The Real Reason Malta’s Streets Are So Narrow – It’s Not What You Think

Ever walked through a Maltese town and felt like the streets were made for ants? The roads twist and turn, and some are so skinny you could touch both sides with your arms out. But guess what? They weren’t just built that way to confuse tourists!

Most people think the narrow streets were made because people in the olden days didn’t have cars. And that’s true – but that’s not the whole story.

Here’s the real reason: the streets were made narrow on purpose to help protect against heat and invaders!

First, let’s talk about the sun. Malta gets really hot in summer. Long ago, before fans and air conditioners, people designed narrow streets so that buildings would block the sunlight. This made the walkways cooler and shady. Smart, right?

But there’s more. When pirates or enemy soldiers tried to attack a town, the twisty, narrow streets made it hard for them to move quickly. Defenders knew the area better and could surprise attackers at every turn.

In cities like Mdina, the old capital of Malta, you can still see this clever design. Some corners are sharp, streets are like mazes, and it’s all done to keep people cool and safe.

So, next time you’re squeezing your way through a Maltese alley, just remember – those tiny streets are actually a big part of the island’s genius history!

#MaltaDaily