While you're exploring Sliema, make sure you take the time to see the beautiful St. Patrick's Church. Just a couple of minute's walk from the seafront on St. John Bosco Street, it's a great place to escape the hot sun and spend a peaceful hour. Arriving at the church, which opened in 1905, look up to see the lovely mosaic of Mary Help of Christians. Entrance is free, and going inside you'll learn more about the building's history and its features. The interior's quite simple but there are some nice features. Take a seat on one of the wooden pews and gaze at the paintings which decorate the walls. There's a statue of Christ on the cross behind the altar, which has marble steps leading up to it. Enjoy the peace and quiet for a moment as you soak up the stillness of the atmosphere. Check to see if there are any special events on while you're in town, as the church is often involved with the summer's Malta International Music Festival. If you're going to Sliema in August you might be able to catch the St. Patrick Parish Festival, which is a lively, fun-filled event. After your visit to St. Patrick's Church, stroll the kilometre or so over to Holy Trinity Church, or make your way to the harbour nearby. From here you can catch a ferry to Valletta and explore Malta's capital city.
