Melja's main attraction - Cute baroque Palace of Selmun. (Selmun Palace), built in the XVII century. He was designed by Maltese architect Duminik Kakia. Initially, the building belonged to the repurchase of slaves (Monte Di Redenzione), which was engaged in liberation (more precisely, repurchase) of captured Christians from Muslims. Palazzo Selmun is at the very entrance to the city, not far from the sea and almost slows down in the greenery of his garden. Currently, the entrance to the palace is closed for ordinary visitors, there is a hotel there, but only chosen (probably expensive) can get there. However, no one can prohibit you walk along the walls, bypass the palace in a circle, and at the same time admire a beautiful view of Aura and Baybbu, at the Bay of Mellich Bay, as well as the islands of Gozo and Comino.
The bright attraction of the city is the so-called Red Tower . Official name - Holy Agata Watchtower (St.agatha). Built in the middle of the XVII century on the Marph Range on the orders of Laskaris, the Grand Master of the Order of John. The Red Tower used to be used as an observation post of Maltese knights. In 2001, the tower was renovated by the Maltese Non-Profit Organization "DIN L-Art ħelwa", they are engaged in the restoration of such objects throughout Malta and look after them.
Outside, the Red Tower is easy to inspect, there will be a road from the main road to Chirkev (there are signs to the tower), but the road is cool and narrow. Go inside, as well as visit the catacombs perhaps every day from 10:00 to 13:00. The entrance is free, but will be grateful to any amount donated to DIN L-Art ħelwa.
Be sure to visit Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (Birth of Our Lady Church). This is a building on a hill in the Baroque style, the construction of the XIX century, it is seen from afar, especially well from Mellich Bay Beach. Located almost in the very center of the city. The characteristic feature is two high bell tones around the edges, the church itself is crowned with a large red dome. The external architecture of this structure can be enjoyed for a long time. The location of the temple makes it from the height of the hill to see the entire bay of Mellih, the look is stunning. Nearby there is a small cafe. While we were there, it was closed, so we could not enter inside. Later it turned out that the temple was opened only during the Mass, which begins at 5:30 in the morning. What time ends, I do not know, but apparently, early.
If you go to the road leading to Mellieha Bay, you can visit the artificial cave, divert in the XVII century. Called Grotto Virgin Mary GROTTO OF OUR LADY). Initially, it was a natural cave (probably used as a shrine during 1400s), it was expanded for centuries, and recently renovated and restored. Fourteen steps lead to the place where there is a small chapel with Statue of the Virgin Mary (OUR LADY OF THE CAVE). This chapel contains fresco (icon) "Madonna and Baby" which, if I don't confuse anything, was written Saint Luka. . There are many other ancient decorations. Only candles are burning, letters hang on the walls of the grotto, children's clothing (even crutches), which confirms the true importance of the church, as evidence of the blessing of the pilgrims who came here to pray to Madonna. Pope John Paul II also visited Mellih on May 26, 1990. Together with Maltese, he came to the sanctuary and prayed before the image of Our Lady. The memorial plaque in front of the chapel altar recalls the visit of Pope.
Also inside the grotto you can see a natural source, as it is considered with healing water.
Of interest Parish church of the manica built in the twentieth century. This is a modern and very unusual structure for both church. Richard Ingland, who designed her architect, said that the idea of creation arose from him after he saw a traditional Maltese hut, folded from wild stones (called Girna). Indeed, the original temple.
There are many other churches and chapels in the city. I will not list everything, you can "stumble upon" by chance, walking by Mellih streets.
In Mellich, it was preserved in various, truth, a number of fortification facilities. The most preserved are two watchtown towers of the XVII century. Ain Hadid (GħAJN ħadid Tower) and the so-called White Tower (White Tower). Both of these towers were erected by order of De Redin, the Grand Master of the Order of John.
In addition, in Mellich you can see several redoubts (most of them are in ruins), batteries and coastal fortifications. Each of defensive fortifications has its own name, but to remember them all and at the same time it is almost impossible to confuse anything.
Immediately before the beginning of the Second World War to protect the city from the sea, the British built Fort Campbell (Fort Campbell). To compare modern fortifications with medieval here, too, you can also look at.
In the immediate vicinity of Mellih there are several interesting natural attractions.
For example, Natural Park "Mistral" (Majjistral Park). It is located between the two picturesque bays - Golden Bay and Ancor Bay. It is a typical Maltese coast with a well-established biosystem. There are several farm land on the territory of the park. Yearly around the park, walks are organized, as well as eco-events, especially interesting for children. There are Mistral in the park and its formation object - recently renovated Tower Ain Znumber (Għajn żnuber).
Next to the Red Tower, as if opposite the central sandy beach, Mellih is located Bird Reserve Adir (Ghadira Nature Reserve). In fact, this is not a natural natural object, but such an artificially organized swamp. The Adir Reserve is not as big as Simar in the Aura / Budjibby area, but many types of migratory birds also arrive here. And just here, some birds even nest. For visitors to tourists, the reserve is open only from November to May, and even then two days a week: on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. On the territory of the reserve it is strictly forbidden to smoke. And every hour is organized free excursions, during which visitors are told about plants and birds.
Next to mellio Phantaya Village . It is impossible to go there, but it is clearly seen from the Red Tower. This is such a "piece" of the Vatican in Malta. From time to time, Roman dad comes from time to time, as well as Cardinals. John Paul II visited this village at one time.
It may also seem interesting, and both children and adults, a modern amusement park - Village Popia Village. (Popeye Village). Located right in Anchor Bay. This village is known for the Hollywood Music of 1980 "Popeye" with Robin Williams in the lead role. It was built during the 7th months of 1979. Currently, multiple scenery for the film and the intercourse of Village turned entirely into the entertainment park.
Well, you should not immediately leave from there. Directly opposite the set, there are sheer rocks, from which breathtaking views of the Bay of Ankor Bay.
In general, such she, Mellih. I hope you will enjoy.