Tag: 19th century

A photo of the Nibbia Chapel of Bones - Valletta, Malta

The Maltese chapel of bones

I’ve written about Czech ossuaries before, and I’ve visited the one in Paris, but few know there is a Maltese chapel of bones. Well, there used to be one anyway.
A rendition of Fort Orsi

Learn all about Malta’s lost Orsi Tower

We are so focused on preserving historical buildings that we often don’t realise how many already disappeared for one reason or another. Orsi tower used to stand guard at the mouth of Valletta's harbour, and is one such lost building.
A photo of the Invalidovna building

Prague’s Invalidovna

If you ask many people in Prague about 'Invalidovna' they'd be more likely to direct you to the metro stop of that name. Few know of the magnificent Baroque building which is the real Invalidovna.
A photo of the plaque commemorating Portuguese help in the liberation of Malta - Valletta, Malta

Learn how Portugal helped Malta in its time of need

If you ask people how Malta fought against French occupation, most will talk about how the British helped the Maltese out. Few know that the Portuguese navy played the decisive part in this battle. This article sets the record straight.
A photo of St Peter's basilica in the Vatican, as seen from Fort St Angelo - Rome, Italy

Why did the Pope want to move to Malta?

In the 19th century, various states on the Italian peninsula united to become a single, new country. While some papal states merged with the others, the Vatican refused to be under the control of an earthly ruler. It even considered moving the seat of the Holy See to Malta.
A photo of Bouzov castle - Olomouc, Czechia

The improvements to Bouzov castle

Many people marvel at European historical sites. Few realise that what we see today may be quite different from what was in use. People restored, rebuilt or enhanced many sites over the years. Sometimes the restoration and re-imagining of some historical sites is a crucial part of the story. This article explains the changes in Bouzov castle, in Czechia.
A photo of the Central Bank - Valletta, Malta

The powerful Anglo-Egyptian Bank in Malta

In the 19th century an offshore British bank in Malta issued its own banknotes. It's unusual to think of a private company issuing banknotes, more so in a small country like Malta. This article explains why this bank did so and why it was in Malta.
A map of the Battle of Ferozeshah

The Battle of Ferozeshah

British forces fought wars all over India in the 18th and 19th century. Between tribal feuds, and the British, there were many sources of conflict. This article describes the Battle of Ferozeshah, and its small connection to Malta.