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The village of Dingli lies on a plateau
some 250 metres above sea level just in land from the spectacular
Dingli Cliffs. The area provides not only open sea views over the
tiny, uninhabited isle of Fifla, but also an excellent vantage
point over Malta. From the cliffs there are views inland of nearby
Buskett Gardens and Verdala Palace. The countryside here is ideal
for walking. Dingli today is a quiet, rural area though in late
medieval times it was one of Malta's largest parishes. The parish
church of St Mary, originally built in 1678, dominates the
skyline. The streets around it are narrow and winding and typical
of an old agricultural village. Perched on the cliff top is the
smaller wayside chapel of St Mary Magdalene, dating from 1646.
Within the limits of Dingli are several prehistoric sites: the
so-called `cart ruts', unexplained parallel tracks hewn in the
rock; and several megalithic structures.
Dingli Cliffs are an impressive sight,
especially if viewed from sea level on an island cruise. They
are the Island's natural fortress, one bastion the Knights did not
have to build to protect themselves. From the cliff tops, one of
the most striking views and sheerest drops is just west of Dingli
village. Another atmospheric view is over to the uninhabited isle
of Fifla. The tiny chapel of St Mary Madgalene perched on the edge
marks the highest point on the Maltese Islands, some 250 metres
above sea level. Below the cliffs, where the land slopes before
plummeting again, farmers have managed over the centuries to
cultivate tiny terraced fields. The cliffs extend well beyond
Dingli village. The south-westerly stretch takes in the evocative
heights of Buxih, Fawwara, Ghar Lapsi and Munqar, above the sea at
Blue Grotto. Dingli Cliffs seem to exude a mysterious charm
especially late evening on calm summer days when the sunsets here
can be dramatic. Following recent restoration works, this historic
building is now used as a Government Guest Palace.
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