HOST project Fit On Olive Trails Żejt iż-Żejtun Marathon Tourist Package Malta: Żejtun Co-funded by the COSME programme malta of the European Union EXPLORE OUR WORLD www.olivetrails.eu • info@ olivetrails.eu www.olivetrails.eu • [email protected] WELCOME TO ŻEJT IŻ-ŻEJTUN MARATHON PACKAGE. ŻEJTUN WILL HOST ITS 2017 MARATHON ON 21ST SEPTEMBER. ENCLOSED YOU WILL FIND SOME ITINERARIES WHICH WILL HELP YOU EXPERIENCE OUR LOCALITY, ITS SURROUNDINGS AND THE MALTESE ISLANDS. MALTA IS WAITING FOR YOU TO EXPLORE! In Malta you will explore 7,000 years of history The colours are striking, honey-coloured stone yet live passionately in the present. You will span against the deepest of Mediterranean blues. the millennia with an astonishing array of things to The Maltese Islands have been described as one big discover. And wherever you go, the Islands’ scenery open-air museum. What makes them unique is that and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop. so much of their past is visible today. Delve into the Islands’ mysterious prehistory, retrace the footsteps of St. Paul or see where the Knights of St. John defended Christendom. www.olivetrails.eu • info@ olivetrails.eu 3 MALTA’S HISTORY IN BRIEF The history of Malta is a long and colourful one took Malta through a cultural renaissance, making dating back to the dawn of civilisation. it a key player in the cultural scene of 17th and 18th The Maltese Islands went through the Neolithic century Europe. The artistic and cultural lives of the period, the remains of which are the mysterious Maltese Islands were injected with the presence of temples dedicated to the goddess of fertility. artists such as Caravaggio, Mattia Preti and Favray Later on, the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the who were commissioned by the Knights to embellish Romansand the Byzantines, all left their traces on churches, palaces and auberges. the Islands. In 60 A.D. St. Paul was shipwrecked on the island while on his way to Rome and brought In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte took over Malta from Christianity to Malta. The Arabs conquered the the Knights on his way to Egypt. The French presence islands in 870 A.D, and left an important mark on the on the islands was short lived, as the English, who language of the Maltese. Until 1530, Malta was an were requested by the Maltese to help them against extension of Sicily: The Normans, the Aragonese and the French, blockaded the islands in 1800. British other conquerors who ruled over Sicily also governed rule in Malta lasted until 1964 when Malta became the Maltese Islands. independent. The Maltese adapted the British system of administration, education and legislation.Modern It was Charles V who bequeathed Malta to the Malta became a Republic in 1974 and joined the Sovereign Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem European Union in May 2004. who ruled over Malta from 1530 to 1798. The Knights 4 www.olivetrails.eu • info@ olivetrails.eu CULTURE With 7,000 years of history, the Maltese Islands arts have always played a large role in Maltese culture are steeped in culture and heritage. This historic and continue to do so with cultural events occurring legacy, unique in the Mediterranean, is reflected in frequently. The National Museum of Fine Arts, housed the country’s national architecture and collections. in an exuberant Rococo building dating from the There are so many areas of heritage and culture 1570’s, exhibits some magnificent art, ranging from the to be explored – the 16th century master piece early Renaissance to modern times. Both established Grandmasters’ Palace, the “Sacra Infermeria”, and budding artists are encouraged to display their which is now a fully equipped conference centre, the efforts through publicly-supported programmers. St. James Centre for Creativity – a superbly restored There is always an exhibition of some kind running. fortification where contemporary works of art are exhibited against the original rough-textured walls Theatre and music are also very popular in the Islands. and rediscovered spaces. A variety of theatres - including the Valletta’s Manoel. Theatre and two opera houses in Victoria (Gozo) - as With these buildings, past and present blend into an well as several open-air venues offer a wide selection enduring and admirable lesson in the art of living. The of plays, musicals, operas and concerts. IŻ-ŻEJTUN CITTA BELAND: AN INTRODUCTION The town of Żejtun, also known as Ċitta Beland church in between the two communities formed the Żejtun, is situated in the south-eastern part of Malta. present town centre linking the two small hamlets It covers the top of a hill that dominates the bays of and thus forming a new town. Marsaxlokk, St. Thomas Bay and Marsaskala, today Today, Żejtun is a vibrant locality with authentic important tourism sites and in the past popular ports village life surrounding an active community proud of call for all Mediterranean sailors since Phoenician of its roots and the rich tangible and intangible times. They also provided convenient landing heritage. Żejtun has revived its olive production beaches for invaders. tradition, and is also a leader in matters that promote The origins of Żejtun go back to the Roman and the south eastern region of the Maltese Islands. Phoenician times. Originally Żejtun, known as Terra Spending time in Żejtun will take you back in time, Santa Catarina, covered the whole south eastern part give you an opportunity to familiarise yourself with of the island extending to the outskirts of the walls the heritage, explore the unspoiled countryside protecting Cottonera and included the localities of and experience life in an authentic Maltese village. Żabbar, Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk and St. George’s Żejtun is also an ideal location to explore the Bay. Until 1680, the inhabitants of Żejtun formed surrounding localities. two separate communities huddled in residences protected by narrow streets known as Bisqallin referred to till today as the Lower Village (Ir-Raħal t’Isfel) and Ħal Ġwann and Ħal Bisbut, known today as the Upper Village (Ir-Raħal ta’ Fuq). Development during the 18th century and the construction of the new parish 6 www.olivetrails.eu • info@ olivetrails.eu TOUR 1: SAMPLE THE RICH HISTORY OF ŻEJTUN ON FOOT Waking up in Żejtun or for that matters, in any of the the main road to visit the Religious museum situated surrounding villages in the South East of Malta is an on the main square. The Religious museum houses a experience in itself. The church bells calling their rich array of religious artefacts, paintings and relics, patrons to mass are an innovative wake-up call. A including blueprints of religious architecture - most unique breakfast follows, it can consist of a fresh important of which is that of the Parish Church - baked warm ftira (flat bread) from one of the local which is known as the Cathedral of the South. After bakers, with local tomatoes, hams and cheeses or this we stop to have a light lunch in one of the Band Roger’s famous pastizzi - a pure delicacy of flakey Clubs in the main square. pastry savoury pockets filled with cheese or peas. Following our light lunch we will proceed with a tour Alternatively, if you have a sweet tooth, you can starting from St. Catherine’s Street where we will enjoy treats prepared by two renowned local bakers see the only stone map that exists on the island, old of Żejtun, Barbetta or Ermenia – whose apple pie, and palaces and town houses, each of which has its own sinizza are worth waking up for. story to tell. Żejtun takes its name from ‘olives’. Our tour of the locality starts with a visit to the Roman Villa The Tour: remains situated within the Girls’ Secondary school. Duration: 5 hours From there we will proceed to visit the chapel of Starting at: 9.00am at the car park behind the main St. Gregory. Situated at the end of the village and church overlooking the bays beneath this chapel had an Ease: Easy - however good walking shoes are important role in protecting the locality from Turkish recommended invaders. Indeed it played a crucial role during the Group size: Minimum 10 pax last Turkish attack on the Maltese Islands. Our guide Price: Adults €45; Children (10 -18) €20; Children will recount the story behind this church and its (0-10) free. famous remains. From here we will proceed along www.olivetrails.eu • info@ olivetrails.eu 7 TOUR 2: VALLETTA CITY TOUR Visit to Valletta – European Capital of Culture 2018 of architecture is the Maltese Parliament at Valletta Valletta is Malta’s capital city, a city built by Gate – a tribute to Maltese creativity built by Renzo gentlemen for gentlemen. It is a UNESCO World Piano. Heritage Site and in 2018 will be the European Valletta is a vibrant city, where the old mixes with Capital of Culture together with Leeuwarden, in the new, where open spaces give the visitor a glimpse Netherlands. of the rich intangible heritage of the Maltese culture; Our capital city is a pure example of Maltese Baroque it is a city that is alive with activities mostly during architecture and offers the visitor a glimpse of the the day. At night you are most welcome to wander richness of high art and culture – with monuments around the cool streets, appreciate the local life and designed by the Knights of St. John and Maltese feast your senses at the many eateries specialising in architects and subsequently embellished by the Maltese cuisine. British. The most recent addition to this melting pot Some important sites that you must visit in Valletta include: Upper Barrakka Gardens and the The Archaeological Museum St.