A Guide To The Three Cities Of Malta

Malta is a southern European country which is located centrally in the Mediterranean Sea just to the south of Italy. It is a small country which is only 300 square kilometers in size although its location made it strategically important in history and it has been a prized possession over the years. A number of the powerful nations in European history have ruled the country including the Greeks, Romans, French and British although it gained its independence in 1964 and is now a Republic. Another of the powers that ruled the country was known as the Knights of St. John which was a religious/military order that prospered in the Middle Ages. They were responsible for many of the fortifications constructed on Malta, the most famous of which is the three cities of Malta. The three cities comprise Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea and these are surrounded by a line of fortifications which is known as the Cottonera Line. Some information about the cities includes the following.

Cospicua
Cospicua is the largest of the three cities and is centrally located between the other two. All three are in the area surrounding the Great Harbor of Malta which is a natural harbor that has been in use for thousands of years. The history of Cospicua as a maritime location dates back to Phoenician times around 600BC and the area of the city has been in use since this time. However the development of the city itself did not really take off until the 18th century when the Knights of St. John constructed a dockyard. This has been extensively used into the modern day although its use as a working dockyard has declined in recent years and plans are now in place to transform it into a tourist attraction and commercial centre. The patron of the city is the Virgin Mary and there is a church dedicated to her in the city.Other tour packages attractions to see include the fortifications surrounding the city, St Helen’s Gate and Bir Mula Heritage which is a museum documenting much of the history of the city. The city also stages a famous feast on the 8th of December each year which is held to commemorate the Immaculate Conception.

Vittoriosa
Vittoriosa is a small, ancient city on the south side of the Great Harbor of Malta. It also goes by the name of Birgu and its locality is perfect for safe anchorage which made the area of the city well used from the earliest of times. Many of the powers that have ruled Malta contributed to the development of Vittoriosa. However the city really came to prominence when the Knights of St. John were the rulers of the country as they made it their base and also the capital city of the country. The carried out much work on Fort St. Angelo which lies at the head of the city and also the other fortifications which surround the city. Vittoriosa played a vital part of the defense of the country during the 1565 Siege of Malta when the Ottoman Empire attacked. The city was never captured and its defenses held out to help the Knights of St. John gain a decisive victory. However not long after this the Grand Master of the Knights began construction of a new city which was to be known as Valetta and in 1571 this became the new capital of Malta. Vittoriosa lost much of its influence following this. Today the city is home to around 3,000 residents and is a popular vacation package destination in Malta. There are many attractions to see and some of these include Fort St. Angelo, the Malta Maritime Museum, the Vittoriosa 1565 Museum and St Lawrence’s Church. The many holidays attractions make it an interesting city visit and its beautiful location adds to the appeal.

Senglea
Senglea is the third of the three cities and this was constructed by Claude De La Sengle from whom it gets its name. It also played a pivotal part in the 1565 Siege of Malta and as it resisted the attempts of the invading Ottoman Empire it was given the name Civitas Invicta meaning undefeated citizens. The area of the city was originally used as hunting grounds by the Knights of St. John although was eventually developed by Claude De La Sengle into the city it is today. It currently has a population of around 3,500 people although this is greatly reduced from earlier times. It suffered much damage during the Second World War as it was bombarded by German aircraft and much of the population left at this time never to return. The city has a few famous travel attractions apart from the fortifications which surround it. The statue of Jesus Christ the Redeemer is the most well known of these and this is located in the Basilica which is a beautiful building to see. Other tour attractions include the Gardjola Garden and the local band club which plays at the festivals staged in the city.

The three cities of Malta are an interesting place to visit and see some of the history of the country. The fortifications which surround them are an impressive sight and a trip to see the three cities is sure to be an enjoyable and fascinating experience.

Men’s Watches: A Gift Guide for Every Guy

With such a diverse pool of wristwatches found in stores and online, locating the perfect gift can sometimes be a daunting task. Putting serious thought into what style your friend or family member likes is important, as is shopping around for the best quality for the money. Listed below are several popular models that will get you thinking about the features most important to you for when you begin your search.

Swiss Legend’s President Watch

This watch is a classic pick, whether you are headed to an anniversary dinner or birthday party. The exhibition back, alligator-embossed strap, and round sandstone dial are favorite components of many who look at Swiss Legend’s President Model. Automatic movement features a mechanism that automatically winds the mainspring for you, forgoing the hassle of having to manually wind. Grand Roman numerals, hour dot markers, and incredibly strong sapphire crystal give this timepiece lasting style and quality. Surprise him with a watch that is right up his alley with this intriguing model.

Android’s Octopuz Diver Watch

The words chic, sleek, and sophisticated don’t even begin to describe the Android Octopuz Diver Watch. The startling dial comes in your choice of bold colors and features white Super-LumiNova index markers at the hour positions. You can see the mesmerizing precision of the Japanese Miyota automatic movement for yourself thanks to the exhibition back. Polished stainless steel and a slender, unobtrusive design provide new heights in durability and quality. With this popular model from Android, you’re not just giving the gift of time—you’re also presenting the wearer with unstoppable style.

Adee Kaye’s Stainless Steel Watch

Offering versatile appeal and a sleek design, the Adee Kaye Stainless Steel Watch will make an excellent addition to any collection. The impeccable timing of Swiss Ronda quartz chronograph movement means your friend will have no reason to be late. The combined strength of the stainless steel band and the mineral crystal will keep your new purchase well protected. From the slender, streamlined design to the convenient sub-dials and hour markers, this watch is a serious contender on many wish lists.

Croton’s Flyer Dual Time Watch

Practical and appealing with its casual style, the Croton Flyer Dual Time Watch is the perfect companion piece. The large Arabic numerals are easy to read while the hour markers and luminous hands make it simple to tell the time at a glance. The genuine leather strap secures in place with a buckle clasp, and the mineral crystal ensures the enduring quality of this timepiece. The rotating outer dial represents military time while Swiss Ronda quartz movement delivers unwavering accuracy. This model is great for the busy gentleman who has an appreciation for sensible accessories accommodated by attractive style and a relatively simple presentation.

Invicta’s Russian Diver Quinotaur Watch

Bold and with a style all its own, the Invicta Russian Diver Quinotaur Watch will bring a touch of dramatic flair to any ensemble. The irresistible design consists of a stainless steel case with a special screw-down crown and chain with a protective cap. The coin-edged bezel adds interesting texture while the index markers and Arabic numerals provide convenience. For a playful touch, the Russian Diver logo surrounds the date window as the GMT scale by the outer dial leaves you with a dual time zone function. From the polyurethane strap to the mineral crystal and Ronda quartz movement, this watch will impress with quality as it delivers on style.

Renato’s Limited Edition Mostro Watch

Great for the gadget guy, the Renato Limited Edition Mostro Watch offers plenty of functions to keep your friend busy along with a strikingly hi-tech style. The black octagonal ionic-plated stainless steel case comes with an engraving on the back that denotes the number of the limited edition timepiece you receive. Underneath the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal you’ll find a round embossed sunray dial with a date window, subdials, and index markers. The push/pull crown with function pushers and the Swiss Ronda quartz chronograph movement provide the utility of a stopwatch along with the dependability of a traditional watch. With its commanding presence that will make anyone sit up and take notice, this Renato model undoubtedly makes the perfect gift.

Stuhrling’s Original Cuvette Automatic Watch

Showcasing undeniable class and refinement, the Stuhrling Original Cuvette Automatic Watch will make your friend or family member’s day. Behold the exhibition back to glimpse the inner workings of an amazing Caliber automatic system. Arabic numerals sit at all hour positions on the textured dial that features a subdial and date window. The genuine leather strap meets in back with a buckle clasp. Try out this model for a stunning timepiece exuding elegant style, timeless design, and premium quality. No matter the occasion, the Stuhrling Original will be an instant classic.

 

More Invicta Watches Articles

A Guide To Watch Shopping

Watch shopping today will take you around the world and back.  There are many innovative, unique and fashionable pieces available today that provide not only the simple design features of a watch but the quality of modern technology and high fashion.  When finding and choosing a watch for your needs, take into consideration what the latest trends in watch fashion are, but hold true to your own passion and watch designs.

Watches Of Size

The current trends in watches seem to center around the stylish features of them.  For example, large watches are very popular because they provide a fashion statement in themselves.  These watches are not just for telling time.  Many offer a jewelry statement in and of themselves.  While people never go far without their cell phone for time telling, the watch has become much more important as a fashion and status symbol.

Large watches, those with wide bands and with large faces are becoming the normal and trendy option.  These are available by many of the better watch brands and they offer surprisingly little in common with each other.  A large face may be adorned by beautiful diamonds, or not.  It could be a stainless steel band, or it could be leather of the finest type.  Many of the watch brands are offering a variety of choices in their collections to appeal to the large audience.

Large watches, both large in size and shape are in.  This includes watches that have a 20 mm diameter or more.

Look At Shape

In addition to the size trends of today’s watches, you will also find that the shape of the watches have changed somewhat.  Now, the tonneau look, which means barrel shape in French, has become quite common.  In addition, the TV screen shape has also become a trendy option.  Round faces are a fantastic option but keep them for your casual watches instead.

Materials Count

The style of the watch is one thing, and the size another, but what your watch is made out of is just as essential.  Perhaps the most important style is diamonds.  Diamonds have always been an attractive addition to the watch, but it seems that designers, stars and of course everyday consumers are over the top to include diamonds in the watches they are sporting.  You’ll also find vintage watches are popular with their leather bracelets, especially in a casual look.

Function

Chronograph watches are popular choices currently, too.  You will also find a number of other aspects important when choosing a watch.  For example, the two dial, dual time feature seems to be a heavy favorite currently.  Whether or not you need the function, the trends in watches is to have them on your watch!  Designers are offering more options too, making it easier to select the watch that fits your specific goals.

When choosing a watch that needs to be trendy, look for these functions.  The top three elements you’ll find popular today are the large size of the watches (remember 40 mm diameter or better), diamonds and chronograph features to them.  Many of the top designers (and most of the others) are featuring stylish watches that meet these demands perfectly.

The Absolute Guide to buying Watches

Buying watches is one of the most serious and tricky things to get done especially if you do not have enough idea about this item. Sometimes you can even get fooled by imitators which can be a bit frustrating. What’s worse is paying huge amount for watches which are imitations. Sometimes the price of imitations is the same as with the original ones. In fact a lot of individuals have been fooled by this illegality.

Before buying a watch make sure that you consider the following:

• Why would you buy a new watch? Is it because you want something new, you want to use it for work, to give to someone or to just use it for fashion purposes? Make sure that you know the very reason before getting a new watch.
• Where do you plan to buy? If you are going to buy watches online make sure that you know the shop pretty well. You can watch for reviews if you like. These days, most individuals prefer buying watches online.
• Make sure that you know what brand of watches to buy. If you want to buy watches of good quality go for designer watches. There are so many designer watches which are durable and can last even for a lifetime like Rolex, Timex, Omega, Philip Stein, and Police etc…
• You must know what type of watches to buy… It could be automatic or quarts depend with your liking.
• Also consider your budget.
• And another thing, buy watches that suits to your personality and lifestyle.