Gardens to gifts
If there's one good thing about Malta, you don't have to venture far to stumble upon a historical gem. Even strolling through the capital of Valletta will reveal age-old bastions, ornate architecture and cobbled streets.
The Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens are the perfect place to visit, not only for delving further into the historical roots of the island, but for some of the best views and a little respite from the bustle of daily life in Valletta below.
Resting above the Grand Harbour, the colonnaded gardens were built in 1661 as the private gardens and exercise area for Italy's Knights of the Langue.
Despite being subjected to some damage during WWII, the gardens were fully restored to their former glory. Today, as well as uninterrupted harbor views, look out for the garden's collection of statues that depict people and scenes throughout history. One of the most noteworthy is the local sculptor, Antonio Sciortino's 'Les Gavroches'. The replica shows three Parisian street children hurrying forward, said to highlight the extreme hardships of the Maltese in the early 20th century and inspired by the Victor Hugo novel, Les Miserables.
Considered one of Malta's top treasures, the statue has been commemorated on stamps, coins, phone cards, and in 1951, a small bronze model was also cast and presented as a gift to Princess Elizabeth (the late Queen Elizabeth II).