Art and Culture in Malta

Malta has a rich artistic and cultural heritage that stretches back thousands of years. From prehistoric temples to Baroque architecture and traditional crafts, artistic expression has always been part of life on the islands.

Due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean, Malta has been influenced by many different civilizations, including the Neolithic inhabitants, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Knights of St John, the French, and the British.

Today, art and culture remain an important part of Maltese society. Museums, cultural institutions, and educational organisations continue to promote artistic heritage, while contemporary artists contribute to Malta’s evolving cultural scene.

Architecture in Malta

Malta’s architecture reflects the many cultures that shaped the islands over time.

Prehistoric Temples

The earliest evidence of architecture in Malta dates back more than 7,000 years. Archaeological sites such as Skorba show the remains of some of the first human settlements built with dried stone.

Among the most remarkable monuments are the megalithic temples. The temple complex of Ġgantija on the island of Gozo was built around 3600 BC and is one of the oldest freestanding stone structures in the world. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites that include several prehistoric temples across Malta.

Archaeologists believe that Malta may have been considered a sacred island during the Neolithic period. More than twenty temples were built across the archipelago, many with a distinctive clover-shaped design. Important sites include Ġgantija, Tarxien, Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra and the underground sanctuary of the Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni.

Valletta – A Planned Renaissance City

The capital city of Valletta was founded in the 16th century by Grand Master Jean de Valette after the Great Siege of 1565.

The city was designed as a modern European capital of the time. Thousands of workers and craftsmen were involved in its construction. Valletta was built on a grid system, which allowed better air circulation and organised urban planning, an innovative approach for that period.

The Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar designed many of the city’s most important buildings, including churches, auberges of the Knights, and the Co-Cathedral of St John. While the exterior of the cathedral is relatively simple, its interior is richly decorated with Baroque art and marble.

Today Valletta is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage city and remains one of the most historically significant capitals in Europe

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Baroque and Later Influences

During the rule of the Knights of St John, Valletta became an important cultural centre in the Mediterranean. Architects and artists from across Europe worked on churches, palaces and public buildings.

The Baroque style became dominant, particularly in religious architecture. Large churches, elaborate facades and richly decorated interiors defined the period.

Later influences can also be seen. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, British rule introduced new architectural elements such as wider streets, public gardens and iconic red telephone boxes that can still be found in some areas today.

Architecture Today

Modern Malta combines historic architecture with contemporary design. Traditional houses built from local globigerina limestone remain common, especially in towns such as Birkirkara, Naxxar and Mosta.

These houses often feature decorative balconies, wrought-iron railings and carved stone details. While new buildings continue to appear, preservation of historic architecture remains an important focus for cultural authorities and heritage organisations.

Traditional Crafts in Malta

Craft traditions have been passed down through generations and remain an important part of Maltese culture.

Pottery and Ceramics

Ceramics are among the oldest forms of artistic expression in Malta. Archaeological discoveries from the prehistoric period include finely shaped pottery and clay figurines such as the famous “Sleeping Lady” found in the Hypogeum.

Today, Maltese potters produce both decorative and practical objects such as tiles, vases, lamps and souvenirs inspired by traditional designs.

Glassblowing

Glassmaking in Malta has roots going back to the Phoenician period. Modern Maltese glass is usually handmade and mouth-blown.

A distinctive feature of Maltese glass is its bright Mediterranean colours, especially deep blue tones inspired by the surrounding sea. Glassware produced on the islands often includes bowls, ornaments and decorative pieces.

Lacemaking

Maltese lace developed during the 17th century and was strongly influenced by lace produced in Genoa. Over time it evolved into a distinctive local craft, often featuring the Maltese cross in its patterns.

Lacemaking became particularly important in Gozo during the 19th century, when lace products were exported to international markets. Today, lace remains an important symbol of traditional craftsmanship, and visitors may still see artisans working by hand in villages across Gozo.

Silverwork

Silversmithing flourished during the period of the Knights of St John. Maltese artisans produced religious objects, jewellery and decorative pieces that were highly valued across Europe.

Jewellery workshops can still be found in the streets of Valletta, where traditional techniques continue to be used alongside modern designs.

Literature in Malta

Malta’s history and landscape have inspired many writers. However, Maltese literature has historically been less known internationally due to the limited number of translations.

In recent decades, Maltese authors have gained greater international recognition through translations into English and other European languages. Writers such as Immanuel Mifsud have contributed to the modern development of Maltese literature.

Painting and Visual Arts

Art in Malta has evolved significantly through the centuries.

Early Religious Art

Some of the earliest preserved paintings in Malta are frescoes found in catacombs and cave churches in Rabat. These works date from the medieval period and reflect Byzantine and Sicilian artistic influences.

Renaissance Artists

After the Great Siege of 1565, many artists influenced by Renaissance and Mannerist styles came to Malta.

Matteo Perez d’Aleccio created paintings for several important buildings including the Grand Master’s Palace and St John’s Co-Cathedral.

Caravaggio in Malta

One of the most famous artists connected to Malta is the Italian painter Caravaggio. He arrived in Malta in 1607 and produced several works during his stay.

His masterpiece The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist can still be seen in the Oratory of St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.

Baroque Painting

The Calabrian artist Mattia Preti played a major role in decorating St John’s Co-Cathedral. His paintings on the cathedral vault depict scenes from the life of John the Baptist and represent one of the most impressive examples of Baroque art in Malta.

Modern Maltese Art

In the 20th century, artists such as Edward Caruana Dingli helped shape the modern Maltese artistic tradition. His works often depicted Maltese daily life and local traditions.

Today, Malta has an active contemporary art scene with galleries, cultural institutions and events that promote both local and international artists.

Sculptures in Malta

Prehistoric Sculpture

Some of the earliest sculptures in Malta date back to the Neolithic period. Archaeologists discovered statues representing fertility figures at sites such as Tarxien.

Clay figurines such as the “Woman sleeping” show remarkable craftsmanship and are considered important examples of prehistoric art.

Baroque Sculpture

During the Baroque period, sculptors contributed to the decoration of churches and religious buildings.

Melchiorre Gafà was one of the most important sculptors of the time. His works combine marble, gold and decorative elements typical of Baroque artistic style.

Contemporary Sculpture

Modern Maltese sculptors continue to work with globigerina limestone, the warm-coloured stone widely used in Malta’s architecture.

Contemporary works often combine traditional materials with modern artistic forms, reflecting the continuing evolution of Maltese art.