The Rotunda of Mosta

The cathedral in Mosta. It is commonly known as the Rotunda of Mosta. It is the fourth largest unsupported dome in the world and the third largest in Europe. On April 9, 1942, during World War II, on an afternoon air-raid, a 200 kg Luftwaffe bomb pierced the dome (two others bounced off) and fell among a congregation of more than 300 people awaiting early evening mass. It did not explode. Its replica is now on display at the back of the church under the words Il-Miraklu tal-Bomba - The Miracle Bomb.

A painting in the rotunda that fascinated us. I am trying to find the story behind it online.

 The spot in the dome where the bomb came through.

A replica of the bomb.

A very important part of our afternoon!


 

Malta International Fireworks Festival

The Malta International Fireworks Festival is an annual event on the island of Malta. This spectacular event takes place at the end of April, and we got to enjoy it on the night of April 27. The event happened on the harbor close to our hotel.
The festival also serves to commemorate Malta's accession into the European Union that took place on 1st May 2004.

 

 The spot where we watched the fireworks from - the Malta Aquarium.

Mdina - "The Silent City"

Today we visited the ancient city of Mdina. This city dates back to over 4000 years. According to tradition it was here in 60 A.D. that the Apostle St. Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the Islands.