10/7/24: Rabat & Mdina's Doorknockers & Religious Reliefs!

 

Steven and I had such a blast walking through Malta's adjacent towns of Rabat and Mdina, in no small part because of the very decorative doorknockers, religious reliefs, and other features unique to Malta. Here are my favorites: 

As you might remember from my first posts on the Maltese capital of Valletta, I was immediately struck by the colorful balconies found throughout the city. Found all over the island and mainly on the older part of any village or town, the traditional Maltese wooden balcony with glass windowds is a key architectural feature. The origins of the typical Maltese balcony recollect ancient times and the muxrabija, a creation of the Arab world. Literally, a peephole looking from the inside out, it effectively allowed the person on the inside to observe all that was going on outside, without being visible to the people in the street below. It permitted men to keep their women shielded from prying eyes, usually belonging to other men. The enclosed wooden balcony also brought light and air indoors while filtering heat and cold from entering directly inside.

Fast-forward to the present day. For many families, the balcony has become an excellent place for drying laundry, lounging and reading a good book, keeping a collection of plants, or simply enjoying standing, leaning out, and observing the world go by. I read that the original balconies are sought after in the Malta real estate market, where buyers ask for them specifically. The result is that the muxrabija has become completely contrary to its original intent and a far cry from the tradition that kept the inhabitants of a property firmly ensconced indoors.

 Next post: A look back at COVID photos on the 5th anniversary of the pandemic.

Posted on March 24th, 2025, from Denver, a few days into spring. I hope that you and your loved ones are enjoying the newly emerging flowers and the warmer weather that spring promises.