One of the things that I instantly fell in love with here, even on that initial drive from the airport two years ago, were the balconies. I had no idea the architecture would be so romantic and unique. Let me show you the most beautiful Maltese balconies, doors and windows.
Balconies
Let’s start with these for they are a prominent feature of the old limestone townhouses that take precedence in the historical cities. Balconies were an important feature of the buildings constructed in the 16th century. The served many purposes.
Firstly, they were a way to protect the women from the prying eyes of the knights and men on the streets below. Secondly, they were a way for the locals to keep a lookout on the shores for invaders. When the Knights of Saint John first arrived in 1530, the times were tumultuous and a constant threat from the Ottomans was a reality. Everyone had to remain vigilant and the balconies assisted with that task.
Today they are a sought-after characteristic that many homeowners are preserving. It is not uncommon to see these painted in bright colours and when looking down a street, the sight is pure magic. The largest balcony is in Valletta and wraps around the corner of a prominent building. Rest assured no matter how small the city in Malta, if it is historical, it will have these balconies.
Doors
Oh the doors, swoon. Usually these are painted in the same colour as the balconies above. What is unique here are several hardware features. Firstly, a traditional door seems to have two panels, opening inwards. They mirror each other except that one usually has a letter slot.
Door knobs are placed in the middle of the door, not at the leading edge as is most common now. Often, they are metal orbs, but once in a while I will see a beautiful painted ceramic set or even glass ones!
Door Knockers
The main feature, and one that has landed Malta on the map as far as unique door hardware goes, are the door knockers! Still in use today, for I hear my neighbours’ ones being banged regularly, these are utterly charming. I have collected over one hundred photos of unique knockers on this visit alone. I absolutely adore them and am always thrilled when I spot a knocker I haven’t seen before.
Firstly, are the most traditional ones. These often contain fancy filigree, perhaps a lion’s head or a humanoid face. Some are ornate and others quite small and conservative. Often these are on the least loved doors, ones that have not been fixed up or repainted in decades.
Next are the sea creatures, Malta being an island, there are some mythical ones and more realistic. Perhaps my favourite are the animals, these are wonderful. I was thrilled to find a few elephants and even more so to see this Doberman.
From dragons, to plant life, horse shoes and everything in between, keep your eyes peeled for these magical little Maltese treasures.
Windows
The eyes of the home, windows. In Malta I find the most charming old windows. Usually, wooden framed but quite often covered in metal bars and intricate iron work.
Many windows are full of religious icons and statues and even showcase the exquisite Maltese lace that is getting more difficult to source here.
My favourite windows are any that use the Maltese cross in some fashion. From the most humble and simplistic window to the more ornate, there is always beauty to be found.
Coming Together
Combine all of these features now, and you have a façade that is not only charming but incredibly pretty too. I can walk around any of these small cities on the island, and never am I bored. There are always beautiful things to see and admire, photograph and reflect upon.
Malta has such a unique history. From megalithic temples that date older than the pyramids, to these utterly charming medieval balconies, doors and windows. This is why I fell in love with Malta. One is surrounded by beauty here; it doesn’t have to be searched for. Walking these streets is like being in a living museum, full of history and richness, and free!
