WP3 D9 3.1 Thematic Itineraries Brochure

THEMATIC ITINERARIES - VALLETTA, MALTA

MALTA The Island THEMATIC ITINERARIES EXPLORED IN MALTA Behind the Myths

N°1 Discovering the Malta Story under the Plangent Rain N°2 In memoriam of Simshar N°3 Valletta in the II World War: Malta’s story & best kept war secrets N°4 Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Archaeological Park - UNESCO world Heritage site

45 FAMOUS - FILM FESTIVALS AND MOVIE TOURISM ACROSS UNESCO SITES

Christina Guan www.happytowander.com

elegant church domes and spires piercing its skyline, richly This massive fort has several rooms that reflect its crucial role embellished palazzos and towering townhouses with bright in the Maltese history. Beneath the fort lies a prison which was green wooden balconies. greatly feared and housed many high-ranking offenders within the order. In 1609 the famous painter Caravaggio was MALTA imprisoned at St Angelo after found guilty of injuring a knight Locations from the following films are included in this itinerary: during a quarrel. - Plangent Rain (2008) Speaking of knights, it is mandatory to bring into the The Island - Malta Story (1953) discussion some of the history of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights of Mata. The order was Behind the Myths constituted around 1085, to look after the sick in Jerusalem, Malta’s Seaside, under the Plangent Rain and it wasn’t until the crusades that they started to be a This route is dedicated to the short film Plangent Rain (watch military corps. The knights settled in Malta in 1530 (after here). Through an adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy leaving Jerusalem, Rhodes, and Cyprus), thanks to the mercy Hamlet, Plangent Rain comprises the essence of the island in of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who gave them the Malta’s origins as mythical land, therefore, come from afar. With a story that shows La Valletta as a site tainted by the anguish lands and the authorization. By then, Malta was a frontier 7.000 years of culture and history, Malta is home to many of its protagonist. The silent bells that warn of the nearness of between the Christian and the Muslim alliance. myths and legends. The islands of Gozo and Malta have death, the smell of the sea, the yells of a man who seeks logged appearances in Homer’s Odyssey and The Bible, and In the act of donation of Malta, Charles V also included the revenge... Who said you can’t have Byron and Shakespeare at Malta itself has even been proposed as the site of Atlantis. islands of Gozo and Tripoli. In exchange, the Order obliged the same time? itself to make an annual tribute to the emperor and his mother, These stories have been a source of inspiration for artists for The main character in the film is a young man who is torn Joanna of Castille. Payable every All Saints day, the tribut centuries. This attraction intensified during the period when between his natural ineptitude and the need to break away consisted in the delivery of a falcon. Malta was under the British colonial rule, and the island, more from the clutches of his bleak environment. As the son of a than a bastion or citadel, became considered an exotic enclave The history of the Maltese falcon has inspired many works. Thematic itineraries sailor, the boy lives a mockery of his father's life, rowing a in the middle of the Mediterranean, halfway between the East Among them is the first John Houston film, starring Humphrey rotting boat across an ancient harbour. and the West. Malta’s intimidating fortifications suddenly were explored in Malta Bogart, which was shot in 1941, to adapt a novel of Dashet seen as a vestige of a past from where medieval knights Plangent Rain explores the man’s frustration with his life, and Hammett with the same name. In the film, considered the first defended the values of their civilization against the dangers the union between his overbearing mother and his devious of noir cinema, the gift falcon was actually a piece covered in lurking across the ocean. Inspired by the islander way of living, uncle. Soaked in a dark, liquefied decrepitude, La Valletta goes jewels and diamonds. N°1 Discovering the Malta Story under the Plangent Rain from being the idyllic, sunny and warm place we are used to Romantic poet Lord Byron, for instance, described La Valletta According to historians, the great grand entrance in Malta of N°2 In memoriam of Simshar contemplating in postcards and advertisements, to a as an island of "bells, yells and smells”. the first commander of the kinghts of St John, Philippe Villiers N°3 Valletta in the II World War: Malta’s story & best kept suffocating scenario implacably whipped by the rain. Valetta, the City of Knights, situated on the Sceberras de l’Isle-Adam, took place ion 26 October 1530, day in which peninsula divides into two areas; the Grand Harbour on the war secrets Prisoner of his torment, the man reaches Forti Sant' Anġlu he sailed into Malta's Grand Harbour to take claim of the southwest and the Marsamxett Harbour on the northwest. The N°4 Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Archaeological Park - (Fort Saint Angelo), one of Malta’s most well-known landmarks. island. It was fortified in 1530, when the Order of Saint John came to city is listed under UNESCO-world-heritage for its harmonious UNESCO world Heritage site Malta’s Grand Harbour commands the respect of many sailors, the island. collection of baroque architecture, imposing military forts, visitors and historians of all nationalities. This deep natural

This massive fort has several rooms that reflect its crucial role N°1. Discovering the Malta in the Maltese history. Beneath the fort lies a prison which was Story under the Plangent Rain greatly feared and housed many high-ranking offenders within the order. In 1609 the famous painter Caravaggio was imprisoned at St Angelo after found guilty of injuring a knight Locations from the following films are included in this itinerary: during a quarrel. - Plangent Rain (2008) Speaking of knights, it is mandatory to bring into the - Malta Story (1953) discussion some of the history of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights of Mata. The order was constituted around 1085, to look after the sick in Jerusalem, Malta’s Seaside, under the Plangent Rain and it wasn’t until the crusades that they started to be a This route is dedicated to the short film Plangent Rain (watch military corps. The knights settled in Malta in 1530 (after here). Through an adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy leaving Jerusalem, Rhodes, and Cyprus), thanks to the mercy Hamlet, Plangent Rain comprises the essence of the island in of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who gave them the a story that shows La Valletta as a site tainted by the anguish lands and the authorization. By then, Malta was a frontier of its protagonist. The silent bells that warn of the nearness of between the Christian and the Muslim alliance. death, the smell of the sea, the yells of a man who seeks In the act of donation of Malta, Charles V also included the revenge... Who said you can’t have Byron and Shakespeare at islands of Gozo and Tripoli. In exchange, the Order obliged the same time? itself to make an annual tribute to the emperor and his mother, The main character in the film is a young man who is torn Joanna of Castille. Payable every All Saints day, the tribut between his natural ineptitude and the need to break away consisted in the delivery of a falcon. from the clutches of his bleak environment. As the son of a The history of the Maltese falcon has inspired many works. sailor, the boy lives a mockery of his father's life, rowing a Among them is the first John Houston film, starring Humphrey rotting boat across an ancient harbour. Bogart, which was shot in 1941, to adapt a novel of Dashet Plangent Rain explores the man’s frustration with his life, and Hammett with the same name. In the film, considered the first the union between his overbearing mother and his devious of noir cinema, the gift falcon was actually a piece covered in uncle. Soaked in a dark, liquefied decrepitude, La Valletta goes jewels and diamonds. from being the idyllic, sunny and warm place we are used to According to historians, the great grand entrance in Malta of contemplating in postcards and advertisements, to a the first commander of the kinghts of St John, Philippe Villiers suffocating scenario implacably whipped by the rain. de l’Isle-Adam, took place ion 26 October 1530, day in which Prisoner of his torment, the man reaches Forti Sant' Anġlu he sailed into Malta's Grand Harbour to take claim of the (Fort Saint Angelo), one of Malta’s most well-known landmarks. island. It was fortified in 1530, when the Order of Saint John came to Malta’s Grand Harbour commands the respect of many sailors, the island. visitors and historians of all nationalities. This deep natural

harbour has been regarded as a safe refuge since ancient times. Breathtaking views of Fort St. Angelo, Fort Ricasoli and the historic Three Cities of Bormla, Birgu and Isla, on one side and the magnificent re-developed Pinto Vaults on the other. As you might be expecting, being a story whose protagonist is a fisherman, this harbour also appears in Plangent rain. The life of sailors and fishers of Malta might be full of the wonders of the sea, but also of its dangers, as the exhibitions at the Malta Martitime Museum show. In 2008, the boat Simshar departed the coast of Malta on a fishing trip, expected to return on 11 July. The boat was carrying five people, among the crew, its relatives and a Somali man. At some point, a blast took place on board, destroying the boat. The five people on board survived the blast and survived for several days adrift a makeshift raft made of floating debris from the blast. This incident was dramatized in the film Simshar (2014). This massive fort has several rooms that reflect its crucial role in the Maltese history. Beneath the fort lies a prison which was greatly feared and housed many high-ranking offenders within the order. In 1609 the famous painter Caravaggio was imprisoned at St Angelo after found guilty of injuring a knight Locations from the following films are included in this itinerary: during a quarrel. - Plangent Rain (2008) Speaking of knights, it is mandatory to bring into the - Malta Story (1953) discussion some of the history of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights of Mata. The order was constituted around 1085, to look after the sick in Jerusalem, Malta’s Seaside, under the Plangent Rain and it wasn’t until the crusades that they started to be a This route is dedicated to the short film Plangent Rain (watch military corps. The knights settled in Malta in 1530 (after here). Through an adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy leaving Jerusalem, Rhodes, and Cyprus), thanks to the mercy Hamlet, Plangent Rain comprises the essence of the island in of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who gave them the a story that shows La Valletta as a site tainted by the anguish lands and the authorization. By then, Malta was a frontier of its protagonist. The silent bells that warn of the nearness of between the Christian and the Muslim alliance. death, the smell of the sea, the yells of a man who seeks In the act of donation of Malta, Charles V also included the revenge... Who said you can’t have Byron and Shakespeare at islands of Gozo and Tripoli. In exchange, the Order obliged the same time? itself to make an annual tribute to the emperor and his mother, The main character in the film is a young man who is torn Joanna of Castille. Payable every All Saints day, the tribut between his natural ineptitude and the need to break away consisted in the delivery of a falcon. from the clutches of his bleak environment. As the son of a The history of the Maltese falcon has inspired many works. sailor, the boy lives a mockery of his father's life, rowing a Among them is the first John Houston film, starring Humphrey rotting boat across an ancient harbour. Bogart, which was shot in 1941, to adapt a novel of Dashet Plangent Rain explores the man’s frustration with his life, and Hammett with the same name. In the film, considered the first the union between his overbearing mother and his devious of noir cinema, the gift falcon was actually a piece covered in uncle. Soaked in a dark, liquefied decrepitude, La Valletta goes jewels and diamonds. from being the idyllic, sunny and warm place we are used to According to historians, the great grand entrance in Malta of contemplating in postcards and advertisements, to a the first commander of the kinghts of St John, Philippe Villiers suffocating scenario implacably whipped by the rain. de l’Isle-Adam, took place ion 26 October 1530, day in which Prisoner of his torment, the man reaches Forti Sant' Anġlu he sailed into Malta's Grand Harbour to take claim of the (Fort Saint Angelo), one of Malta’s most well-known landmarks. island. It was fortified in 1530, when the Order of Saint John came to Malta’s Grand Harbour commands the respect of many sailors, the island. visitors and historians of all nationalities. This deep natural

FAMOUS - FILM FESTIVALS AND MOVIE TOURISM ACROSS UNESCO SITES

harbour has been regarded as a safe refuge since ancient Casa Rocca Piccola times. Breathtaking views of Fort St. Angelo, Fort Ricasoli and One of the last lived palaces in Valetta is Casa Rocca Piccola, a the historic Three Cities of Bormla, Birgu and Isla, on one side privately owned and a much-loved family home. Casa Rocca and the magnificent re-developed Pinto Vaults on the other. Piccola is much more than a museum, it’s a valuable testimony of As you might be expecting, being a story whose protagonist is a fascinating era providing unique historical evidence into the a fisherman, this harbour also appears in Plangent rain. customs and traditions of the Maltese nobility over the last 400 The life of sailors and fishers of Malta might be full of the years. wonders of the sea, but also of its dangers, as the exhibitions Casa Rocca Piccola Bomb Shelter at the Malta Martitime Museum show. In 2008, the boat Simshar departed the coast of Malta on a fishing trip, expected Dark, damp, and fascinating, Casa Rocca Piccola is a fine to return on 11 July. The boat was carrying five people, among example of privately-owned war shelters. Beneath Casa Rocca the crew, its relatives and a Somali man. At some point, a blast Piccola, lies its own bomb shelter cut in the limestone. During took place on board, destroying the boat. WWII the shelter provided protection not only to the house owners, but also to many neighbours. Up to 100 people were The five people on board survived the blast and survived for able to find safety here from the air-raids several days adrift a makeshift raft made of floating debris from the blast. This incident was dramatized in the film Simshar Strait Street – Strada Stretta (2014). Strait Street, the most famous street in Malta, represents a The Grand Master's Palace fascinating period of time in Malta’s history, one in which people of different nationalities and classes intermingled together in a The Grand Master's Palace was once the residence of the Grand social context. Also known as “the Gut”, the street was the Masters of the Knights of St John and was connected to a secret pinnacle of nightlife amongst American and British military men tunnel to allow the Grand Master to escape in case of attack. Christina Guan www.happytowander.com and Maltese frequenters between the 19th and mid-20th The palace houses the famous Council Chamber which is century. Strait Street is the result of the need to create optimism decorated with valuable Gobelins tapestries woven in France, the in an era haunted by war. former Hall of the Supreme Council of the Knights with its fine In the film, the street becomes an intimidating gorge the Boy frescoes and the Hall of the Ambassadors, with its red damask must traverse. Filled with echoes of the past and portents of the walls decorated with precious furniture and frescoes depicting future, a strait – and supposedly straight – locus that folds upon episodes of the history of the Order of St. John by the artist Joel itself, the street is a seething, living gauntlet from which the Boy lo Spada. is ejected sadder and unconsciously wiser to the fact that to that On the basement floor lies the pride of the palace, the Armoury, darkness he shall yet return. exhibiting one of the largest collections of its kind in the world. The area has been selected for the strong ‘expressionist’ The Armoury houses around 5,000 of the original 25,000 atmosphere that is inspiring when filmed in black and white. Knights of St John suits of armour, weapons including crossbows, muskets, swords and pistols.

48 This massive fort has several rooms that reflect its crucial role in the Maltese history. Beneath the fort lies a prison which was greatly feared and housed many high-ranking offenders within the order. In 1609 the famous painter Caravaggio was imprisoned at St Angelo after found guilty of injuring a knight Locations from the following films are included in this itinerary: during a quarrel. - Plangent Rain (2008) Speaking of knights, it is mandatory to bring into the - Malta Story (1953) discussion some of the history of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights of Mata. The order was constituted around 1085, to look after the sick in Jerusalem, Malta’s Seaside, under the Plangent Rain and it wasn’t until the crusades that they started to be a This route is dedicated to the short film Plangent Rain (watch military corps. The knights settled in Malta in 1530 (after here). Through an adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy leaving Jerusalem, Rhodes, and Cyprus), thanks to the mercy Hamlet, Plangent Rain comprises the essence of the island in of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who gave them the a story that shows La Valletta as a site tainted by the anguish lands and the authorization. By then, Malta was a frontier of its protagonist. The silent bells that warn of the nearness of between the Christian and the Muslim alliance. death, the smell of the sea, the yells of a man who seeks In the act of donation of Malta, Charles V also included the revenge... Who said you can’t have Byron and Shakespeare at islands of Gozo and Tripoli. In exchange, the Order obliged the same time? itself to make an annual tribute to the emperor and his mother, The main character in the film is a young man who is torn Joanna of Castille. Payable every All Saints day, the tribut between his natural ineptitude and the need to break away consisted in the delivery of a falcon. from the clutches of his bleak environment. As the son of a The history of the Maltese falcon has inspired many works. sailor, the boy lives a mockery of his father's life, rowing a Among them is the first John Houston film, starring Humphrey rotting boat across an ancient harbour. Bogart, which was shot in 1941, to adapt a novel of Dashet Plangent Rain explores the man’s frustration with his life, and Hammett with the same name. In the film, considered the first the union between his overbearing mother and his devious of noir cinema, the gift falcon was actually a piece covered in uncle. Soaked in a dark, liquefied decrepitude, La Valletta goes jewels and diamonds. from being the idyllic, sunny and warm place we are used to According to historians, the great grand entrance in Malta of contemplating in postcards and advertisements, to a the first commander of the kinghts of St John, Philippe Villiers suffocating scenario implacably whipped by the rain. de l’Isle-Adam, took place ion 26 October 1530, day in which Prisoner of his torment, the man reaches Forti Sant' Anġlu he sailed into Malta's Grand Harbour to take claim of the (Fort Saint Angelo), one of Malta’s most well-known landmarks. island. It was fortified in 1530, when the Order of Saint John came to Malta’s Grand Harbour commands the respect of many sailors, the island. visitors and historians of all nationalities. This deep natural

THEMATIC ITINERARIES - VALLETTA, MALTA

Christina Guan www.happytowander.com harbour has been regarded as a safe refuge since ancient times. Breathtaking views of Fort St. Angelo, Fort Ricasoli and N°2. In Memoriam of Simshar the historic Three Cities of Bormla, Birgu and Isla, on one side and the magnificent re-developed Pinto Vaults on the other. Locations from the film SIMSHAR (2014) are included in this As you might be expecting, being a story whose protagonist is itinerary: a fisherman, this harbour also appears in Plangent rain. - Marsaxlokk, a charming little fishing village The life of sailors and fishers of Malta might be full of the wonders of the sea, but also of its dangers, as the exhibitions - Malta Film Studios Water Tanks at the Malta Martitime Museum show. In 2008, the boat Simshar departed the coast of Malta on a fishing trip, expected Based on true events, Simshar tells the story of a traditional to return on 11 July. The boat was carrying five people, among Maltese fishing family who are left stranded in open water the crew, its relatives and a Somali man. At some point, a blast when an accident occurs on their rickety fishing boat. took place on board, destroying the boat. Meanwhile, also in the Mediterranean Sea, a Turkish merchant The five people on board survived the blast and survived for vessel rescues African migrants, but cannot disembark when several days adrift a makeshift raft made of floating debris neither Malta nor Italy will accept responsibility. The sea from the blast. This incident was dramatized in the film Simshar survival stories unravel in parallel and culminate tragically (2014). when the fishermen are mistaken for irregular migrants. A short trip departing from La Valletta can take us to the current and they have the traditional eye of Osiris on both locations of the film. sides to protect fishermen out at sea. It is said that Simshar was filmed entirely on location in Malta: at the Malta Luzzus date back to 800 BC when the Phoenicians Film Studios Water Tanks, in open water and on locations came to Malta. around the island. The main scenes of the film have been If you are lucky enough you might see the fishermen filmed in the Marsaxlokk fishing village. tending to their nets before they go out to sea for their next catch. Marsaxlokk Fishing Village As you walk along the banks of the harbour, you will This charming little fishing village, sitting at the south eastern witness the locations at which the most impressive tip of Malta is popular for its daily open-air market, its fine fish scenes of the film have been shot. restaurants, peaceful walks around the coast and harbour, the Another site of the village appearing in the movie is colourful luzzu boats and its secluded and untainted swimming the amazing Roman Catholic church, devoted to Our areas. Lady of Pompei, worth visiting for its beautiful gold, These traditional and distinctive Maltese boats bobbing in the white and red indoors. Take special note of the harbor are more than the average fishing boats. Known as historical statues that decorate the building and the luzzus, are brightly painted in bright red, green, yellow and blue superb paintings by Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì.

49 FAMOUS - FILM FESTIVALS AND MOVIE TOURISM ACROSS UNESCO SITES

Marsaxlokk is without a doubt a village to which any person Valletta Waterfront interested in entering and getting to know the regional life of N°3. Valletta in the Second An impressive waterfront with nineteen historical warehouses the island should approach. If you spend a few days on the World War: Malta’s Story & built by Grand Master Pinto at the pick of the baroque period island and feel like a change of scenery, a trip to Marsaxlokk is in Malta. an excellent idea. A fascinating opportunity to mix with the War Best Kept Secrets locals and experience everyday Maltese life. Valletta Waterfront is stretching along the water’s edge and the historical Quay Wall where the Knights of St John and The popular Marsaxlokk fish market takes place every Sunday European merchants used to unload their wares. and offers fresh-off-the-boat fish. The most popular fish in - Locations from the film Malta Story (1953) are included in Malta are the Swordfish and blue fin tuna. During spring and this itinerary. autumn dophin fish or Dorado, known locally as ‘lampuki’ is caught in abundance and is very popular with the locals. Also, Fort Saint Elmo Marsaxlokk Fort Delimara may not be as grand as the Although it is true that there are several enclaves along the Malta’s story is one of a bunch of movies that have been shot fortifications of Valletta, but its unique location, built into the island very attractive for filmmakers, it is the old town of in Fort Saint Elmo, which was first erected in the 16th century cliff face, is a sight to behold. The fort is in endangered due to Valletta that takes the lead. Last year, the capital of Malta was but later experienced some changes deppending on the coastal erosion and you can only see it from the outside with a consolidated as the most selected location by filmmakers to forces dominating the island in each historical period. walking tour or boat ride around Delimara Point. shoot on the island. Before 2018, Gozo was preferred. Overall, Built by the Knights of the Order of St John in 1552, named Malta is the 81st most filmed country in the world (the top one after the patron saint of mariners, this fort has been Guarding is the US with 139,506 films made there, ahead of the second Marsamxett and Grand Harbour through the times. The placed UK, with 25,768). fortifications consist of several walled cities, citadels, forts and The Second World War made a huge impact on the capital of towers. Malta, as the film Malta story documents. In World War II, the island of Malta, strategically located and vital to supply lines in National War Museum Malta Film Studios Water Tanks the Mediterranean Sea, is fiercely attacked by the Germans, Fort Saint Elmo houses the National War Museum which Visit this 90,000 square feet water studio complex, but staunchly defended by the British. exhibits a superb collection of items taking visitors back in located a few minutes south of the capital of Valletta The movie was originally called The Bright Flame and was time. on the edge of a natural harbour over-looking the based on the real siege of Malta to which a fictional storyline While in the museum, take a WAR H.Q. TUNNEL TOUR, to Mediterranean. Part of the Simshar filming took is created. Lt Ross falls in love with a Maltese girl, Maria, whose experience the feeling of WWII and get a more detailed place here at the Mediterranean Film Studio (MFS) in brother is hanged as a spy by the British. This film was shot at description of the role of Malta during the war. a controlled environment. various locations around the island including the Lascaris War Nearby the National War Museum don’t miss the opportunity Malta Film Studios (MFS) boasts of one indoor tank Rooms, Fort St Elmo, Grand Harbour, the Qali and the Ħaġar to visit the following two heritage sites that do not go and two large exterior water tanks situated along the Qim & Mnajdra megalithic and, of course, the Valletta unnoticed. coast and therefore enjoying a natural horizon. MFS Waterfront. is also reputed for set construction, especially for boat building and model-making.

50 THEMATIC ITINERARIES - VALLETTA, MALTA

Valletta Waterfront An impressive waterfront with nineteen historical warehouses built by Grand Master Pinto at the pick of the baroque period in Malta. Valletta Waterfront is stretching along the water’s edge and the historical Quay Wall where the Knights of St John and European merchants used to unload their wares. - Locations from the film Malta Story (1953) are included in this itinerary. Fort Saint Elmo Although it is true that there are several enclaves along the Malta’s story is one of a bunch of movies that have been shot island very attractive for filmmakers, it is the old town of in Fort Saint Elmo, which was first erected in the 16th century Valletta that takes the lead. Last year, the capital of Malta was but later experienced some changes deppending on the consolidated as the most selected location by filmmakers to forces dominating the island in each historical period. shoot on the island. Before 2018, Gozo was preferred. Overall, Built by the Knights of the Order of St John in 1552, named Malta is the 81st most filmed country in the world (the top one after the patron saint of mariners, this fort has been Guarding is the US with 139,506 films made there, ahead of the second Marsamxett and Grand Harbour through the times. The placed UK, with 25,768). fortifications consist of several walled cities, citadels, forts and The Second World War made a huge impact on the capital of towers. Malta, as the film Malta story documents. In World War II, the island of Malta, strategically located and vital to supply lines in National War Museum the Mediterranean Sea, is fiercely attacked by the Germans, Fort Saint Elmo houses the National War Museum which but staunchly defended by the British. exhibits a superb collection of items taking visitors back in The movie was originally called The Bright Flame and was time. based on the real siege of Malta to which a fictional storyline While in the museum, take a WAR H.Q. TUNNEL TOUR, to is created. Lt Ross falls in love with a Maltese girl, Maria, whose experience the feeling of WWII and get a more detailed brother is hanged as a spy by the British. This film was shot at description of the role of Malta during the war. various locations around the island including the Lascaris War Nearby the National War Museum don’t miss the opportunity Rooms, Fort St Elmo, Grand Harbour, the Qali and the Ħaġar to visit the following two heritage sites that do not go Qim & Mnajdra megalithic and, of course, the Valletta unnoticed. Waterfront.

51 FAMOUS - FILM FESTIVALS AND MOVIE TOURISM ACROSS UNESCO SITES

St. John’s Co-cathedral more vibrant inhabitants, such as a local café-keeper and a 1943. The documentary was part of a transmedia project to hotel owner. disseminate the insights of the Husky operation, which Built by the Knights of St John, dedicated to Saint John the culminated in this website offering a digital experience to Baptist, this Cathedral is an exceptional monument to the high At the end of the promenade, the Upper Barrakka gardens wait rediscover its origins, development and unfolding with original baroque. for us: they aare built on top of a bastion, on the highest point of Valletta and provide a space of peace and shade in the heart materials. Don’t be fooled by its strict stone exterior, stepping into St of the capital city. After the war, Lascaris War Rooms became the Mediterranean John’s Co-Cathedral is like stepping into a glittering jewellery Fleet HQ, playing an important role in the Anglo-French invasion box. The cathedral houses the painting of “the Beheading of St. The gardens offer fantastic views of the Grand Harbour, the of Egypt during the Suez crisis in 1956, going into full alert for John the Baptist” a well-known painting by the famous cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Kalkara. Every day at noon, a number of days during the Cuban Missile Crises of 1962. In Caravaggio. members of the Malta Heritage Society (dressed in British Artillery uniforms) visit the gardens and fire a salute. 1967 it was taken by NATO to be used as a strategic Communication Centre for the interception of Soviet A unique viewpoint to see once more all the places we have submarines in the Mediterranean. Victoria Gate visited on this route and to which (luckily!) we can return over The Victoria Gate was built by the British in 1885 to honour and over thanks to the cinema. their Queen Victoria. The gate is the only surviving gate within the fortifications of Valetta and is the main entrance into the city from the Grand Harbour area. Lascaris War Rooms Fort Saint Elmo has appeared in the big screen doubling other Lascaris War Rooms is strongly linked to the II World War in scenarios (that is, representing other parts of the world). In “The Malta. These rooms, named after Giovanni Paolo Lascaris, an Count of Monte Cristo”, Fort Saint Elmo doubled Marseille, and Italian nobleman and also the Grandmaster of the Knights of in the espionage drama “A Different Loyalty”, in which Fort Saint Malta, are located 400 feet under the Upper Barrakka Gardens Elmo was presented as a building of Beirut and in Midnight and represent one of Malta’s best kept secrets from the II World Express, Fort Saint Elmo, doubled a Turkish prision! War. A final stroll along the promenade can discover some more This ultra-secret complex is composed o f a network of tunnels detail about Malta as a cinematographic location. The shores of and chambers underground. The Lascaris War Rooms housed the island have served to illustrate historical dramas and war British’s War headquarters in Malta from where all the defence films, but also of love. On the island of Gozo, of which we have and offensive operations in the Mediterranean were directed. already spoken, the film By the Seaside, starring Brat Pitt and In July 1943, the War Rooms were used by General Eisenhower Angelina Jolie, was shot just a few years ago. Set in France and his Supreme Commanders as their advance Allied HQ for during the mid-1970s, the film explores the troubled Operation Husky - the invasion of Sicily. Those interested in this relationship with Roland, an American writer, and her wife particular episode of the II World War shall watch the Canadian Vanessa, a former dancer. They decide to travel Malta together military documentary Bond of Strangers, a 54-minute piece that in a moment in which they seem to be growing apart. They are follows ten intrepid trekkers on their 20-day act of extreme unable to fix their marriage until linger in one quiet, seaside remembrance, discovering the special bonds that form among town of Malta. Then, they begin to draw close to some of its them and with the local people who remember the liberation of

52 THEMATIC ITINERARIES - VALLETTA, MALTA

more vibrant inhabitants, such as a local café-keeper and a St. John’s Co-cathedral 1943. The documentary was part of a transmedia project to The South Temple is the most famous of the three hotel owner. disseminate the insights of the Husky operation, which N°4. Hagar Qim & Mnajdra because is aligned with the rising sun at the equinoxes Built by the Knights of St John, dedicated to Saint John the At the end of the promenade, the Upper Barrakka gardens wait culminated in this website offering a digital experience to and solstices. If you visit the temple at sunrise on the Baptist, this Cathedral is an exceptional monument to the high Archaeological Park - Unesco for us: they aare built on top of a bastion, on the highest point rediscover its origins, development and unfolding with original first day of any of the four seasons, you’ll have a baroque. of Valletta and provide a space of peace and shade in the heart materials. World Heritage Site remarkable experience. Don’t be fooled by its strict stone exterior, stepping into St of the capital city. After the war, Lascaris War Rooms became the Mediterranean As the sun rises above theĦ aġar Qim hill, a ray of sun John’s Co-Cathedral is like stepping into a glittering jewellery The gardens offer fantastic views of the Grand Harbour, the Fleet HQ, playing an important role in the Anglo-French invasion enters the main door and hits one of two large slabs on box. The cathedral houses the painting of “the Beheading of St. cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Kalkara. Every day at noon, of Egypt during the Suez crisis in 1956, going into full alert for the inside of the temple, depending on the season. John the Baptist” a well-known painting by the famous - Locations from the film Malta Story (1953) are included in members of the Malta Heritage Society (dressed in British a number of days during the Cuban Missile Crises of 1962. In Both slabs are decorated with hundreds of tiny holes. Caravaggio. this itinerary. Artillery uniforms) visit the gardens and fire a salute. 1967 it was taken by NATO to be used as a strategic The presence of remains around the temples suggest that they were just a part of a much larger ritual centre. A unique viewpoint to see once more all the places we have Communication Centre for the interception of Soviet Victoria Gate visited on this route and to which (luckily!) we can return over submarines in the Mediterranean. Walk or catch a bus to the West, circling the shore and rising End this experience by catching a pleasure boat to and over thanks to the cinema. towards the archaeological park. Cross the natural rock experience the southern shore from the sea. The Victoria Gate was built by the British in 1885 to honour formations of Wied iż-Żurrieq, a tiny harbour, set in a narrow their Queen Victoria. The gate is the only surviving gate within inlet in the cliffs and guarded by a watchtower. Here, boats the fortifications of Valetta and is the main entrance into the city depart, weather permitting, for enjoyable 30-minute cruises to from the Grand Harbour area. Lascaris War Rooms the Blue Grotto, a huge natural arch in the sea cliffs 400m to Fort Saint Elmo has appeared in the big screen doubling other Lascaris War Rooms is strongly linked to the II World War in the east. scenarios (that is, representing other parts of the world). In “The Malta. These rooms, named after Giovanni Paolo Lascaris, an The boat trips take you in seven caves, including the Count of Monte Cristo”, Fort Saint Elmo doubled Marseille, and Italian nobleman and also the Grandmaster of the Knights of Honeymoon Cave, Reflection Cave and Cat's Cave. The best in the espionage drama “A Different Loyalty”, in which Fort Saint Malta, are located 400 feet under the Upper Barrakka Gardens time to visit the caves is before mid-morning, when the sun is Elmo was presented as a building of Beirut and in Midnight and represent one of Malta’s best kept secrets from the II World shining into the grotto. Express, Fort Saint Elmo, doubled a Turkish prision! War. Wied iż-Żurrieq is also known for its traditional fish restaurants, A final stroll along the promenade can discover some more This ultra-secret complex is composed o f a network of tunnels detail about Malta as a cinematographic location. The shores of and chambers underground. The Lascaris War Rooms housed spectacular sunsets and panoramic views to the Filfla island the island have served to illustrate historical dramas and war British’s War headquarters in Malta from where all the defence which is located further west from the coastline. films, but also of love. On the island of Gozo, of which we have and offensive operations in the Mediterranean were directed. Some 10 minutes’ drive towards north is ĦAĠAR QIM, an already spoken, the film By the Seaside, starring Brat Pitt and In July 1943, the War Rooms were used by General Eisenhower archaeological complex, with the megalithic temples, called Angelina Jolie, was shot just a few years ago. Set in France and his Supreme Commanders as their advance Allied HQ for MNAJDRA. during the mid-1970s, the film explores the troubled Operation Husky - the invasion of Sicily. Those interested in this This extraordinary Megalithic temple complex, UNESCO world relationship with Roland, an American writer, and her wife particular episode of the II World War shall watch the Canadian Heritage site, conveys a strong energy and spirituality. Vanessa, a former dancer. They decide to travel Malta together military documentary Bond of Strangers, a 54-minute piece that The temple complex consists of three structures from different in a moment in which they seem to be growing apart. They are follows ten intrepid trekkers on their 20-day act of extreme unable to fix their marriage until linger in one quiet, seaside prehistoric periods, adjacently joined to one another but not remembrance, discovering the special bonds that form among connected. town of Malta. Then, they begin to draw close to some of its them and with the local people who remember the liberation of

53 FAMOUS - FILM FESTIVALS AND MOVIE TOURISM ACROSS UNESCO SITES

Transportation

From the airport For individual travellers who arrive at Valetta airport/port from overseas we suggest the following means of transport: - Get a Taxi from the airport/port - Rent a car from the airport/port (Avis, Budget, Sixth rent a car etc.) - Get the bus https://www.publictransport.com.mt/airport-services For travellers who have booked organized excursions they will have their transfer from the airport to their chosen hotel and their excursions will be carried out by a coach with an experienced guide.

Within the city and watterfront https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/route/130

Accommodation

We suggest visiting the following link: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/hotels

Calendar of Events

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