Leaving the lift we alighted onto a beautiful stone parapet that look back over Malta's beautiful harbour and we had a 180 degree view across other parts of the walled island. We had heard about 'the cats of Malta' which are famous for gracing the steps that lead up to the upper gardens. However, because we used the lift we missed seeing this bevy of feline fluff and beauty so we were pleasantly surprised to be greeted by one lone tabby cat snuggle-settled atop a limestone capstan at the exit of the lift. At first our Tabby was reluctant to accept a pat but after some encouraging words he enjoyed his under-the-chin being rubbed and seemed pleased of our attention.
The ramparts were decorated with arched porticos, wonderful views over the harbour and other parts of Malta and rows of long abandoned cannons that once protected Malta from attacks and sieges.
We stood and took in all that we could see from this 180 degree view over Malta's pretty harbour, towards the breakwater wall and its lighthouse and over the many stone buildings which crowned the islands'headland with domes, steeples and many-storey residential rooftops. It was amazing how many huddles of buildings had been jammed prop this island nation which has a population of about 7 million people.
The area around the parapet also had a small market square with tiny shops yet to be opened, since it was only about 9.00 in the morning and in general most shops do not open until 10am in Malta.
We enjoyed the warm morning sun and the pretty garden that adorned the square around the rampart area before walking towards central area of Valletta.
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