gem that stops you in your tracks. Among my favourite types of gems are ones to do with life on the Maltese Islands in the past – it’s a topic that has always fascinated me – so you can imagine my joy when I stumbled upon this incredible album of old photos of Malta!

The shots feature many different locations and settings across the islands – some which are more recognisable, and others that left me scratching my head thinking, ‘where is that?’ Here are a few of my favourites – can you recognise them?

1. Rudolph Street

The Moorish-style house and a couple more alongside it were the only buildings on Sliema’s Rudolph street when this picture was taken.

2. Tigne Barracks

Tigne looks a lot different today, but the arches are still recognisable!

3. Port des Bombes

Is this really the iconic Port des Bombes in Floriana before the war?

4. Kingsway, Valletta

I never get tired of seeing old signage like this! This photo dates back to 1920.

5. St Julian’s

Can you believe this is St Julian’s in 1870? Times have changed!

6. Strait Street

A look at Valletta’s most infamous street in its heyday… who knows what it would have been like?

7. Sliema ferries

Does anyone remember when the popular Sliema ferries area looked like this?

8. Castille Palace

The old bus depot in Valletta had one hell of a backdrop in Castille Palace!

9. Dragonara

The only info we have about this one is that it’s Dragonara, but can anyone recognise it?

10. Republic Street

Walking into Valletta looked very different before, thanks to the towering Royal Opera House.

11. Ghar id-Dud, Sliema

The old Chalet in Sliema is another landmark that’s been lost to the sands of time.

12. Valletta fish market

A fish market in the capital city? This 1930 photograph shows what it was like.

BONUS! Unknown

According to credible sources, this photo might be showing Sliema's Triq il-Lunzjata

Old Malta / Pinterest