The architecture of the Maltese Islands

Abstract

Quentin Hughes wrote in his excellent book The Buildings of Malta that 'Maltese masonry and Maltese architecture are synonymous'. It is through the use of this remarkable material that Malta has produced an architecture of the highest order. The stone from which all constructions, from the most primitive to the most sophisticated, are built, is a soft limestone known as 'Globigerina Limestone'. It is easily quarried, dressed and moulded. On exposure to the air, it tends to harden, mature and darken in colour. From this natural gift of a unique building material, Malta through the ages has produced a truly remarkable architecture.