30 -- Malta's Old Capital Region (Exclusive)

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

30 -- Malta's Old Capital Region (Exclusive) 1 Day Itinerary #30 -- Malta's Old Capital Region (Exclusive) Malta's Remarkable Old Capital Region St. Paul's Catacombs St. Paul's Grotto & WWII Shelters Mdina - the Silent City Mdina Private Palace Visit Itinerary Inclusions Itinerary Exclusions NET Euro Value Total (Based on Two People) Malta's Remarkable Old Capital Region The Old Capital region comprises the current limits of Mdina and parts of the village of Rabat. Mdina itself was founded as Maleth in around the 8th century BC by the Phoenicians and was later renamed Melite by the Romans. Under the Byzantine or Arab occupation the area was reduced and adopted its present name. Mdina remained the capital of Malta up until the Knights of St. John arrived in 1530 and had seen a transformation from a medieval city to a largely Baroque one due in part to damage caused in 1693 by an earthquake. 1 St. Paul's Catacombs St.Paul’s Catacombs are a typical complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 4th century AD. They are located on the outskirts of the old Roman capital Melite (today’s Mdina), since Roman law prohibited burials within the city. St Paul’s Catacombs represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity and Judaism in Malta. St. Paul's Grotto & WWII Shelters The Wignacourt Collegiate Museum at Rabat Malta was formerly the baroque residence of the Chaplains of the Knights of St. John. Originally inaugurated by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt (1601-1622), it has recently reopened after a thorough refurbishment of the whole building together with the restoration of most of the artworks which it presently hosts. Initially located outside the former Roman City of Melite, the Wignacourt Museum forms part of a Pauline complex as it is materially linked to St Paul's Grotto, the cradle of Christianity in Malta. This is the place where St Paul the Apostle, in A.D. 60, is believed to have founded the first Christian Community on the island. 2 Mdina - the Silent City You will feel the power as you enter the Old Capital City of Mdina and fall in love with it inasmuch as the families who continue to live here. It's Malta's only medieval city with a range of architecture that includes Norman and Arabic features. If you're a Game of Thrones fan, you will recognize the main gates immediately. Mdina Private Palace Visit One of Mdina's nicknames it Citta Nobile and it's no wonder. Noble families have occupied Mdina well before the Knights of St. John arrived in Malta. With just a couple of knocks on the door, you'll enter to find more than just a home. This rare and exclusive opportunity will have you meet a family member who will share their most prized possessions and the stories linked to them. Note: Availability is confirmed, however the private visit is always at the discretion of the owner. Itinerary Inclusions • Start time of 9am or 1pm (4 hour tour) • Expert guiding • Car transfers from Valletta to Mdina • Entrance to attractions indicated on the itinerary 3 Itinerary Exclusions • Attractions and meals not identified in the itinerary • Gratuities for guide and driver NET Euro Value Total (Based on Two People) 731.27 Euro 4.
Recommended publications
  • Measuring and Modelling Demographic Trends in Malta: Implications for Ageing Policy
    International Journal on Ageing in Developing Countries, 2019, 4 (2): 78-90 Measuring and Modelling Demographic Trends in Malta: Implications for Ageing Policy Marvin Formosa1 Abstract. Malta’s population experienced a sharp ageing transition due to increasing and decreasing levels of life expectancy and fertility rates respectively. This article reviews demographic changes relating to population ageing that took place in Malta, and future population projections which anticipate even higher numbers and percentages of older persons. At end of 2017, 18.8% of the total population, or 89,517 persons, were aged 65-plus. The largest share is made up of women, with 53.4% of the total. The sex ratios for cohorts aged 65-plus and 80-plus in 2013 numbered 83 and 60 respectively. Population projections indicate clearly that Malta will be one of the fastest ageing countries in the European Union. the (Maltese) percentage of children (0-14) of the total population is projected to increase slightly from 14.5% to 15.4% (+0.9%), whilst the working-age population (15-64) will experience dramatic decrease, from 68 to 56.1% (-11.9%). On the other hand, the older population segment will incur extraordinary increases. The 65-plus/80-plus population will reach 28.5%/10.5% of the total population in 2060, from 17.5%/3.8% in 2013 (+11.0/6.7%). The ageing-related challenges that the Maltese government that is currently facing traverse three key overlapping areas of policy boundaries and include the labour market, health care, and long-term care. There will also be policy issues which, if not immediate, will certainly need to be addressed in the foreseeable future.
    [Show full text]
  • Medieval Mdina 2014.Pdf
    I Fanciulli e la Corte di Olnano This group was formed in 2002 in the Republic of San Marino. The original name was I Fanciulli di Olnano meaning the young children of Olnano, as the aim of the group was to explain history visually to children. Since then the group has developed Dolceria Appettitosa into a historical re-enactment group with adults Main Street and children, including various thematic sections Rabat within its ranks specializing in Dance, Singing, Tel: (00356) 21 451042 Embroidery, Medieval kitchen and other artisan skills. Detailed armour of some of the members of the group highlights the military aspects of Medieval times. Anakron Living History This group of enthusiasts dedicate their time to the re-enactment of the Medieval way of life by authentically emulating the daily aspects of the period such as socialising, combat practice and playing of Medieval instruments. The Medieval Tavern was the main centre of recreational, entertainment, gambling and where hearty home cooked meal was always to be found. Fabio Zaganelli The show is called “Lost in the Middle Ages”. Here Fabio acts as Fabius the Court Jester and beloved fool of the people. A playful saltimbanco and histrionic character, he creates fun and involves onlookers of all ages, Fabio never fails to amaze his audiences with high level circus skills and comedy acts, improvised dialogue plays and rhymes, poetry and rigmaroles. Fabio is an able juggler, acrobat, fakir and the way he plays with fi re makes him a real showman. BIBITA Bibita the Maltese minstrel band made their public Cafe’ Bistro Wine Bar debut at last year’s Medieval Festival.
    [Show full text]
  • The Origin of the Name of Gozo.Pdf
    The Origin of the Name of Gozo Horatio CAESAR ROGER VELLA The Name of Gozo paper will show, Gozo is an ancient variant of Gaudos from which it is derived, as much as Għawdex is. “Do you come from Għawdex?” is a question that The irony is that Gozo, Għawdex and Gaudos did sounds as discordant as the other one, “Intom minn not originally belong to us, as I explained in other Gozo?”. To one not conversant with the Greek origin publications of mine.1 of the names of Gozo, such questions sound like being uttered by Maltese trying to speak English, and Gaudos is the Greek name of a small island on the mix Maltese with English or, the other way round, south-western side of Crete, with its smaller sister like knowledgeable tourists trying to speak Maltese island of Gaudapula. Cretan Gaudos is half the size and, to our mind, mix it with “English”. This paper of our island of Gozo, roughly at 24˚ longitude and will show that none is the case. 35˚ latitude (1˚ southern than our Gozo), and less than 30 miles from Crete. We, in fact, can use “Għawdex” liberally when speaking in English; likewise, we can use the name The pronunciation of Cretan Gaudos from Byzantine of “Gozo” when speaking in Maltese, for, as this times has been not Gaudos, but Gavdos, for since those times, the Greeks developed the pronunciation of the diphthong au as “av”, as in thauma, pronounced as “thavma”, meaning “miracle”. Similarly, eu is pronounced as “ev” as in Zeus pronounced as “Zevs”, the chief god of the Greek pantheon.
    [Show full text]
  • St-Paul-Faith-Iconography.Pdf
    An exhibition organized by the Sacred Art Commission in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo on the occasion of the year dedicated to St. Paul Exhibition Hall Ministry for Gozo Victoria 24th January - 14th February 2009 St Paul in Art in Gozo c.1300-1950: a critical study Exhibition Curator Fr. Joseph Calleja MARK SAGONA Introduction Artistic Consultant Mark Sagona For many centuries, at least since the Late Middle Ages, when Malta was re- Christianised, the Maltese have staunchly believed that the Apostle of the Gentiles Acknowledgements was delivered to their islands through divine intervention and converted the H.E. Dr. Edward Fenech Adami, H.E. Tommaso Caputo, inhabitants to Christianity, thus initiating an uninterrupted community of 1 Christians. St Paul, therefore, became the patron saint of Malta and the Maltese H.E. Bishop Mario Grech, Hon. Giovanna Debono, called him their 'father'. However, it has been amply and clearly pointed out that the present state of our knowledge does not permit an authentication of these alleged Mgr. Giovanni B. Gauci, Arch. Carmelo Mercieca, Arch. Tarcisio Camilleri, Arch. Salv Muscat, events. In fact, there is no historic, archaeological or documentary evidence to attest Arch. Carmelo Gauci, Arch. Frankie Bajada, Arch. Pawlu Cardona, Arch. Carmelo Refalo, to the presence of a Christian community in Malta before the late fourth century1, Arch. {u\epp Attard, Kapp. Tonio Galea, Kapp. Brian Mejlaq, Mgr. John Azzopardi, Can. John Sultana, while the narrative, in the Acts of the Apostles, of the shipwreck of the saint in 60 AD and its association with Malta has been immersed in controversy for many Fr.
    [Show full text]
  • Gozo During the Second World War - a Glimpse
    Gozo During the Second World War - a Glimpse CHARLES BEZZINA Introduction squad was not set up in Gozo during the war and British soldiers, who started to visit Gozo in March The part played by Gozo during the war was 1941, were only stationed in Gozo primary schools somewhat different from that of Malta. Gozo, or other private buildings just for short periods, though subject to the same rules and regulations of to relax and also for their military exercises and wartime Malta, was not a military objective and it parades to boost the local morale. It was only in was only in early 1942 that Gozo became an enemy mid-1943 that, because of the temporary Gozo target. Yet Gozitans feared the enemy especially Airfield, some defence precautions were taken to in 1942 since the island was defenceless and had guard against any air attacks. nothing to fight with. Therefore certain exigencies that were introduced in Malta from the outbreak of From the outbreak of the war with Italy in June 1940 the hostilities with Italy, became in force in Gozo up to mid-December 1941, Italian and German only after the Luftwaffe intensified the attacks on the planes just passed over Gozo and occasionally island in 1942. Thus in Gozo public shelter digging dropped bombs only to lighten their load and turn and construction did not start before March 1941, back as fast as they could. Thus Gozo as a small the Demolition and Clearance was not established and defenceless island never endured the harsh until February 1942 and the Home Guard only came bombing that took place incessantly on Malta.
    [Show full text]
  • SEPTEMBER 2019 Priories
    The BULLETIN The Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller THE GRAND PRIORY OF AUSTRALASIA Under the Royal Charter of HM King Peter II of Yugoslavia THE PRIORY OF QUEENSLAND AND COMMANDERIES: BRISBANE, GOLD COAST, SUNSHINE COAST AND WESTERN AUSTRALIA A centuries- old ceremony THE PRIORY OF THE DARLING DOWNS performed with grace and dignity, THE PRIORY OF VICTORIA welcoming 10 investees from three Queensland SEPTEMBER 2019 priories. Overseas Visitors 3 Pages 4-11 A Three-Priory Investiture 4 -11 Vancouver Meeting 2020 7 Elevations 2019 11 Victoria Investiture 12-14 Simulator for Life Flight 15 Brisbane Priory News 16 Footsteps of the Knights Tour 17 News and Events from WA 20 A Year of Celebration 22 Sunshine Coast News 24 THE BULLETIN EDITORIAL CHEVALIER CHARLES CLARK GCSJ MMSJ weekend a cocktail party celebrated 50 years of the Order of Saint John in Australia and a commemorative From the Editor’s desk medal was issued. A week later the Priory of Victoria held their Investiture Ceremony attended The three months be together. also by the Sovereign Order May to July this year have been In May the Commandery of representatives. All these unite an extra-ordinary time for the Western Australia was elevated to further our work for Christian Grand Priory of Australasia. It to Priory status, and so was the Charity. If it were not so, the writing has seen changes; changes in the Commandery of the Sunshine Coast. about them would be futile. way things are done, changes in New Members’ Night, an event Planning continues for fund- attitudes.
    [Show full text]
  • Module 1 Gozo Today
    Unit 1 - Gozo Today Josianne Vella Preamble: This first unit brings a brief overview of the Island’s physical and human geography, including a brief historic overview of the economic activities in Gozo. Various means of access to, and across the island as well as some of the major places of interest have been interspersed with information on the Island’s customs and unique language. ‘For over 5,000 years people have lived here, and have changed and shaped the land, the wild plants and animals, the crops and the constructions and buildings on it. All that speaks of the past and the traditions of the Islands, of the natural world too, is heritage.’ Haslam, S. M. & Borg, J., 2002. ‘Let’s Go and Look After our Nature, our Heritage!’. Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries - Socjeta Agraria, Malta. The Island of Gozo Location: Gozo (Għawdex) is the second largest island of the Maltese Archipelago. The archipelago consists of the Islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino as well as a few other uninhabited islets. It is roughly situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, about 93km south of Sicily, 350 kilometres due north of Tripoli and about 290 km from the nearest point on the North African mainland. Size: The total surface area of the Islands amounts to 315.6 square kilometres and are among the smallest inhabited islands in the Mediterranean. With a coastline of 47 km, Gozo occupies an area of 66 square kilometres and is 14 km at its longest and 7 km at its widest. IRMCo, Malta e-Module Gozo Unit 1 Page 1/8 Climate: The prevailing climate in the Maltese Islands is typically Mediterranean, with a mild, wet winter and a long, dry summer.
    [Show full text]
  • Winter Escapes
    Winter Escapes 22 unmissable travel adventures departing November 2020 – January 2021 10 superb new winter destinations, including St Petersburg, Mexico & Egypt Secure your place with a low deposit of $149 T&C’s apply BETTER WEATHER? QUIETER SITES? AVOIDING THE CHRISTMAS CHORES? There are many reasons to choose a winter escape, but Andante Travels’ collection of Christmas and New Year tours stand out from the crowd. Embark upon an ancient world adventure to a renowned archaeological site at a time of year when tourists tend not to visit. Soak up the culture and history of a destination with many stories to tell, while markets and lights add an extra dimension to its charm. Leave grey skies behind with a far-flung exploration that takes in multiple countries from the comfort Contents of a cruise ship. Make your winter travels count and choose something different this year – the world NEW Israel, Egypt & Jordan - Cruise & Stay...pg 6 Sri Lanka. .......................................................... pg 18 is waiting and this is the perfect season to get out Israel & Palestine. ..............................................pg 7 North India ....................................................... pg 18 there and explore it. Lebanon ................................................................pg 7 Oman .................................................................. pg 19 Jackie Willis Algeria - Roman Mauretania ............................ pg 8 Chile & Easter Island. ...................................... pg 19 CEO Tunisia - The Punic
    [Show full text]
  • The Maltese Islands and the Sea in Antiquity
    THE MALTESE ISLANDS AND THE SEA IN ANTIQUITY The Maltese Islands and the Sea in Antiquity TIMMY GAMBIN The events of history often lead to the islands… F. Braudel THE STRETCHES OF SEA EXTANT BETWEEN ISLANDS AND mainland may be observed as having primary-dual functionalities: that of ‘isolating’ islands and that of providing connectivity with land masses that lay beyond the islands’ shores. On smaller islands especially, access to the sea provided a gateway from which people, goods and ideas could flow. This chapter explores how, via their surrounding seas, events of history often led to the islands of Malta and Gozo. The timeframe covered consists of over one thousand years (circa 700 BC to circa 400 AD); a fluid period that saw the island move in and out of the political, military and economic orbits of various powers that dominated the Mediterranean during these centuries. Another notion of duality can be observed in the interaction that plays out between those coming from the outside and those inhabiting the islands. It would be mistaken to analyze Maltese history solely in the context of great powers that touched upon and ‘colonized’ the islands. This historical narrative will also cover important aspects such as how the islands were perceived from those approaching from out at sea: were the islands a hazard, a haven or possibly both at one and the same time? It is also essential to look at how the sea was perceived by the islanders: did the sea bring welcome commercial activity to the islands shores; did it carry 1 THE MALTESE ISLANDS AND THE SEA pirate vessels and enemy ships? As important as these questions are, this narrative would be incomplete without reference to how the sea helped shape and mould the way in which the people living on Malta and Gozo chose (or were forced) to live.
    [Show full text]
  • Heritage at Risk
    H @ R 2008 –2010 ICOMOS W ICOMOS HERITAGE O RLD RLD AT RISK R EP O RT 2008RT –2010 –2010 HER ICOMOS WORLD REPORT 2008–2010 I TAGE AT AT TAGE ON MONUMENTS AND SITES IN DANGER Ris K INTERNATIONAL COUNciL ON MONUMENTS AND SiTES CONSEIL INTERNATIONAL DES MONUMENTS ET DES SiTES CONSEJO INTERNAciONAL DE MONUMENTOS Y SiTIOS мЕждународный совЕт по вопросам памятников и достопримЕчатЕльных мЕст HERITAGE AT RISK Patrimoine en Péril / Patrimonio en Peligro ICOMOS WORLD REPORT 2008–2010 ON MONUMENTS AND SITES IN DANGER ICOMOS rapport mondial 2008–2010 sur des monuments et des sites en péril ICOMOS informe mundial 2008–2010 sobre monumentos y sitios en peligro edited by Christoph Machat, Michael Petzet and John Ziesemer Published by hendrik Bäßler verlag · berlin Heritage at Risk edited by ICOMOS PRESIDENT: Gustavo Araoz SECRETARY GENERAL: Bénédicte Selfslagh TREASURER GENERAL: Philippe La Hausse de Lalouvière VICE PRESIDENTS: Kristal Buckley, Alfredo Conti, Guo Zhan Andrew Hall, Wilfried Lipp OFFICE: International Secretariat of ICOMOS 49 –51 rue de la Fédération, 75015 Paris – France Funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Cultural Affairs and the Media upon a Decision of the German Bundestag EDITORIAL WORK: Christoph Machat, Michael Petzet, John Ziesemer The texts provided for this publication reflect the independent view of each committee and /or the different authors. Photo credits can be found in the captions, otherwise the pictures were provided by the various committees, authors or individual members of ICOMOS. Front and Back Covers: Cambodia, Temple of Preah Vihear (photo: Michael Petzet) Inside Front Cover: Pakistan, Upper Indus Valley, Buddha under the Tree of Enlightenment, Rock Art at Risk (photo: Harald Hauptmann) Inside Back Cover: Georgia, Tower house in Revaz Khojelani ( photo: Christoph Machat) © 2010 ICOMOS – published by hendrik Bäßler verlag · berlin ISBN 978-3-930388-65-3 CONTENTS Foreword by Francesco Bandarin, Assistant Director-General for Culture, UNESCO, Paris ..................................
    [Show full text]
  • Pottery from Roman Malta
    Cover Much of what is known about Malta’s ancient material culture has come to light as a result of antiquarian research or early archaeological work – a time where little attention Anastasi MALTA ARCHAEOLOGICAL REVIEW SUPPLEMENT 1 was paid to stratigraphic context. This situation has in part contributed to the problem of reliably sourcing and dating Maltese Roman-period pottery, particularly locally produced forms common on nearly all ancient Maltese sites. Pottery from Roman Malta presents a comprehensive study of Maltese pottery forms from key stratified deposits spanning the first century BC to mid-fourth century AD. Ceramic material from three Maltese sites was analysed and quantified in a bid to understand Maltese pottery production during the Roman period, and trace the type and volume of ceramic-borne goods that were circulating the central Mediterranean during the period. A short review of the islands’ recent literature on Roman pottery is discussed, followed by a detailed Pottery from Roman Malta contextual summary of the archaeological contexts presented in this study. The work is supplemented by a detailed illustrated catalogue of all the forms identified within the assemblages, presenting the wide range of locally produced and imported pottery types typical of the Maltese Roman period. Maxine Anastasi is a Lecturer at the Department of Classics and Archaeology, University of Malta. She was awarded a DPhil in Archaeology from the University of Oxford for her dissertation on small-island economies in the Central Mediterranean. Her research primarily focuses on Roman pottery in the central Mediterranean, with a particular Malta from Roman Pottery emphasis on Maltese assemblages.
    [Show full text]
  • An Evaluation of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Malta
    An Evaluation of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Malta 2015 Page 3 An Evaluation of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Malta Contents: • National Strategy for Cultural Heritage; • Craft Villages; • Traditional Maltese Crafts; • Religious Heritage. This brief report aims to provide a general overview of Maltese intangible cultural heritage with particular focus on lace making, filigree and Easter Week celebrations. The information has also been included in The Summary Report about Intangible Cultural Heritage which was developed as a product of The Living Heritage project and includes reports about aspects of intangible cultural heritage in partner countries, namely Latvia, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Greece, and Malta. Sources: http://www.visitmalta.com/en/holy-week-and-easter http://www.maltainsideout.com/16784/easter-in-malta-quick-guide-to-holy-week-2014/ https://sites.google.com/site/maltesetraditions/maltese-easter-traditions https://sites.google.com/site/maltesetraditions/traditional-lenten-celebrations https://sites.google.com/site/maltesetraditions/lenten-sweets---quaresimal Page 5 National Strategy for Cultural Heritage The Maltese Cultural Heritage Intangible cultural values provide social-economic developments. Act 2002 introduces the concept the spirit and soul of heritage, Other conspicuous elements of of intangible cultural heritage into which would otherwise become the intangible heritage are seen in the national legal framework. In inanimate physical relics of our Malta’s ancient landscape and the many ways, culture and cultural past. The range of Malta’s intangible Baroque skylines that characterize heritage carry with them intangible cultural heritage is varied. The this landscape. The aesthetic elements. The value of heritage is more attractive elements are qualities of these elements provide in itself only partly monetary.
    [Show full text]