Malta 5 of 9

We decided to continue walking through the streets and look for somewhere to rest and have a snack. Having been in the cool museum for so long we hadn't realised how warm the day had become. It felt like 30C and probably was as the sun was high in the sky ad all the outdoor cafe areas had opened up their umbrellas over the table settings. People must have had the same idea as us because when we went to find a seat  in one of the outdoor cafes in one of the square's we'd wandered into, we found that there were only a few spare tables. We settled a sheltered table near the edge of the square so that we could watch the crowds pass by and  catch any cool breeze that wafted across the square. Breezes frequently blow across Malta's landscape because it is a small island In the middle of the Mediterranean.

We ordered a strawberry, pineapple and mango smoothie and a Maltese sausage roll. Let me describe the sausage roll - true to its name, a spicy Maltese sausage is wrapped in delicate flaky pastry, baked and served, hot. It was very filling and delicious. The smoothie revived our energy levels and we continued on our self-guided tour of Malta.

Following our relaxed time-out lunch break we took a tour of Malta's famous St. John's Co-Cathedral. This hot-tourist unique historical site was built by the Knights of the Order of St. John in 1577. Following the Knights' success during the "Siege of Malta" by the Ottamans, in 1565 the Knights decided to moved their headquarters to secure a more strategic base in what was then, the newly founded city of Valletta. From its outward appearance the Cathedral presents as a massive edifice with two large bell towers on either side. Its simple but strong fortress-like design reflects the sober mood of the Order following the epic events of the Great Siege. However, the inside is a jaw-dropping "over-the-top" extravagant artistic expression of the High Baroque decorative style. The Order spared no expense at decorating the interior with extravagant works of art, the latest opulent decorations and employed the most gifted and skillful architects and tradesmen known throughout Europe. 

The cathedral is made up of a wide nave with a barrel shaped vault and two aisle which lead into 12 smaller chapels. Originally the interiors decorations were simple but in the 17th century when Grand Master Cotoner ordered the redecoration of the interior the new flamboyant and demonstrative Baroque style was generously embraced. 

We had to sit and stare and taken in the all that lay before us. The high ornately painted ceilings, the gilded arches lining the two aisle, the glittering gold leaf embossed carved panelling and massive masterpieces by famous painters like Caravaggio, Preti and Michelangelo. All breathtaking in size and texture. 

But for us it was the inlaid marble floor that took our attention as the most splendidly creative, timeless and  practical treasure art piece. The floor consists of a collection of floor-tile made from strikingly bright and exquisitely designed, marbled inlaid floor-tombstone. The designs include Knights in armour, coat-of-arms, stories of battles, acts of chivalry, religious praise and recognition fallen heroes.

We were wowed yet again