Maltese stone

Abstract

The rich history of Malta testifies that over the centuries, or rather millennia, it has played an important strategic role as a defensible point in the middle of the Mediterranean. The remains of the Ggantija Temples can be seen today on the island of Gozo, which have a specific place in the development of the earliest sacral architecture. The underground temples and tombs hold a special place. The next important period is the Renaissance. Valletta is one of the most important Renaissance towns, which, according to tradition, was planned in a mere six days. This period was followed by the Baroque. A well-known name from that time is Count Giovanni Battista Vertova, who was a mathematician and military engineer. Contemporary architecture provides the last framework. Here it is worth mentioning as a curiosity the production of modular stone in quarries in a way that is characteristic only for this area. In addition to new buildings, vernacular architecture must also be mentioned, to which belong girnas or shelters, hides for bird hunters, beehives in walls, wells etc.