Tourist Recreates Her Grandmother’s Malta Photos 47 Years Later

A tourist has recreated a series of photographs originally taken by her grandmother during a visit to Malta in 1979, returning to the same locations 47 years later to capture a striking comparison between the island then and now.

The photographs, shared on social media, focus on Valletta and feature some of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks. Among them is Auberge de Castille in Castille Square, which today serves as the office of Malta’s Prime Minister, as well as St John’s Co-Cathedral and other historic locations across the city.

By placing the 1979 photographs alongside the newly recreated images, the tourist highlights how much Malta has changed while also showing how remarkably familiar parts of Valletta remain.

The post, titled “Malta 🇲🇹 1979 vs 2026: Part I: Valletta,” also pays tribute to the experience of her grandmother, whose visit captured Malta nearly five decades ago.

In the accompanying caption, Toni described Malta as “this astonishing land” and reflected on its temples, medieval heritage, churches and the legacy of the Knights of St John.

The caption also recalls visiting Caravaggio’s works at St John’s Co-Cathedral, having coffee in Republic Square and looking towards the harbour.

The recreated photographs offer a personal journey through time, connecting a grandmother’s memories of Malta in 1979 with a new generation experiencing the same places in 2026.

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