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Azure Window - Dwejra, Gozo
The Azure Window also known as the Dwejra Window (Maltese: it-Tieqa tad-Dwejra), was a 28-metre-tall (92 ft) limestone natural arch on the island of Gozo in Malta. It was located in Dwejra Bay in the limits of San Lawrenz, close to the Inland Sea and the Fungus Rock.
The formation, which was created after two limestone sea caves collapsed, was very popular among scuba divers and one of Malta's major tourist attractions. The arch, together with other natural features in the area of Dwejra, is featured in a number of international films and other media representations.
From the early 2000s to late 2016, several parts of the arch broke away and fell into the sea, both by natural erosion and by irregular activities. Erosion of the pillar over the years led to its collapse during a storm on 8 March 2017.
The arch finally collapsed at around 08:40 UTC (09:40 local time) on 8 March 2017, after severe storms with gale force winds. The pillar which was supporting the arch collapsed, and the entire structure crashed down into the sea, with nothing remaining visible above sea level.
The collapse was reported in both local and international media.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Leader of the Opposition Simon Busuttil both tweeted about the collapse of the Azure Window, and it also became the subject of many Internet memes on Maltese social media.
The Environment and Resources Authority called the collapse a major loss to Malta's natural heritage.
(text from Wikipedia) Photo taken on 28th June 2010
#Malta #Gozo #Dwejra #Azurewindow #photos #josephdebattista #tourist #google #googlephotos #nature
The Azure Window also known as the Dwejra Window (Maltese: it-Tieqa tad-Dwejra), was a 28-metre-tall (92 ft) limestone natural arch on the island of Gozo in Malta. It was located in Dwejra Bay in the limits of San Lawrenz, close to the Inland Sea and the Fungus Rock.
The formation, which was created after two limestone sea caves collapsed, was very popular among scuba divers and one of Malta's major tourist attractions. The arch, together with other natural features in the area of Dwejra, is featured in a number of international films and other media representations.
From the early 2000s to late 2016, several parts of the arch broke away and fell into the sea, both by natural erosion and by irregular activities. Erosion of the pillar over the years led to its collapse during a storm on 8 March 2017.
The arch finally collapsed at around 08:40 UTC (09:40 local time) on 8 March 2017, after severe storms with gale force winds. The pillar which was supporting the arch collapsed, and the entire structure crashed down into the sea, with nothing remaining visible above sea level.
The collapse was reported in both local and international media.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Leader of the Opposition Simon Busuttil both tweeted about the collapse of the Azure Window, and it also became the subject of many Internet memes on Maltese social media.
The Environment and Resources Authority called the collapse a major loss to Malta's natural heritage.
(text from Wikipedia) Photo taken on 28th June 2010
#Malta #Gozo #Dwejra #Azurewindow #photos #josephdebattista #tourist #google #googlephotos #nature
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Verdala Palace limits of Siġġiewi, Malta
Verdala Palace is a palace in the Buskett Gardens, limits of Siġġiewi, Malta. It was built in 1586 during the reign of Hugues Loubenx de Verdalle, and it now serves as the official summer residence of the President of Malta.
The site of Verdala Palace was originally occupied by a hunting lodge, which was built in the 1550s or 1560s during the reign of Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette. The lodge was built in the Boschetto, a large semi-landscaped area that was used by knights of the Order of Saint John for game hunting. The hunting lodge was expanded into a palace in 1586, during the reign of Hugues Loubenx de Verdalle. It was further embellished in the 17th and 18th centuries, during the reigns of Giovanni Paolo Lascaris and António Manoel de Vilhena.
During the French blockade of 1798–1800, the palace served as a military prison for French soldiers captured by the Maltese or British. During British rule, it became a silk factory, but it was eventually abandoned and fell into a state of disrepair. Some repairs were undertaken during the governorship of Frederick Cavendish Ponsonby, and it was fully restored by Governor Sir William Reid in the 1850s. Prior to its restoration it was a temporal minor hospital between 1915 and 1916.
It subsequently became the official summer residency of the Governors of Malta. It was included on the Antiquities List of 1925. On the outbreak of World War II in 1939, works of art from the National Museum were stored at the palace for safekeeping. The palace was restored in 1982 and began to be used to host visiting heads of state.
(Wikipedia)
#Malta #Verdala #architecture #historical #Siggiewi #palace #stone #google #josephdebattista #placestosee #placestovisit #tourism #tourist #photography
Verdala Palace is a palace in the Buskett Gardens, limits of Siġġiewi, Malta. It was built in 1586 during the reign of Hugues Loubenx de Verdalle, and it now serves as the official summer residence of the President of Malta.
The site of Verdala Palace was originally occupied by a hunting lodge, which was built in the 1550s or 1560s during the reign of Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette. The lodge was built in the Boschetto, a large semi-landscaped area that was used by knights of the Order of Saint John for game hunting. The hunting lodge was expanded into a palace in 1586, during the reign of Hugues Loubenx de Verdalle. It was further embellished in the 17th and 18th centuries, during the reigns of Giovanni Paolo Lascaris and António Manoel de Vilhena.
During the French blockade of 1798–1800, the palace served as a military prison for French soldiers captured by the Maltese or British. During British rule, it became a silk factory, but it was eventually abandoned and fell into a state of disrepair. Some repairs were undertaken during the governorship of Frederick Cavendish Ponsonby, and it was fully restored by Governor Sir William Reid in the 1850s. Prior to its restoration it was a temporal minor hospital between 1915 and 1916.
It subsequently became the official summer residency of the Governors of Malta. It was included on the Antiquities List of 1925. On the outbreak of World War II in 1939, works of art from the National Museum were stored at the palace for safekeeping. The palace was restored in 1982 and began to be used to host visiting heads of state.
(Wikipedia)
#Malta #Verdala #architecture #historical #Siggiewi #palace #stone #google #josephdebattista #placestosee #placestovisit #tourism #tourist #photography
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St. Mary Magdalene Chapel - Dingli, Malta
Saint Mary Magdalene Chapel is a Roman Catholic chapel in the limits of Dingli, Malta, dedicated to Mary Magdalene. It overlooks the Dingli Cliffs, and is therefore commonly known as ''il-kappella tal-irdum'' (chapel of the cliffs). The chapel was built in 1646 on the site of an earlier one which had existed since at least the 15th century. Its simple architecture is typical of Maltese wayside chapels.
The date of construction of the chapel is not known, but the oldest reference to the building was made in 1446. It is located on the Dingli Cliffs, far from the town itself, and it was used by farmers who lived in nearby farms. The chapel was in a state of disrepair by 1575, and it later collapsed. It was rebuilt in the 17th century, being reopened by Bishop Miguel Juan Balaguer Camarasa on 15 April 1646. The reconstruction is commemorated by a Latin inscription above its doorway.
St. Mary Magdalene Chapel has a simple design, typical of Maltese wayside chapels. It has a rectangular structure, with its façade containing a single doorway and a circular window. A Latin inscription is located just above the door, while a slab originally containing a coat of arms is located above the window. A small parvis (Maltese: zuntier) is located outside the church, and a railing is located nearby to protect visitors to the chapel from falling down the cliffs.
The church has an altar built of Maltese limestone. The altarpiece is The Risen Christ by Paul Camilleri Cauchi, depicting Jesus forgiving a penitent Mary Magdalene after his resurrection.
(text from Wikipedia)
#Malta #Dingli #cliffs #history #chapel #sunset #josephdebattista #tourists #tourism #placestosee #placestovisit #google #googlephotos #maltese #architecture #silhouette
Saint Mary Magdalene Chapel is a Roman Catholic chapel in the limits of Dingli, Malta, dedicated to Mary Magdalene. It overlooks the Dingli Cliffs, and is therefore commonly known as ''il-kappella tal-irdum'' (chapel of the cliffs). The chapel was built in 1646 on the site of an earlier one which had existed since at least the 15th century. Its simple architecture is typical of Maltese wayside chapels.
The date of construction of the chapel is not known, but the oldest reference to the building was made in 1446. It is located on the Dingli Cliffs, far from the town itself, and it was used by farmers who lived in nearby farms. The chapel was in a state of disrepair by 1575, and it later collapsed. It was rebuilt in the 17th century, being reopened by Bishop Miguel Juan Balaguer Camarasa on 15 April 1646. The reconstruction is commemorated by a Latin inscription above its doorway.
St. Mary Magdalene Chapel has a simple design, typical of Maltese wayside chapels. It has a rectangular structure, with its façade containing a single doorway and a circular window. A Latin inscription is located just above the door, while a slab originally containing a coat of arms is located above the window. A small parvis (Maltese: zuntier) is located outside the church, and a railing is located nearby to protect visitors to the chapel from falling down the cliffs.
The church has an altar built of Maltese limestone. The altarpiece is The Risen Christ by Paul Camilleri Cauchi, depicting Jesus forgiving a penitent Mary Magdalene after his resurrection.
(text from Wikipedia)
#Malta #Dingli #cliffs #history #chapel #sunset #josephdebattista #tourists #tourism #placestosee #placestovisit #google #googlephotos #maltese #architecture #silhouette
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Dingli, Malta
Dingli (Maltese: Ħad-Dingli) is a village in the Northern Region of Malta.
It is 13 kilometres (8 miles) from the capital Valletta and two kilometers (1.2 miles) from the nearest town, Rabat. The village lies on a plateau some 250 metres above sea level, which is one of the highest points of Malta.
The area provides not only open sea views over the tiny, uninhabited isle of Filfla, but is also a good vantage point over Malta. From the cliffs there are also views of the nearby Buskett Gardens and Verdala Palace.
Rock-cut tombs dating back to Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman times have been found in the limits of Dingli. Roman baths and other remains were also found at Għajn Handful and the area of Ta' Baldu.
From over the cliffs of Dingli one can experience some of the most spectacular sunsets.
(from Wikipedia)
#Malta #Dingli #HadDingli #sun #sunset #silhouette #cloud #sky #redsky #google #googlephotos #photography #photooftheday #photo #photographer #places #placestovisit #placestosee #josephdebattista #tourism #tourisme #tourist #holiday
Dingli (Maltese: Ħad-Dingli) is a village in the Northern Region of Malta.
It is 13 kilometres (8 miles) from the capital Valletta and two kilometers (1.2 miles) from the nearest town, Rabat. The village lies on a plateau some 250 metres above sea level, which is one of the highest points of Malta.
The area provides not only open sea views over the tiny, uninhabited isle of Filfla, but is also a good vantage point over Malta. From the cliffs there are also views of the nearby Buskett Gardens and Verdala Palace.
Rock-cut tombs dating back to Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman times have been found in the limits of Dingli. Roman baths and other remains were also found at Għajn Handful and the area of Ta' Baldu.
From over the cliffs of Dingli one can experience some of the most spectacular sunsets.
(from Wikipedia)
#Malta #Dingli #HadDingli #sun #sunset #silhouette #cloud #sky #redsky #google #googlephotos #photography #photooftheday #photo #photographer #places #placestovisit #placestosee #josephdebattista #tourism #tourisme #tourist #holiday
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Valletta, Malta
Valletta has been built on a peninsula in the central eastern part of Malta and has a population of just over 6000 people. Valletta is named after the French Grandmaster Jean Parisot De La Valette who headed the defence of Malta from the Ottoman invasion in 1565. The entire city of Valletta has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Valletta boasts many buildings from the 16th century, mostly baroque architecture that was built by the Knights of St. John. Amongst them is the majestic St. John’s Cathedral, several auberges that hosted the Knights in their times, the bastions surrounding the city, and several gardens. In fact, one could say that Valletta is actually a monument donated by the Knights.
Nowadays, Valletta hosts the National Parliament, the Law Courts, many Government Ministries and Departments, Administrative Offices, museums and plenty of shopping opportunities. The streets have a grid-like shape, so one could never really get lost while navigating through this open air museum.
The city is busy by day, but the Upper & Lower Barrakka Gardens offer a calm spot with incredible views of the Grand Harbour. Then as the sun sets, Valletta calms down and turns into a magic fortified city where the architecture stands out under the gentle lighting. Yet, with plenty of cafes, wine bars, theatres, exhibitions and other cultural events from time to time, Valletta is a living city all year long.
(text malta.com)
#malta #valletta #mediterranean #tourism #tourist #tourisme #photography #photooftheday #photographer #josephdebattista #building #architecture #architecturephotography #google #googlephotos #googleplusphotos #churches #placestosee
#placestovisit
Valletta has been built on a peninsula in the central eastern part of Malta and has a population of just over 6000 people. Valletta is named after the French Grandmaster Jean Parisot De La Valette who headed the defence of Malta from the Ottoman invasion in 1565. The entire city of Valletta has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Valletta boasts many buildings from the 16th century, mostly baroque architecture that was built by the Knights of St. John. Amongst them is the majestic St. John’s Cathedral, several auberges that hosted the Knights in their times, the bastions surrounding the city, and several gardens. In fact, one could say that Valletta is actually a monument donated by the Knights.
Nowadays, Valletta hosts the National Parliament, the Law Courts, many Government Ministries and Departments, Administrative Offices, museums and plenty of shopping opportunities. The streets have a grid-like shape, so one could never really get lost while navigating through this open air museum.
The city is busy by day, but the Upper & Lower Barrakka Gardens offer a calm spot with incredible views of the Grand Harbour. Then as the sun sets, Valletta calms down and turns into a magic fortified city where the architecture stands out under the gentle lighting. Yet, with plenty of cafes, wine bars, theatres, exhibitions and other cultural events from time to time, Valletta is a living city all year long.
(text malta.com)
#malta #valletta #mediterranean #tourism #tourist #tourisme #photography #photooftheday #photographer #josephdebattista #building #architecture #architecturephotography #google #googlephotos #googleplusphotos #churches #placestosee
#placestovisit
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Tal-Virtu' Palace - Rabat, Malta
An impressive Castle lies at the edge of an elevated plateau of Tal Virtu' in the village of Rabat, Malta. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century and has 360 degree views of the island, this palace has commanding sweeping views of most of the island.
It is privately owned and not open to general public.
#Malta #Rabat #castle #palace #places #placestovisit #placestosee #architecture #architecturephotography #building #stone #google #googlephotos #googleplusphotos #googleplus #view #josephdebattista #treesphotography #trees #tourism #tourist #tourisme
An impressive Castle lies at the edge of an elevated plateau of Tal Virtu' in the village of Rabat, Malta. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century and has 360 degree views of the island, this palace has commanding sweeping views of most of the island.
It is privately owned and not open to general public.
#Malta #Rabat #castle #palace #places #placestovisit #placestosee #architecture #architecturephotography #building #stone #google #googlephotos #googleplusphotos #googleplus #view #josephdebattista #treesphotography #trees #tourism #tourist #tourisme
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Hand in Hand
A couple walking in Merchant Street Valletta, Malta, watched by Sir Paul Boffa, OBE (1890 –1962) a Maltese prime minister from (1947–1950)
#malta #valletta #people #statue #josephdebattista #artistic #google #googlephotos #googleplus #googleplusphotos #places #placestovisit #placestosee #pawluboffa #paulboffa #photography #photooftheday #photo #photogrid #handinhand #couple #silhouette #europe #europa #european #peoplephotography #people
A couple walking in Merchant Street Valletta, Malta, watched by Sir Paul Boffa, OBE (1890 –1962) a Maltese prime minister from (1947–1950)
#malta #valletta #people #statue #josephdebattista #artistic #google #googlephotos #googleplus #googleplusphotos #places #placestovisit #placestosee #pawluboffa #paulboffa #photography #photooftheday #photo #photogrid #handinhand #couple #silhouette #europe #europa #european #peoplephotography #people
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The Triton Fountain and Floriana Church
Malta
Triton, the mythological Greek god is known as the messenger of the deep sea with an upper body of a man and tail of a fish. He is the son of Poseidon, god of the sea and Amphitrite goddess of the sea. Triton's special attribute was a twisted conch shell which he blew like a trumpet to calm or raise the waves.
Designed by Maltese sculptor Vincent Apap in 1959, the Triton Fountain at the gateway of Malta's capital city Valletta and close to Hotel Phoenicia Malta is a stunning piece of local art and is situated just outside the historical walls of the picturesque capital city Valletta which is a starting point to all of the island's bus routes.
(text phoeniciamalta)
#malta #triton #valletta #fountain #floriana #people #google #googlephotos #googleplus #googleplusphotos #josephdebattista #tourism #tourist #tourisme #touristplace #places #placestovisit #placestosee #beautifulpictures #holiday #architecture #architecturephotography #architectural #sculpture #bronze #statue #europa #europeanphotography #european
#europe
Malta
Triton, the mythological Greek god is known as the messenger of the deep sea with an upper body of a man and tail of a fish. He is the son of Poseidon, god of the sea and Amphitrite goddess of the sea. Triton's special attribute was a twisted conch shell which he blew like a trumpet to calm or raise the waves.
Designed by Maltese sculptor Vincent Apap in 1959, the Triton Fountain at the gateway of Malta's capital city Valletta and close to Hotel Phoenicia Malta is a stunning piece of local art and is situated just outside the historical walls of the picturesque capital city Valletta which is a starting point to all of the island's bus routes.
(text phoeniciamalta)
#malta #triton #valletta #fountain #floriana #people #google #googlephotos #googleplus #googleplusphotos #josephdebattista #tourism #tourist #tourisme #touristplace #places #placestovisit #placestosee #beautifulpictures #holiday #architecture #architecturephotography #architectural #sculpture #bronze #statue #europa #europeanphotography #european
#europe
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The Maltese Dgħajsa
A Dgħajsa (pronounced dysa in Maltese) is a traditional water taxi from the island of Malta. The design of the Dgħajsa, like that of another Maltese boat, the luzzu, possibly dates back to Phoenician times, although it was modified over time, especially during British rule in Malta.
Dgħajsas were mainly used in the area of the Grand Harbour, to carry passengers (pass - therefore the name dgħajsa tal-pass) and small baggage from ships to shore. It was usually propelled by one man standing, facing forward, and pushing on two oars. The high stem and stern pieces seem to be mainly ornamental but they are useful in handling the boat and in the boarding and disembarking of passengers. The decorative symbols vary from boat to boat.
A dgħajsa called St. Angelo which was built between 1950 and 1952 was commissioned by the Royal Navy and was used to ferry Princess Elizabeth from her ship to Fort St Angelo during one of her visits to Malta. This boat is still in use today and it was recently restored.
Until the 1970s, there were about a thousand registered dgħajsas in Malta.
Nowadays dgħajsas are no longer used as water taxis. Today, only about 12 original dgħajsas survive, and they are used as tourist attractions, some of these have been motorized by engines. The small number in existence is a result of the high maintenance costs and the fact that there are very few skilled carpenters who are capable of building these boats.
The Koperattiva tal-Barklori is a co-operative of boat owners who try to preserve the few remaining dgħajsas. The oldest one still in existence is the Palomba, which was built over 150 years ago and has been restored.
A more modern version of the dgħajsa known as Dgħajsa tal-Midalji is used in the rowing regatta along with other traditional Maltese boats. The regatta is held on 31 March and 8 September of each year in the Grand Harbour.
Two Maltese dgħajsas competed in the Great River Race of 2012.
(from Wikipedia)
#malta #boats #water #boating #maltese #dgħajsa #sea #photography #photooftheday #photo #photogrid #josephdebattista #google #googlephotos #googleplusphotos #europe #europeanphotography #european #beautifulpictures #beautiful #googleplusphotos #googleplus #mediterranean #woodenboats #placestovisit #placestosee #tourism #tourist #tourisme #bellesphotos
#saturdayscenes
A Dgħajsa (pronounced dysa in Maltese) is a traditional water taxi from the island of Malta. The design of the Dgħajsa, like that of another Maltese boat, the luzzu, possibly dates back to Phoenician times, although it was modified over time, especially during British rule in Malta.
Dgħajsas were mainly used in the area of the Grand Harbour, to carry passengers (pass - therefore the name dgħajsa tal-pass) and small baggage from ships to shore. It was usually propelled by one man standing, facing forward, and pushing on two oars. The high stem and stern pieces seem to be mainly ornamental but they are useful in handling the boat and in the boarding and disembarking of passengers. The decorative symbols vary from boat to boat.
A dgħajsa called St. Angelo which was built between 1950 and 1952 was commissioned by the Royal Navy and was used to ferry Princess Elizabeth from her ship to Fort St Angelo during one of her visits to Malta. This boat is still in use today and it was recently restored.
Until the 1970s, there were about a thousand registered dgħajsas in Malta.
Nowadays dgħajsas are no longer used as water taxis. Today, only about 12 original dgħajsas survive, and they are used as tourist attractions, some of these have been motorized by engines. The small number in existence is a result of the high maintenance costs and the fact that there are very few skilled carpenters who are capable of building these boats.
The Koperattiva tal-Barklori is a co-operative of boat owners who try to preserve the few remaining dgħajsas. The oldest one still in existence is the Palomba, which was built over 150 years ago and has been restored.
A more modern version of the dgħajsa known as Dgħajsa tal-Midalji is used in the rowing regatta along with other traditional Maltese boats. The regatta is held on 31 March and 8 September of each year in the Grand Harbour.
Two Maltese dgħajsas competed in the Great River Race of 2012.
(from Wikipedia)
#malta #boats #water #boating #maltese #dgħajsa #sea #photography #photooftheday #photo #photogrid #josephdebattista #google #googlephotos #googleplusphotos #europe #europeanphotography #european #beautifulpictures #beautiful #googleplusphotos #googleplus #mediterranean #woodenboats #placestovisit #placestosee #tourism #tourist #tourisme #bellesphotos
#saturdayscenes
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The Vintage Malta Bus
One of the first two wooden bodied buses purchased in 1921 by the Cottonera Motor Bus Company in Malta.
These buses were licensed to operate routes between Cottonera and Valletta and were made by local carpenters and mechanics, later called as bus body builders. At that time the local carpenters and mechanics were encouraged to build bus bodies so that the company Cottonera Motor Bus Company could increase its fleet rapidly.
Engine and chassis of this bus were manufactured by Bedford of England.
#Malta #vintage #vintagestyle #bus #vintagebus #maltabus #bedford #auto #automotive #heritage #beautifulpictures #red #googlephotos #google #googleplusphotos #josephdebattista #maltese #photography #photogrid #photooftheday #photo #europe #europeanphotography #european #europa #tourism #tourisme #vehicles #omnibus
One of the first two wooden bodied buses purchased in 1921 by the Cottonera Motor Bus Company in Malta.
These buses were licensed to operate routes between Cottonera and Valletta and were made by local carpenters and mechanics, later called as bus body builders. At that time the local carpenters and mechanics were encouraged to build bus bodies so that the company Cottonera Motor Bus Company could increase its fleet rapidly.
Engine and chassis of this bus were manufactured by Bedford of England.
#Malta #vintage #vintagestyle #bus #vintagebus #maltabus #bedford #auto #automotive #heritage #beautifulpictures #red #googlephotos #google #googleplusphotos #josephdebattista #maltese #photography #photogrid #photooftheday #photo #europe #europeanphotography #european #europa #tourism #tourisme #vehicles #omnibus
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