The Commission was first established in 1952 with the purpose of helping emigrants leaving the country during the post-World War 2 era. All preparations and departures were carefully documented and kept on file. Now, these documents have been made available at the Commission’s library and digital archives. The idea for this historic presentation was first conceived in 2000, and following approval from the Convention of Leaders of Associations of Maltese Abroad and of Maltese Origin, it was finally inaugurated on December 4th 2012. The project is sponsored by the Vodafone Malta Foundation and APS Bank.

Valletta at night, Malta by Joshua Zader

Malta’s Migration Phenomenon

Emigration has played a significant role in the history of Malta; the process served as a safety measure against a population explosion on the small Mediterranean island following World War 2, and it’s been revealed that between 1948 and 1967, a stunning 30% of the nation’s population emigrated. According to the Emigration Commission’s history, approximately 28% of people who left Malta went to Australia, 10.5% went to the United Kingdom and 6.5% moved to Canada. The United States was also a popular destination. Through the assisted passage scheme provided by the Emigration Commission, these immigrants received help with the costs of their journey, and many were taught to speak and read English. Emigration rates dropped again in the 1970’s.

History and Heritage

The aim of this newly inaugurated museum is to preserve this part of Maltese history, showing a record of how the emigration phenomenon developed, and what Maltese emigrants contributed to their newly adopted countries. It is also hoped that Maltese communities around the world will come to understand this part of their history and culture a bit better, and that their sense of connection to their Maltese roots will grow.

Hagar Qim Neolithic Temple; Qendri, Malta by John Haslam

Modern-Day Malta

Today, Malta’s population density is one of the highest in the EU, standing at 1.282 per square kilometre. Local Maltese people make up the majority of the population, with the most prevalent minority group being British people who have retired to the sunny island nation.

Crowds of students, school groups and researchers will be visiting the Emigration Commission’s archives in the coming months; this close look at Malta’s history should also prove fascinating to those residents who immigrated to Malta from countries around the world.

Nicky Warner is a London-based blogger who occasionally travels to Malta; these journeys have taught her a great deal about Malta companies and a keen interest in the history of Malta.

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St Johns Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta

St Johns Co-Cathedral, Valletta

The first destination you’ll want to beeline for out of a Malta hotel is St Johns Co-Cathedral, an ancient wonder over 500 years old. The history of Malta and Catholicism in Europe is intrinsically linked to Valetta with St Johns Co-Cathedral marking one of the most important destinations or piece of property in Malta’s rich history. It was the noblemen of Europe charged with defending their faith against invading forces that led to Malta being a strategic centre in the Mediterranean and after the Great Siege of 1565, Valetta was established, fortified and made a holy place. A mere 12 years later St Johns Co-Cathedral was completed as a destination; no doubt the perfect Malta weather aided this rapid completion. Today St Johns Co-Cathedral acts as a cultural centre for Valetta with many traditional events taking place here which makes it a must-see site in Malta.

The Grandmaster’s Palace, Valletta

The most important modern spot in Valetta also happens to be one of the most important in its history. Travel to this Malta destination if you want to experience the definition of opulence in architecture, because The Grandmaster’s Palace fits many roles. As a tourist destination there is more than enough to awe at, as is houses the House of Representatives and the Office of the President of Malta it is the most important governmental structure in Malta and as a historical building it was once simply the home of Eustachio del Monte built in 1571. Antique weapons and halls of empty knights line the corridors and it’s not uncommon to see a chandelier more elegant and opulent than the last. The Grandmaster’s Palace is amazing to behold and should be a priority to visit in Malta.

It’s clear from these two very good examples, that Malta is more than enough to sate the curiosity of the historic enthusiast. Malta destinations are among the most important in existence with numerous World Heritage Sites dotting the island; it truly is a place of unique importance.

Eugene Calvini has been on enough Malta holidays to know the island is a special tourist spot and enjoys exposing the best the country has to offer.

The post Two Malta Destinations to Visit on Your Historic Holiday appeared first on Europe Explored.