The Catenian Association & Area Proudly welcomes you to a rejuvenated 2018 Malta Week 10–18 November 2018

The island of Malta may be small, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in What the Package price includes: experiences, making it one of the best holiday destinations. • 8 Nights stay in one of the official Malta Week Malta’s capital, Valletta is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it has hotels (7 in Malta and 1 in Gozo) also been crowned the European Capital of Culture for 2018. This means that if • Bed and Full Buffet Breakfast you’re planning to attend Malta Week 2018, you will be spoilt for choice when • All transfers in Malta and Gozo during Malta Week it comes to cultural adventures, entertainment, and fun things to see and do. • Transport to and from official Malta Week hotels Malta has enjoyed a rich past full of influences from many cultures. The for all functions. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Knights of • All tours, lunches and dinners as on programme St. John, French and the British have all made their mark on the island and this overleaf. has created a rich tapestry of historical and cultural treasures. • Ferry boat trip Malta / Gozo / Malta So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to book your flights and experience • All local taxes, except for the recently introduced one of the best holiday destinations in the warmth, friendly and hospitable Environment Contribution, amounting to €0.50 presence of the Maltese Catenians. Early flight booking is recommended to per night up to maximum of €5, payable at the secure the best prices. hotel upon arrival.

Full Cost per person in £ Sterling Each additional night Pre or Post Malta Week (subject to availability) Sharing Single Sharing Single Twin Room Room Twin Room Room £ Sterling £ Sterling £ Sterling £ Sterling Corinthia Hotel (St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s) – 5 Star 800 995 61 91 Cavalieri Art Hotel (St. Julian’s) – 4 Star 630 790 33 56 Hotel Calypso (Gozo) – 4 Star n/a n/a 43 53 Grandmaster’s Palace Valletta

The Grandmaster’s Palace officially known as “The of Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Malta. The Supreme Palace” occupies a city block in the centre of Valletta, Council Hall is decorated with a cycle of twelve frescoes and it is the largest palace in the city. It was built by Mattia Perez d’Aleccio depicting the Great Siege of between the 16th and 18th centuries as the palace of 1565. The Ambassador’s Hall and main corridors are the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, who ruled lined with portraits of European monarchs and Grand Malta, and was also known as the Magisterial Palace. Masters of the Order. It eventually became the Governor’s Palace, and it currently houses the Office of the President of Malta. The Palace Armoury The Age of Chivalry comes alive in one of the most The Palace State Rooms prominent arms collections, with weapons and armour When not hosting functions of state, the magnificent that provide a human context to the Great Siege of halls at first floor are open to the public. The Council Malta, and the military provenance of the Knights of St. Chamber is home to a rare collection of exotic Gobelin John. Highlights include the personal armour of Grand tapestries depicting hunting scenes from different Master La Valette, the dazzling parade armour of Grand continents. The State Dining Room is adorned with Master Alof de Wignacourt, and a collection of weapons portraits of the Presidents of Malta and one painting used by the Ottomans during the Great Siege of 1565.

Malta Maritime Museum

Housed within the Old Naval bakery, the Malta Maritime museums, foreign navies, and Maltese and foreign Museum charts Malta’s maritime history and lore within ambassadors and high commissioners. This is a large a Mediterranean context. It also illustrates the global achievement when one considers that the museum nature of seafaring and its impact on Malta’s society. The didn’t even have one single artifact in 1988. Today the museum houses numerous artefacts highlighting the museum houses a unique collection of over 20,000 different epochs of Malta’s history that is inadvertently artefacts belonging to Malta’s Maritime past. tied to the sea. Nowadays the museum is proud to showcase The Museum aims at illustrating Malta’s maritime some unique artefacts including the largest known history from prehistory to the present day and roman anchor in the world, the earliest known ex:voto to illustrate the fascination of the sea within a on the island, the largest ship model belonging to the Mediterranean context, without neglecting the overall Order of St John, the largest collection of cannon on global nature of seafaring. These aims are achieved by the island, the Napoleonic figure head of the 110 gun the constant search for, identification, and acquisition of ship HMS Hibernia, a 1950s working marine steam artefacts related to the museum’s mission. This task has engine, and a collection of 60+ boats. been aided by the constant donations over these past The Malta Maritime Museum at the Marina Grande years by the Maltese general public, foreign individuals, helps visitors chart 7,000 years of history under one companies, corporate bodies, foreign maritime and naval roof. Tour of the Outskirts of Mdina by ‘Karozzin’

We will commence the day by a tour of the outskirts of Mdina by “Karozzin” a Maltese traditional mode of transport consisting of a carriage pulled by a horse. The Inquisitor’s Mdina is a fortified medieval town enclosed in Palace bastions, located on a large hill in the centre of Malta. The town was the old capital of Malta, and with its narrow streets, few inhabitants and beautiful views over the Island it is truly a magical town. Mdina is referred to as the “Silent City” by Maltese and visitors alike - no The Inquisitor’s Palace, situated in the heart of cars (except those of a limited number of residents) Vittoriosa, is one of the very few surviving palaces of have permission to enter Mdina and the town provides its kind which, in the early modern period could be a relaxing atmosphere among the visitors walking its found all over Europe and South America. Many of narrow streets and alleyways. these palaces simply succumbed to the ravages of Mdina has a small population of around 250 people time or were victims of the anti-reactionary power who live in 0.9km2, within the city walls. In contrast, unleashed by the French Revolution. Fortunately, outside the city walls, the village of Rabat is just a step the Maltese Inquisitor’s Palace, throughout its five away, and has a population of over 11,000 people. The centuries of history, always hosted high-ranking medieval town of Mdina presents a mix of Norman and officials representing the main powers on the island, Baroque architecture and is the home to many palaces, who therefore ensured its survival. most of which today serve as private homes. The large Mgr Pietro Dusina arrived in Malta in 1574 as the and striking Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul first general inquisitor and apostolic delegate of the stands in the main square of the town. Maltese Islands. The Grand Master offered him the Mdina was first inhabited and fortified around 700 unused palace as an official residence. Almost all BC by the Phoenicians and was at that time called successive inquisitors sought to transform the palace Maleth. Mdina benefits from its good location on the into a decent mansion. They all shared the same island’s highest point, far away from the sea. Under the cultural values of clerical baroque Roman society, Roman Empire the Roman governor built his palace in and by the mid-18th century they had managed Mdina and it is said that even St. Paul stayed there after successfully to transform the building into a typical he was shipwrecked in Malta. Roman palace. The palace also managed to survive It was the Normans who surrounded the city with through the bombings of the Second World War and its thick defensive fortifications and they also widened the threat of modern development. the moat around Mdina. After an earthquake in 1693, It is today the only Inquisitor’s Palace open there was the need to redesign parts of the city. This to the public in the world and an architectural introduced Baroque designs within the city, and the gem, representative of the chequered history and Knights of Malta rebuilt the cathedral as well as the European heritage of the Maltese islands. Magisterial Palace and Palazzo Falson. Palazzo Falson A Historic House Museum

The splendid Palazzo Falson, which is one of the the fact that the Gollcher family business was in oldest surviving homes in Malta, built in the 13th shipping. There are a number of significant 17th century century, has a dazzling and extensive private collection paintings in this collection, including ones attributed on display, including furniture, watches, silver, jewellery, to Sir Anthony Van Dyck, David Teniers the Younger, oriental rugs, paintings, armoury and books. Nicolas Poussin, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo and Mattia The Palazzo is named after its 16th century owner Preti. Vice Admiral Michele Falsone, although the amazing The impressive silver collection of more than 800 collection was brought together by researcher, items includes some noteworthy and significant pieces philanthropist and artist Captain Olof Gollcher O.B.E. of Maltese, Continental and British silver, most of which (1889-1962), who bought the Palazzo in 1927. are on display in the Strongroom, where Gollcher used Capt. Gollcher’s interest in weaponry is evident to lock up his silver when he went away. through the extensive collection on display in the Palazzo Falson has an impressive collection of Armoury. The walls are hung with an interesting array over eighty Oriental rugs from different areas such of swords, polearms, pistols and guns. as Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, and a The paintings collection is made up of more selection of these are displayed in the Carpet Gallery. than 200 works which include a number of portraits, The wealth of the collections held at the palazzo including family ones, biblical and mythological offer the visitor the enriching experience of a museum scenes, and some marine-themed ones, which reflect visit, but within the intimate setting of a private house.

JACKET & TIE FOR Dress Code Travel Insurance HOLY MASS, GOZO CIRCLE MEETING AND You are strongly advised to FAREWELL DINNER DANCE INFORMAL take out travel insurance to include ATTIRE FOR ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS. cancellation charges and medical costs. The – Gozo

A visit to the Citadel should not be missed. Before you An important temple to the goddess Juno stood have fully passed under the archway into the Citadel, where the Cathedral now stands. The north side of the you will be welcomed by the majestic sight of Gozo Citadel dates back to the period of the Aragonese, Cathedral, across the small square at the top of a wide while the south flank, overlooking Ir-Rabat (Victoria), flight of steps guarded by two 17th-century bronze was re-constructed under the Knights of St. John cannon. between 1599 and 1603. This rebuilding came towards A walk along the fortified ramparts is rewarded the end of Gozo’s darkest period, when for two with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Gozo’s centuries, marauding Turks and Berber corsairs had hills and valleys, villages and churches with Malta in the harassed and pillaged the Maltese Islands. For this distance across the sea. reason, until 1637, the entire population of Gozo was Only a couple of families live within the Citadel required by law to spend the night within the Citadel walls today. In the square you will find the magnificent for their own safety. baroque Cathedral of Gozo dedicated to Santa Marija, The climax of the Turkish raids on Gozo came or more precisely the Assumption of the Virgin Mary; in 1551. A strong Ottoman naval force, after an as well as the Law Courts and the Bishop’s Palace. unsuccessful attack on Malta, turned its attention The Old Citadel (also called the Cittadella or to the less well protected Gozo. After a short siege Kastell) rises dramatically above ir-Rabat (Victoria). the crumbling medieval walls of the Citadel were Built at a perfect strategic vantage point, it defiantly overwhelmed and the defenders begged for an dominates the skyline exactly as intended by the honourable capitulation. Tragically for the population, military architects who built it. The Citadel has been (then numbering around 5000), the surrender terms at the centre of activity on the island since possibly were far from honourable. With the exception of just Neolithic times, and was certainly fortified during the 40 elderly and disabled citizens, the entire population Bronze Age around 1500 BC. It was later developed by of Gozo was chained and taken into slavery. It took the Phoenicians and in Roman times, it was a complex nearly 50 years to re-populate the island and rebuild Acropolis. the Citadel in its present layout. Gozo was a privileged Roman Municipality, During our impressive visit of the Cittadella, we independent of Malta and the Citadel was the centre shall also visit the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, the of its administrative as well as its military and religious Gran Castello Historic House, the life. and the . The Programme Malta Week 2018

IN LINE WITH THE CURRENT THEME OF PROVIDING A LESS FORMAL APPROACH TO MALTA WEEK 2018, THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMME OF EVENTS HAS BEEN CAREFULLY PREPARED OFFERING A MIXTURE OF CATENIAN SOCIALISING, SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME FOR RELAXATION

NOVEMBER 2018 Valletta across the Grand Harbour to FRIDAY 16 SATURDAY 10 Vittoriosa. We will visit the Malta Maritime • Morning: Transfer to Gozo by ferry • Arrival at Malta International Airport Museum and the Inquisitor’s Palace, followed by a tour of the recently and transfer to Corinthia Hotel followed by a light lunch. restored and fortified town commonly St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s or to • Evening: Free known as Cittadella in Rabat, Gozo. Cavalieri Art Hotel, St. Julian’s WEDNESDAY 14 During our visit we shall call at the • Evening: Welcome Buffet Dinner • Free Day - Free transport will be available Gozo Museum of Archaeology, the Gran Castello Historic House, the Gozo SUNDAY 11 from the hotels to Sliema / Valletta at Nature Museum and the Old Prison, • Morning: Holy Mass at Our Lady of specific hours. followed by a light lunch. Sorrows, St. Paul’s Bay followed by THURSDAY 15 • Afternoon: Check-in at the Calypso Lunch • Morning: Tour of the outskirts of Mdina by Hotel, in Marsalforn. • Evening: Free “karozzin” – a Maltese traditional mode of • Evening: Gozo Circle Meeting followed transport consisting of a carriage pulled MONDAY 12 by a Farewell Dinner Dance. • Morning: A visit to the magnificent by a horse or pair of horses. In Mdina SATURDAY 17 Grand Master’s Palace, the Palace we will visit Palazzo Falson the former • Morning: Return to Malta by ferry. Armoury and the Palace State home of Capt Olof Frederick Gollcher • Check-in at the Corinthia Hotel St. Rooms in Valletta followed by a light OBE (1889-1962), the son of a prosperous George’s Bay, St. Julian’s or the lunch shipping merchant of Swedish descent. Cavalieri Art Hotel, St. Julian’s • Evening: Free We will end the half day tour by visiting the famous Serkin pastizzeria to savour • Evening: Free (unless departing today) TUESDAY 13 this traditional little bar which specialises SUNDAY 18 • Morning: A visit to the Three Cities in pea and cheese “pastizzi” • Morning: Transfer to Malta boarding a water taxi “dghajsa” from • Evening: Home / Circle Hosting International Airport

The Hotels Cavalieri Art Hotel – St. Julian’s **** The Cavalieri Art Hotel is a four star hotel set in a quiet and unique location directly overlooking the popular and picturesque St. CORINTHIA HOTEL - ST. GEORGE’S BAY, ST. JULIAN’S ***** Julian’s Bay. The property is also located on the doorstep of the Situated at the water’s edge, Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay Portomaso Yacht Marina and within easy walking distance to the is a majestic spectacle overlooking the entrance to a wide, most important points of interest. These attractions include Malta’s sweeping bay. With stunning, panoramic views over the sparkling most popular nightlife area, the Dragonara Casino and Spinola Bay – Mediterranean and a spacious, stepped lido, this hotel is the the heart of St. Julian’s. The seafront and beautiful promenade with perfect place to enjoy the glorious Maltese sunshine. its many bars, restaurants and shops as well as the main bus routes Luxury and elegance abound in this beautiful sea-view hotel, to Valletta and Sliema and Gozo ferry terminal are all close by. where the warmth of genuine Maltese hospitality greets every guest. This property is 4 minutes’ walk from the beach. Right on Calypso Hotel – Marsalforn, Gozo **** the waterfront of St. George’s Bay and a 5-minute walk from the The Calypso is a lovely 4 star hotel located directly on the sandy beach, the Corinthia is a 5-star hotel with an on-site spa and water’s edge in the peaceful fishing village of Marsalforn with 5 swimming pools set on luxurious sea-view terraces. the Mediterranean sea and the beautiful Gozitan countryside Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay features spacious, air- surrounding this hotel on all sides. conditioned rooms with a large balcony, most overlooking the Marsalforn on Gozo’s north eastern coast is an idyllic Gozitan sea. Fine dining at the Corinthia includes a generous daily buffet village. With charm and character, this little town located by the breakfast, plus 9 restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine, all with sea is a super resort for a peaceful and tranquil Gozo vacation. beautiful views. The charming Vinotheque Bistro offers a wide Victoria which is the capital city of Gozo is only a short bus ride selection of fine wines. from Marsalforn making this locality accessible to all areas of Gozo. . There are 4 restaurants at the hotel, serving a range of Mediterranean, Italian and Oriental cuisine. The café is open all day for tea, coffee and cakes. The Calypso Hotel is a 3 km walk from the red sandy beach of Ramla Bay.

For Further details Contact the Malta Week Booking Co-ordinator – Bro. Joe Caruana Letter: “Clarach”, Triq San Gwann L-Evangelista, Bahar ic-Caghaq, NXR 5203 – Malta Email: [email protected] | Telephone: + 356 2137 5085 | Mobile: + 356 9995 0252