Il-Bizzilla April 2015 Issue

Issue 28

APRIL 15

LOCAL FEATURES PlaceS FOOD

Contents

Issue 28

APRIL 15

Local p. 8 Maltese Infographic – Interesting, quirky facts about Malta that you may not know. p. 10 Malta Life – Easter in Malta brings with it a host of traditions and religious rites as well as various treats. p. 14 Gozo Life – Easter celebrations are central to Gozo’s religious traditions and

visitors are in for an enriching cultural experience.

p. 10

p. 18 Things to Do in Malta – With so much to choose from, Il-Bizzilla rounds up a few essential things to see and do when visiting the Islands. p. 68

Made in Malta – A glance at products that are part of the Islands' heritage.

p. 86

Air Malta News – General flight information from Malta's national airline.

Places p. 7

round the World – From celebrating the King’s birthday in Amsterdam to the A cool Coachella festival in the USA, the season of festivals opens this month.

p. 12 Travel Hot Spots – One can never tire of London, this month’s travel hotspot. p. 48 Destination – Belgium’s capital city is a popular destination for tourists boasting a wide number of attractions.

p. 60

p. 60

Events – Enrich your stay in Malta with just a few of the most happening events on the Island.

p. 66

Map – An island with a character as colourful and busy as its people, Malta is dotted with landmarks and must-see spots.

p. 69

Places to Visit – A long and rich history has left its mark on the Maltese Islands, and each site has a story to tell.

Issue 28

APRIL 15

FOOD p. 25 In Season– Food writer Lea Hogg gets all the history behind the Maltese strawberry as the Strawberry festival takes place this month.

LOCAL FEATURES

p. 46 Springtime Food – Il-Bizzilla checks out the delicious new entries on the Chophouse menu this Spring.

PlaceS FOOD

Traditional Easter Figolli - Matthew Cauchi at Gululu Kcina Maltija

p. 56 Eating Out – Situated in the heart of Rabat this beautifully renovated restaurant promises a unique culinary experience. p. 80

Restaurant Guide – Malta has countless restaurants catering to every taste.

We've listed some of our favourites.

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Malta Film p. 28-30

Features p. 16 Crafts – As a nation we have managed, throughout the millennia, to craft the most beautiful things. p. 21 Village of the Month – Attard has successfully retained an attractive core featuring one of the island’s best preserved parish churches. p. 32

p. 28 Malta in Film – Just as with artists and writers across time, Malta has long been a magnet for filmmakers. p. 32 Celebrating Easter – Our Easter events calendar sparkles with so much spectacle that the more time you can afford, the richer the experience. p. 36 Toy Musuem – The toy museum in Valletta is a delightful treasure trove. p. 42 Foraging Malta – Malta’s small size means that getting into the countryside to forage for food is easy.

Property p. 36 p. 53 Ta' Monita – Even against an international arena of hot properties, the beautifully designed Ta Monita development wins hands down.

Business p. 51 Medical Tourism – Malta is fast becoming a popular destination for those seeking professional dentistry services and a holiday away. p. 54 Business News – Henley & Partners are the go-to experts in residence and citizenship planning. p. 56

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p. 57 Business Round Up – A glance at business events in the coming months.

w w w. h o q . c o m . m t BECAUSE YOUR HOME M AT T E R S

DETACHED VILLA WITH EXCELLENT VIEWS REF: 508303

l

€1,000,000

l

MELLIEHA

A truly one off FULLY DETACHED VILLA in this sought after area of Mellieha, Santa Maria Estate. Exceptionally located and positioned offering great views. The property is set on over approx. 2,124 sqm of land, with surrounding gardens, large pool deck and much more. At first floor level one finds an entrance hall, leading onto a large sitting room, dining room leading onto the pool and deck area, separate kitchen, 3 double bedrooms - main with en-suite, main bathroom, whilst on the ground floor, one will find a large area which could be converted into a separate 3 bedroom flat-let. Accompanying this property is garage and carport. This property also comes with latest solar panels, solar water heaters, full air conditioning and much more. Not to be missed.

5-STOREY CORNER HOUSE WITH FANTASTIC SEA VIEWS REF: 309484

l

€3,100,000

l

VALLETTA

Imposing 5 storey corner HOUSE, measuring 100 sqm per floor, set in an excellent location in a UNESCO protected Capital City, enjoying fantastic seaviews of the Sliema Creek, Ta’ Xbiex and Manoel Island. Property also comprises roof terrace and enjoys views from all balconies. Freehold

Through Homes of Quality, we find great satisfaction in providing a uniquely personal property service to clients, both local and overseas. As part of Frank Salt Real Estate Group we have access to perhaps the largest property and client database in the Maltese Islands, while operating independently to facilitate the extremely high level of personal interface with clients. At Homes of Quality we are equally proud of the smallest designer apartment as a grand palazzo… the defining factor which ensures that a property is to be found on our listings is quite simply… quality!

Grahame Salt Director

Недвижимость, проживание и бизнес на Мальте. Сервисная поддержка от А до Я. Мы говорим по-русски! Звоните нам (+356) 2342 1645

Homes of Quality, 201, Tower Road, Sliema Tel: +356 2342 0000 UK Tel: +44 (0) 871 711 8994 Mob: +356 9947 4340 Email: info@hoq.com.mt

Il-Bizzilla.

Literally the most captive audience you'll ever have.

Editor Sarah Kennard

Air Malta media gives you the opportunity to deliver your message to 1.7 million passengers.

Project co-ordinator Renata Vella Design TBWA\ANG CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jeff Fabri Senior graphic designer Richard Agius Graphic designer Rebecca Bullock contributors Steven Bonello Rebecca Cachia Victor Calleja Andrea Christians Lea Hogg Adam Jacot de Boinod Helen Raine Charlotte Stafrace Veronica Stivala Official Photographer Robert Camilleri

BLUE MEDIA MARKETING LTD Managing directors Bertrand Attard Chris Mifsud WebSite www.bluemedia.com.mt e-mail info@bluemedia.com.mt Address 3rd Floor, Professional Building Sliema Road Gzira, GZR 1633 MALTA Tel +356 2131 0608 Fax +356 2131 0998

Il-Bizzilla is published monthly in Malta for Air Malta by Blue Media Marketing Ltd. The magazine is free to passengers on Air Malta flights worldwide. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission.

Requests for permission should be made in writing to: Il-Bizzilla Magazine 3rd Floor Professional Building Sliema Road Gzira, GZR 1633 MALTA Editorial material and opinions expressed in Il-Bizzilla do not necessarily reflect the views of Air Malta or the publisher. Air Malta and the publisher do not accept responsibility for the advertising content.

Special thanks to the Malta Tourism Authority and Air Malta for use of their photographic material. Products and services mentioned are subject to change without prior notice. Š Blue Media Marketing Limited 2013 Printed in Malta by Progress Press Co. Ltd., Mriehel.

For information about advertising and restaurant listings in Il-Bizzilla or on other Air Malta media kindly contact our sales team: Renata Vella Mobile: (+356) 7999 5959 Or e-mail us on: sales@bluemedia.com.mt

For information about advertising and restaurant listings in Il-Bizzilla, or on other Air Malta media, kindly contact our sales team: Renata Vella Mobile: (+356) 7999 5959 Or e-mail us on: sales@bluemedia.com.mt

6

AROUND THE WORLD

Around the world in...

APRIL

King's Day (Koningsdag) 27th April Amsterdam, Netherlands The Dutch break out of their winter blues at the new King's Day (Koningsdag) Festival, donning lots of orange, and celebrating in the streets to mark the reigning monarch’s birthday and to welcome warmer weather.

Coachella 10th to 12th and 17th to 19th April Indio, California, United States Once a year in Coachella, diehard music fans transform the desert of SoCal into an oasis of harmony, art, and fun in the sun.

Afrikaburn 27th April till 3rd May Tankwa Karoo National Park, South Africa While just one-tenth as large as its mother event, Burning Man, AfrikaBurn is a festival-on-the-rise that's attracting an increasing number ofvisitors from more than 50 countries around the world.

Thrissur Pooram Elephant Festival 28th April Thrissur, India One of India's most spectacular festivals involves more than 30 colourfully-costumed elephants parading through town on their way to the Vadakkunnathan temple.

Walpurgisnacht 30th April Mount Broken, Germany

Songkran 13th to 15th April Chiang Mai, Thailand 'Super Soakers', water balloons and virtually any sort of spray bottle become weapons of water during Thailand’s Songkran (Water) Festival this month. Although the roots of this festival are spiritual - with water dousing representing a purification ritual to wash away evil spirits in anticipation of the Thai New Year. It has now become an enormous countrywide water fight.

Walpurgisnacht (Witches' Night) is an ancient festival to welcome the spring weather and drive away evil spirits. Though there are many variations of this festival, it is commonly celebrated with dancing and bonfires exactly six months from All Hallows' Eve. Like Halloween, Walpurgis has its roots in ancient pagan customs and, superstitions where the arrival of spring was celebrated with bonfires at night.

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MALTESE Infographic

Interesting facts

ABOUT MALTA 01

A predominantly Roman Catholic country, Malta has over 360 churches – that’s roughly one for every 1,000 residents.

02

316

03

sq km Size of Malta

04 A traditional form of Maltese music is known as Għana. It is comprised of folk guitar music, usually played by men who take it in turns to debate in a sing-song voice. The lyrics are improvised and the result is usually friendly-yet-challenging.

05 The earliest evidence of human habitation in Malta was found in the Għar Dalam Cave.

06

Malta's capital city, Valletta, is named after Jean Parisot de La Valette, a Grand Master of the Order of Knights of St John.

The beautiful and elegant Pharaoh Hound is Malta's national dog.

In Maltese, the breed is called Kelb tal-Fenek.

09 The temples at Gġantija can be traced to an era even older than that of the Pyramids of Egypt.

The flag of Malta is a simple red and white design with the George Cross in the top left hand corner.

11

Malta's Grand Harbour boasts of being one of the best natural deep-water harbours in the world.

13

In 1942 Malta was awarded with the George Cross

by King George VI (UK) for bravery.

14

Malta was previously known as Melita by the Ancient Greeks and Romans. They called it ‘island of honey’.

8

08 In 2008, the Euro became Malta's official currency, following the Island's accession into the EU in 2004.

07

12 10

If you're looking for some interesting books with the Maltese Islands as a backdrop, consider reading the following...

- The Kappillan of Malta by Nicholas Monsarrat - The Sword and the Scimitar by David Ball - The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe.

The two main symbols synonymous with Malta and its people are the Maltese Cross and the Maltese boat (known as 'luzzu'). The Maltese cross was used by the Knights of Malta.

15 Maltese is the National Language of Malta while Maltese and English are both official languages. The Maltese language developed from Arabic, absorbing words and expressions from Sicilian, Italian and English over the centuries. This intriguing blend of languages gives modern Maltese its unique character. Most Maltese are bilingual.

MALTA NEWS

Maltese Fiction

spreads its wings Following years of maturity and consolidation, Maltese literature has started to confidently spread its wings internationally. With the prestigious European Union Prize for Literature awarded last November to Maltese author Pierre J. Mejlak for his bestselling collection of short stories 'Dak li l-lejl ihallik tghid', contemporary Maltese literature will travel far and wide. Rights to the book have been sold to various European countries and April sees the longawaited publication, by Merlin Publishers, of the English translation. 'Having said Goodnight' includes all 10 stories found in the original Maltese edition, as well as three new ones. Translations are by Antoine Cassar and Clare Vassallo.

Mejlak is renowned for his unique storytelling style, which effortlessly seems to carries readers all the way from quaint Maltese towns to major European cities. In this captivating collection, which had already won Malta’s National Book Award, people are often at a crossroads, somewhere between a world they know and one they feel pulled towards. A woman is overjoyed at the news her husband has been found dead. A crow breaks into a young couple's flat, smashing

perceptions and assumptions, and a dying father sends his son on a journey to meet an old flame.

From the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta’s most exciting storyteller is now accessible to a whole new readership, in this warm and vibrant English translation, available in all major bookshops. Air Malta will be supporting the international launch of his book at Waterstones in London on the 23rd of this month.

Easter Treats As with all major celebrations and events on the Maltese islands, you are bound to come across traditional sweets or food dishes which are enjoyed exclusively during a particular festive time.

While Lent is a time for fasting for many Catholics, there are still many traditional delicacies to be enjoyed. 'Pastarjali' which was a kind of light sweet pudding made with whipped white of egg and almond and 'Karamelli tal-Harrub', a caramel made of carobs are just two of these. Then there are the Apostles ring-cakes ('qagħaq ta' l-appostli') which are delicious simply with butter and are usually covered with sesame seeds and almonds.

that some of the mythology symbols representing animals, stars, and eggs (symbols of fertility) were gradually associated with popular "Figolli", templates. The "figolla", was appropriate as a traditional Maltese sweet, baked during Holy week and donated to family, friends, and small children to be eaten on Easter Sunday. The earliest recalled "figolli", were made of sweet pastry and decorated with dyed eggs symbol of fertility. Today an almond filling is stuffed between two same pastry shapes and decorated with icing or chocolate. Chocolate Easter eggs finish off the decoration.

Finally of course do look out for ‘figolli’. The tradition of "Figolli", has its roots in ancient time thousands of year back, it is possible

You can even buy this delicious Easter treats on board your flight as a gift to take back home to your family and friends.

Travelling to any EU Member State?

Do you know the number to dial in case of an emergency?

10

You can dial 112 free of charge to get in touch with the ambulance, fire and police departments anywhere in the EU. This is the European emergency number.

New oN the Market Solely RepReSented by Re/MAX

townhouse in Rabat

penthouse in Mellieħa

Semi-detached Villa in Żebbuġ

MlS: 240021071-30

MlS: 240071069-206

MlS: 240021076-490

· · · ·

· · · ·

· · · ·

Converted townhouse with unobstructed views Sunny terrace and yard Large garden with space for a pool 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

highly finished and fully furnished Fully equipped with all appliances enjoys sea views and includes airspace 2 bedrooms, optional garage available

Newly built & semi-detached 3 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms Patio with courtyard and 500m² garden 2 car garage and flatlet included

€310,000

€128,000

€650,000

House of Character in Qrendi

penthouse in Attard

House of Character in Mosta

MlS: 240071060-254

MlS: 240021071-32

MlS: 240161007-6

· · · ·

· · · ·

· · · ·

Call Reno tanti +356 7858 0800

Call Gordon Valentino +356 7949 7949

wide-fronted and bright home Large courtyard with space for a pool 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms 1 car interconnected garage

€510,000

Call Gordon Valentino +356 7949 7949

Luxuriously finished and furnished enjoys panoramic views 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms terrace and airspace

€285,000 Call Reno tanti +356 7858 0800

Call Reno tanti +356 7858 0800

Double fronted home 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms roof with views of the Mosta Dome Central courtyard, optional garage

€225,000 Call Mauro Sammut +356 9931 9100

Regional office: 76a, Gorg Borg Olivier Street, St. Julian’s STJ 1081, Malta. e info@remax-malta.com

f facebook.com/maltarealestateremax

www.remax-malta.com

TRAVEL HOT SPOT

LONDON WORDS: Adam jacot de boinod

People flock here (to my city) and reach fulfilment on any number of levels and with whatever interests. I don’t want to advocate Harrods, The Hard Rock Café, Madame Tussauds or the Tower of London, all of which are extravagant clichés for the standard London tourist. And while it is true that all visitors feel a sense of liberation, to be a foreigner means nothing, owing to the hugely diverse and cosmopolitan population. However there are some peculiarly English aspects to the city and I recommend the following: The WALLACE COLLECTION The Wallace Collection, Manchester Square, W1, is nicely cut off from time and traffic, and is one of the few museums that feels personal with its sumptuous artistic contents housed in what was once a private house. Particularly strong in French and Flemish paintings and furniture, it still resounds to the beautiful sounds of the many clocks exhibited.

PORTOBELLO ROAD Portobello Road, W11, was originally an antiques market, it now incorporates a flea market as well as general brica-brac items. It is a long gentle walk from Notting Hill and is best to view in the daytime from Friday until Sunday.

Bargains and one-off items still exist aplenty amongst the less interesting postcard stalls and coffee shops.

The MUSEUM OF LONDON The Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2, again is for the more discerning visitor than one who would attend either Madame Tussaud’s Wax Works or the Hard Rock Café. It offers a view into this historic city, housing all the greatest oddities that were somehow preserved, such as Queen Victoria’s drawers, a Roman bikini, cockfighting spurs, an acrobatic flying corset, a set of medieval ice skates and as well as Oliver Cromwell’s death mask.

Burlington Arcade

The Dennis Severs’ House The Dennis Severs’ House, 18 Folgate Street, E1, is a curious conceit, a 'stilllife drama', created by the previous owner to give an impression of what life would have been like for people in the 18th century. Complete with dodgy staircases and a general lack of light, it is fantastically atmospheric. However do note that it is open irregularly.

Image taken from www.dennissevershouse.co.uk

Air Malta offers regular flights to London 12

My fifth choice is, I confess, more obviously part of the beat of the tourist trail: Burlington Arcade, off Piccadilly W1. Here one can walk down a beautiful and long collection of boutiques, all of which pride themselves on traditional British values as well as their elegance though their sober window displays.

Typically products on offer, though not always with a price tag attached, consist of men’s clothing and women’s accessories. It retains Regency decorum by banning singing, humming, whistling, hurrying and 'behaving boisterously'.

Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of QI, the BBC series presented

by Stephen Fry, is the author of The Meaning of Tingo published by Penguin Press, and creator of the iPhone App Tingo, a quiz on interesting words.

THE PERFECT SOFA THAT FITS ANY HOME. INTERMEZZO

Terms and conditions apply.

Right. Perfect. For you.

The Intermezzo range offers you the choice of: 7 different armrests 7 different legs 2 different ground clearances 2 different backrest cushions 2 seat heights 2 different seat interiors

GOZO LIFE

Easter In

GOZO 01

Easter celebrations are central to Gozo’s religious traditions and the visitor who is on the island during this period is in for an authentic and enriching cultural experience. The first week of April coincides with the religious festivities of the Holy Week. Re-enactments portraying the passion of the Christ will take place all around Gozo. The locality of Ghajnsielem will present a live reenactment of the Lord’s last supper at the Ta’ Passi fields on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

Religious celebrations and food are intricately linked to Gozitan popular culture, and an animated kitchen preparing traditional passover food will accompany the event.

Good Friday processions are held in Victoria, Xagħra, Nadur, and Żebbuġ.

People around the Island eagerly await Saturday night to attend the Easter vigil which is celebrated in all the churches around Gozo. Easter Sunday marks another important event for the Gozitans and the joyful peeling of bells and band marches accompany a number of processions with the risen Christ, as people share the traditional sweet figolli which they would have prepared days before. The traditional and modern decorations and characters of these figolli mix together, symbol as well of Gozo’s development along the years.

The month of April will also see the beginning of another important cultural event in Gozo: the Gaulitana festival. This will start on Saturday 11th April with a semi-staged version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s best-loved musical The Sound of Music. A number of local soloists and the Gaulitanus Choir will be joined by the visiting London-based Keats String

Quartet and Gaulitanus resident pianist Stephen Attard. Colin Attard will conduct, with Gaulitanus’ own British artist Terry Shaw producing. The festival will reach its apex with the holding of the Opera Rigoletto, on 22nd May, featuring an international cast and the participation of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, proving yet again that culture and opera are now synonymou with Gozo.

April means spring. Gozo’s countryside is at its best as nature blooms, providing a feast of gold and burgundy carpets of

clover across Gozo’s hills. The perfect setting for coutry walks that snake through villages and countryside, and along the most spectacular coastline. As for the more adventurous, Gozo is ideal ground for climbing along some truly exciting routes.

Indeed, many who come in touch with Gozo can tell you their own story of what the island means to them. Tradition, culture and tranquillity shape these experiences, as people whisper their own stories about Gozo, almost wanting to keep Gozo their own discovery.

1. Ta’ Pinu Church in fog; photo by Daniel Cilia, courtesy of visitgozo.com | 2. Opera Tosca, Gaulitana Music Festival, April 2012; photo by KTV photography.

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ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1981 FOR SALE

HEAD OFFICE (+356) 21 31 0800 ST.JULIANS (+356) 21 31 0088 VALLETTA (+356) 21 31 0800

FOR SALE

MELLIEHA ▪ €1,200,000 ▪ DETACHED BUNGALOW

SLIEMA ▪ €870,000 ▪ PENTHOUSE

Santa Maria Estate - elevated seafront position ▪ Fully DETACHED BUNGALOW on a plot of 1,500 m2 ▪ Highly sought after area ▪ Unobstructed panoramic sea views ▪ Swimming pool with surrounding terraces & entertaining area ▪ Large landscaped gardens ▪ Hallway ▪ Sitting room ▪ Dining room ▪ Fully fitted kitchen / breakfast ▪ 5 bedrooms ▪ 3 Bathrooms (2 en suite) ▪ Large basement ▪ Games room ▪ Utility rooms ▪ 8 car garage ▪ Internal size 341m2 ▪ External size 1160m2 ▪ Ref: BD00004 ▪ SOLE AGENTS

Superb corner PENTHOUSE ▪ Panoramic sea views from all rooms ▪ Sizable terrace ideal for entertaining ▪ Smart & well maintained block ▪ Fantastic location ▪ Close to all amenities & the popular promenade ▪ Luxurious finish throughout ▪ Includes the full airspace ▪ Security alarm system & air-conditioning throughout ▪ Hallway ▪ Sitting/dining room leading onto terrace ▪ Fully fitted kitchen/breakfast ▪ 2/3 bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms ▪ Laundry room ▪ Spacious underlying 1 car garage ▪ Internal size 162m2 ▪ External size 179m2 ▪ Ref: PH00631 ▪ SOLE AGENTS

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

VALLETTA ▪ €3,100,000 ▪ HOUSE OF CHARACTER

TIGNE POINT ▪ €695,000 ▪ CORNER APARTMENT

Elevated HOUSE OF CHARACTER ▪ One of the finest corner locations in Valletta ▪ Magnificent sea views including Sliema Creek, Ta' Xbiex & Manoel Island ▪ Quiet residential area yet close to city centre ▪ Beautiful original features including Maltese floor tiles & traditional balconies ▪ 5 bedrooms ▪ 3 bathrooms ▪ Spectacular roof terrace with panoramic outlook ▪ Internal lift ▪ Viewing essential to appreciate the privileged location ▪ Freehold ▪ Ref: HC02376

TIgne Point - CORNER APARTMENT ▪ Prime location in Sliema ▪ One of the best residential addresses in Malta ▪ Highly sought after new block - Q1 ▪ Wonderful views to Valletta bastions & open sea ▪ Fantastic amenities including the residents swimming pool complex & The Point shopping mall ▪ Entrance hall ▪ Kitchen/dining/living area ▪ 2 bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms (master ensuite) ▪ Underlying car space ▪ Internal size 115m2 ▪ External size 18m2 ▪ Ref: FA100193

TO LET

TO LET

MOSTA ▪ €3000 monthly ▪ HOUSE OF CHARACTER

New to market - converted HOUSE OF CHARACTER ▪ Popular central location ▪ Good access to all aras of Malta ▪ Fantastic swimming pool & garden with terrace area ▪ Entrance hall ▪ Living area ▪ Formal dining room ▪ Fitted kitchen ▪ Guest toilet ▪ Study ▪ Laundry room ▪ Games room ▪ 3 bedrooms (master with en suite & walk in wardrobe) ▪ 2 bathrooms ▪ 2 car garage ▪ Ref: HC100056

SLIEMA ▪ €3000 monthly ▪ SEAFRONT APARTMENT

Qui-Si-Sana - prime seafront location ▪ Brand new block of apartments ▪ Furnished to high standards ▪ Breathtaking sea views ▪ Elegant & beautifully presented accommodation ▪ Entrance hall ▪ Spacious open plan fitted kitchen/dining/living area leading onto larger than usual front terrace ▪ Outdoor furniture ▪ 3 double bedrooms ▪ 3 ensuite bathrooms complete with LEd screens ▪ Laundry room ▪ Optional one car lock up garages available ▪ Ref: FA07910

▪ Collect your free copy of our leading Real Estate publication from the exit of the arrival lounge ▪ ▪ The Perry Letting department offers a wide selection of both prime commercial and residential properties for lease ▪

Malta’s leading property website - www.perry.com.mt Sliema (Head Office) ▪ St. Julian’s ▪ Valletta

CRAFTS

The Beauty is in the Detail WORDS: Victor Calleja

If size were the be-all and end-all, Malta would hardly exist. We are small and our population under half a million. But small is beautiful. And we, as a nation, have managed throughout the millennia to craft wondrous stuff. Intricacy and delicacy rule in such locally-produced crafts as lace, filigree and ganutell.

01

04

02

03

T

he Maltese islands weave their magic on visitors who come, see and are enthralled by the sites, the people and what has been built and wrought over the millennia.

At a time when hand-made things are dying, and mass-production is taking over, some crafts in Malta have been preserved, encouraged to survive and others revived. When looking for a takehome memento, do allow for the time to see it being made, or at least make sure it was crafted locally.

Lace is the most famous of our crafts.

Turn to the front cover of this magazine and look at its title. That gorgeoussounding word-bizzilla-is Maltese for lace.

You can watch lace being produced, each tiny step of the way; see the graceful touches, and the beautiful designs of table cloths, napkins and other impressive stuff including brides’ veils.

Yesteryear veils used to hide the blushes of young innocence while today it is more of a fashion statement. Wander back in time, when the Knights of Malta ruled - and admire the lace used and displayed, not just on special occasions but on daily outings by women, and men, in their clothing. Bizzilla is all about beauty, all about detail.

Another intricate and prized craft is filigree.

This is silver and gold jewellery in the minutest detail. It is made with tiny beads or twisted threads, or both in combination, soldered together or on the surface of an object of the same metal and arranged in

artistic motifs. It basically mirrors lace lattice work in metal. The craft flourished primarily under the Knights who, as time went by and they progressed, became ever - more enamoured of intricate workmanship worthy of the baroque era.

A craft which was nearly dead but which has been revived is that of 'ganutell'. This comes from the Italian 'canutiglia' which means a thin spiral thread. It is made of different wires and spun together to form a small tiny rope, which is then used to make artificial flowers and embroidery. Ganutell flowers are used to decorate the baby Jesus in his usually glassencased crib.

Look out for the crafts proudly made locally - you will be bewitched by the work and by the detailed memories of Malta you can take back home.

1. Bizzilla | 2. & 3. Filigree | 5. Ganutell; All photos taken from viewingmalta.com 16

THINGS TO DO IN MALTA

Things to do in MALTA there is so much to do on this small island of ours, that visitors often feel like they must be missing out on something. So We’ve rounded up a few of the BEST things to do and see, all of which are an intrinsic part of our daily liVeS. 04

Organise a fenkata and sample the very traditional dish of fried rabbit.

09 Explore Valletta – one of the most historic cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and wonder at the magnificent St John’s co-Cathedral.

10 01

Take a walk along the Sliema and St Julian’s seafront, and enjoy a wonderful Mediterranean meal at one of the many restaurants along the way.

02

Visit the Ġgantija Temples – said to be the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

03

Browse for traditional delicacies and local crafts at the Victoria Market in Gozo.

05

Organise a boat trip and enjoy the views of the Islands, rugged coastline from out at sea.

Buy Maltese pastizzi – a local pastry delicacy – and eat them in the sun.

06 Explore the tiny island of Comino on foot during the quieter months.

11 Experience the nightlife in Paceville.

07 Go swimming at Golden Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in Malta.

08

18

Take in the view from Calypso’s Cave above Ramla Bay in Gozo.

12 Catch a play at the Manoel Theatre, one of the oldest working theatres in Europe.

THINGS TO DO IN MALTA

The Malta Experience

13 Pay a visit to the Mosta Church, famous for having one of the largest domes in the world.

Located in Malta’s capital city, Valletta, and housed within what was once the Sacra Infermeria of the Knights of Malta, is The Malta Experience. This audio-visual spectacular is one of the largest attractions in Europe in terms of duration, system and language commentaries. It is also the only show that retraces 7,000 years of Maltese history. The 45-minute presentation can be listened to in one of 17 languages.

18 14

15

Take in the views of the breathtaking Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Go to Marsaxlokk – a quaint fishing village known for its markets, fresh fish and authentic fishing techniques.

19

Visit Hagar Qim, Malta’s prehistoric freestanding Megalithic temples which are situated in Qrendi.

Visit the atmospheric underground chambers at the Hypogeum, which were dug thousands of years ago.

PRESENT YOUR AIR MALTA BOARDING PASS FOR A 15% DISCOUNT ON THE ENTRANCE FEE (not valid with any other offer)

Hop onto a ferry to Gozo and head to Dwejra to admire the Azure Window, which is undoubtedly one of Malta’s highlights.

Malta is one of the best places in the world to go scuba diving, with fantastic diving courses and the opportunity to see some incredible underwater wildlife during your holiday.

Shows are every hour on the hour as follows: Monday to Friday: 11am till 4pm Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: 11am till 2pm (Closed on Good Friday & Easter Sunday).

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In a purposely-built auditorium, with a panoramic screen, sensational vision and a gripping commentary, The Malta Experience brings 7,000 years of history to life. The show is undoubtedly worth a visit for anyone interested in Malta’s unique story. Moreover it is an ideal reference guide to the island’s places of interest. So why not make it your first stop and let Malta’s treasures unfold before your eyes?

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20 Trek along the rugged coastline, which provides a backdrop to Malta’s beautiful beaches and crystal clear seas.

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VILLAGE OF THE MONTH

Window detail - Roseville

Attard’s Historic Core Advantageously located midway between Valletta and Mdina, the village of Attard has seen enormous growth in recent years, turning this once - tiny parish into a large conurbation. Notwithstanding the pressures of modern development mushrooming at its edges, Attard has successfully retained an attractive core featuring one of the Island’s best preserved parish churches and a string of impressive historical residences.

WORDS: Steven Bonello

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he Attard area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as witnessed by a number of Punic and Roman tomb finds in and around the village. Originally an outlying area of the Birkirkara parish, Attard was granted parish status in 1575. Soon after that date, the building of its church began. The parish church of St Mary, built in 1613, occupies the central part of the town’s Main Street. The church is the foremost renaissance monument on the Island, featuring a Roman temple - style facade and an intricately carved doorway - the finest of its kind in Malta. Tumas Dingli, a native son of Attard, designed the church when he was just 22 years of age,

a feat of some note for a person so young in those far off days. Dingli went on to design various other parish churches, all to a greater or lesser degree altered beyond recognition, while his church in Attard is virtually unchanged since his time, bar the addition of a graceful bell tower erected a century after the church was built.

The narrow streets around the church are among the more interesting, and feature a number of imposing residences, pretty alleys decorated with niches, a pleasant arcaded piazzetta and, of more recent addition, a couple of cafes and a boutique art gallery.

There are more bits and pieces of history on Main Street. Just next to the Local Council’s offices is an old wall mounted post-box dating to Queen Victoria’s reign - one of the few extant on the Islands.

More interesting still are two nearby grand residences. Villa Barbaro dates from the latter days of the Knights, and it is recorded that Grand Master De Rohan was feted here by the Maltese nobility on the way to his investiture in Mdina. Later, during the turbulent two years of French rule, the villa served as a hotbed of anti-French activity, and military operations against the Napoleonic invaders were planned in its gardens. Ironically the imposing Casa Bonavita just across the street was owned

Ramla l-ħamra and Calypso Cave in Gozo; image from viewingmalta.com 21

www.mcdonalds.com.mt Valletta | St Julian’s | Sliema | B’Kara | MIA | Bugibba | Gozo | Bay Street | Sliema, Tigné | Għargħur

VILLAGE OF THE MONTH

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Of the other villas lining the street, the one called Roseville is the most singular. Built in 1912 in an Art Nouveau style which is quite unique to the Island, the house is the only building in Malta where polycromy was used on the façade, with recessed panels painted in red and motifs picked out in other colours. Abandoned for a long time, the villa has now been sensitively restored and serves as a home for the elderly.

by a Maltese Francophile – inevitably when the tables were turned on the French the house was ransacked in true shadenfreude fashion by pro-British Maltese.

A little further down, Main Street continues as Saint Anthony Street featuring another grand residence, Villa Apap Bologna. Today the official residence of the American ambassador, one of its previous inhabitants was the celebrated English zoologist and author Desmond Morris. Morris came to the house shortly after publishing his runaway success ‘The Naked Ape’ in 1967 – in part in order to avoid a huge tax bill. A frequent guest of Morris at the time was another celebrity, the much loved naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough.

Saint Anthony Street now enters a straight stretch – arguably the loveliest residential street in Malta, lined with a number of fine townhouses and early twentieth century villas and one truly grand palatial residence – Villa Bologna.

This villa was built in 1745 and was eventually the residence of Sir Gerald Strickland – a remarkable character who was Prime Minister of Malta between 1927 and 1932. Prior to this, Strickland was variously also an MP in the British House of Commons, Governor of New South Wales and Governor of Tasmania. The sumptuous villa and its vast gardens, though still privately owned, are open to the public – with a descendent of Sir Gerald doing the honours of a private tour.

The confines of Attard, whose motto is Florigera rosis halo ('I perfume the air with blossoms'), end appropriately at San Anton Palace and Gardens. The palace was built

by Grand Master de Paule between 1623 and 1636 and today serves as the official residence of the President of Malta. While the palace is not usually open to the public, both its tiny and lavishly-decorated chapel and the gardens are. The gardens are in fact the largest formal gardens in Malta with various points of interest and trees planted by several dignitaries – including one planted in 1921 by the Emperor (then Crown Prince) Hirohito of Japan.

Next to the gardens is the recently opened President’s Kitchen Garden – originally the garden that supplied the palace with a variety of herbs and vegetables, and now comprising a café, an educational area and a small menagerie of animals. It is a good place to wind down after touring the highlights of this lovely village.

1. Attard Church | 2. Villa Barbaro - detail | 3. Attard Church Doorwayl; All photos by Steven Bonello 23

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE

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In Season

Strawberry Fields in April WORDS: LEA HOGG

My theme for the Easter figolla this year is to use fresh fruit with strawberries, to decorate the surface rather than the traditional heavilyiced versions. I have also been developing a sugar-free and butterfree version that works very well. A simple idea of blending golden sultanas in some water or orange juice to a pulp produces a great alternative to processed sugar for sweet making and desserts, and swapping butter with delicious local ricotta or yoghurt has resulted in great-tasting cakes and bakes of a light texture.

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nd so it has become easy to follow the Mediterranean Diet, which is a sustainable way of our lifestyle rather than a diet to loose weight. It allows us to enjoy everything in moderation without cutting out our favourite foods completely. We can enjoy the abundance of our Island; all the fresh produce that is full of flavour thanks to the sunshine and special qualities of the soil. Then there's the unbeatable freshness, as the size of our Island make the food distribution chain very short, with a result that it is nearly impossible to match anywhere else in the world.

Fruits is harvested and delivered to the shops on the same day, and meats are distributed on the same day of slaughter.

By reducing our intake of processed ingredients we enjoy our food as nature meant it to be, without depriving ourselves at all.

My highlight this month has been a visit to the northern village of Mġarr, which nowadays is synonymous with Mediterranean strawberries. Among the many farming families in this village, I met with Gużeppa, a wise and wonderful lady, the matriarch of a large farming

family. Sweet natured and positive, exuding contentment and proud of her roots, she narrated anecdotes about the history of the Maltese strawberry.

Gużeppa was born in Mġarr. She was brought up and lived in the village all her life. Her father Toni (ta' Gakbu ċ-ċkejken) dedicated a good part of his life to the cultivation of Maltese strawberries. I was curious to find out more as Gużeppa told me that the quality of the soil and goodness of the water in Mġarr was just perfect for producing this fruit.

During Gużeppa's childhood, strawberries were very different to what we see nowadays. For a start there's size, as they were tiny, nearly miniscule and very sweet, so sweet; that the fragrance lingered in the air and you could literally smell them from a distance away. The flesh was firm and some were as small as capers.

Despite its size' the old fashioned strawberry was a tough fruit, much tougher than the huge ones being produced today. It retained its shape and very rarely did you see bruised strawberries. Harvest began in March

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OLD THEATRE STREET, VALLETTA

In Season

and the fruit reached its peak around April and the beginning of May, and was enjoyed until the feast of Santa Marija in the summer.

The strawberry shrubs were watered all year round with a special irrigation system created so that the fruit never touched the water. It was also very important not to over water as this would also affect the quality of the fruits.

The first year never produced much fruit but the second year would bring abundance, the fields were full of colour and the countryside was beautiful with the strawberries glistening under the rays of the golden sunshine, like little red beads against the backdrop of blueness from the Mediterranean skies.

Picking strawberries required much patience, especially since the fruit was smaller in size. It was assumed that the responsibility of strawberry picking was a female chore in the family, as it was a job that required delicate handling and much care. The fruit was picked without the crown and placed carefully in dried out long marrow shells that were designed so that the fruit would slip down to the bottom without any friction and without experiencing any knocks. As the fruit was so tiny, it was a labour-intensive exercise to fill up each long marrow container to the brim.

The strawberries were then rinsed and transferred to long narrow baskets that were soaked in water for a whole day to provide a moist environment and keep the strawberries fresh while protecting them from the strong summer heat. The bottom of the baskets were covered in fig leaves to provide a soft cushion to lay the fruit on. Each basket was covered in overlapping sugar cane leaves and the baskets were tied securely to the carts to be taken to the wholesale fruit market (Pitkali) on Mondays and Thursdays.

Strawberries were a luxury food item in those days, explains Gużeppa and not affordable to all. They were distributed mostly to shops in the wealthier town of Sliema and the residences in the capital, Valletta.

The tiny strawberry soon evolved to a slighter larger size during the time of British rule. The 'British' strawberry was not as firm and neither was it as tough.

Apart from the size, it was picked with the crown as this gave it a prolonged shelf life.

And today the strawberry has evolved to the size of a small apple and one of our favourite desserts is scooping them out and filling them with ricotta or dark chocolate yoghurt and cream, certainly impossible with the strawberries from Guzeppa’s childhood.

The strawberry is the queen of fruits. If you are visiting the Island this month, do not miss out on our national strawberry feast in the village of Mġarr on 19 April.

Not only will you be able to see and taste the Maltese strawberry in all sorts of forms and varieties but you will also be able to get a glimpse of life in this village so full of character and Mediterranean charm, and meet people who seem to have good old fashioned values. Jams are produced in great quantities as planning has been going on all year and this day is awaited by everyone on the Island.

Thanks to the Mayor of Mġarr for research and photos.

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MALTA FILM

A film tour across Malta? Action!

WORDS: Rebecca Cachia

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MALTA FILM

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It is little wonder that Malta is firmly rooted in the international film industry as a distinctive destination for filming. Its size might be small, but Malta bursts with beauty, fun and charisma; a uniquely Maltese character that has formed over thousands of years with myriad influences from the north, south, east and west. While in Malta, you can imagine being a gladiator pacing across the landscape of ancient Rome or even facing the conniving Lannisters at King’s Landing… Malta has seen it all!

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ust as with artists and writers across time, the Mediterranean has long been a magnet for filmmakers. Malta’s warm light and climate, cliff-filled coastline and expanse of sea have created cinematic allure for over 80 years. From the early Phoenicians and Moors through to the Romans, the Knights of St John and the British, the Island has been left with a rich history, and ideal filming locations in world class museums, and intimidating fortresses.

A scattering of productions in the 1920s/1930s paved the way for a regular stream of feature films, documentaries, and television series from the 1950s onwards, and there are no signs of this slowing down.

In summer 2014, Angelina Jolie’s directorial and acting foray, By The Sea, became one of Malta’s latest films, set in a quaint inlet called Mġarr ix-Xini in Gozo.

Malta’s sister island was also the location

for one of the most memorable television drama scenes from the past few years: Gozo’s 50-metre high Azure Window is natural limestone arch which became the backdrop for Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo’s wedding in Season 1 of Game of Thrones while we’re on the subject of Game of Thrones, the entrance to King’s Landing is the gate to Malta’s medieval, walled city of Mdina.

Gozo’s Azure Window also featured in Clash of the Titans and The Count of Monte Cristo. In fact, do you remember Chateau D’If, the infamous castle prison in The Count of Monte Cristo? The castle is none other than St. Mary’s Tower (1416) perched atop the vertiginous cliffs of Comino. The sight is best taken in while on the ferry ride from Malta to Gozo. Be sure to look towards the bottom of the cliff below the tower to see the cave that served as the entrance to the prison in the film.

1. Fort Saint Angelo Gates in Ċitta Vittoriosa, Birgu | 2. Mġarr ix-Xini 29

MALTA FILM

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The oddest of Malta’s film sets is Popeye Village in Anchor Bay, in the northwest of Malta. This collection of rustic, wooden buildings was created for the production of the 1980 feature film Popeye, starring Robin Williams. The set is open to the public and it is a favourite location for families, as there are boat trips, a small cinema, and various shows that take place every day.

The Mediterranean Film Studios and Fort Ricasoli are a further attraction for foreign filmmakers. The 70,000 square metre fort has featured in many productions, including Gladiator, Julius Caesar, Troy, and Agora. The studios boast one of the largest

water tank facilities in the world, as well as one of the few with a natural sea horizon as a backdrop. U-571, Swept Away, Troy, and Captain Phillips, among others, have all been partly filmed there.

Over the past year, Malta has witnessed its biggest domestic film production yet.

Simshar was released in 2014, written and directed by Rebecca Cremona, a Maltese filmmaker. The picture was inspired by a series of real, tragic events that unravelled in the sea around Malta.

The film culminates when the boat of a Maltese fishing family sinks and the fishermen are then mistaken for African

3. The bay at the end of Għasri Valley, Gozo | 4. Azure Window, Gozo | 5. Popeye Village 30

migrants and left stranded clinging to a float at sea. Simshar was the first Maltese film to be submitted for the Best Foreign Language Oscar at the Academy Awards. Even though it wasn’t eventually nominated, it remains a formidable display of local talent.

Malta will once again be playing host to local and international films and productions at the first Valletta Film Festival from 15th- 21st June 2015, which promises to become a leading cultural event and film festival in the Mediterranean. The festival is open for submissions until 15 April 2015.

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EASTER

Celebrating Easter in Malta WORDS: Charlotte Stafrace

Easter time is a special time to visit Malta. Our events calendar sparkles with so much ‘spectacle’ that the more time you can afford, the richer the experience.

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alta has its very own ‘Semana Santa’ – a Holy Week with certain aspects that make it truly and uniquely Maltese. Although Easter is still essentially a religious feast, today it is also a rich celebration close to our hearts: think food, traditions, spectacle and noise. With Easter being the most important feast in our religious calendar, it is little wonder that you can feel the momentum picking up months ahead.

As the 40 days of Lent draw to an end, activities start sprouting up in towns and villages all over the Island. There

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are rice displays – works of art made out of coloured rice featuring the Stations of the Cross. The churches are spruced up, bedecked with enormous displays of white flowers in the chapel which houses the Holy Sacrament from Good Friday onwards and perfumed with a strong scent of incense. The elaborate statues, which will form part of the street procession, are removed from their protective coverings. Village brass bands rehearse funerary marches, and pageant organisers put the final touches to the re-enactments which, every year, see many volunteers vying to take part. My

favourite attractions are the ‘exhibitions’ of little statuettes, depicting the ‘Via Crucis’ – Christ’s walk to the Cross, miniature copies of the statues taken out in the street processions on Good Friday.

These exquisitely - detailed miniatures, which belong to private collections, can be found in many of the old towns like Zejtun and Zebbug, and also in Valletta.

Just look out for signs saying ‘exhibition’ in small doorways.

Here is a quick rundown of the programme you can expect to find in the lead up to Easter.

EASTER

Maundy Thursday The evening of Maundy Thursday is the start of the mourning period. In some parishes there will representations of the Last Supper. It is traditional for parishes to stop ringing their bells between now and Easter morning, and to replace them by the more repetitive clatter of the ‘ċuqlajta’, which is a large wooden rattle or clapper.

This is a day of prayer amongst families, as they go out to do their ‘Seba’ Visti’ or Seven Visits to seven different churches to pay homage to the ‘Altars of the Repose’. Head to Valletta if you want to see some of the best decorated altars. During this day and until Sunday, you will also find the bread called ‘Apostles Ring’ (which highlights the breaking of bread by Jesus during the Last Supper) in most villages and in the streets of Valletta. You can also find other traditional eats along the way like ‘karamelli talħarrub’, traditional sweets, which were supposedly made with carob instead of sugar in a time of sacrifice. Other sweets you should taste at the sweet shops, cafes and confectioners during this time are long chewy cookies called ‘kwareżimal’, made with orange blossom water and almonds.

Another alternative ‘event’ on the Easter calendar for Maundy Thursday is a procession which takes place in the Girgenti valley in the limits of the town of Siġġiewi. At 8am a congregation leaves from the village square and is led by torchlight up Girgenti Hill to the Laferla Cross. Along the path you will find the Stations of the Cross as well as tableaux. A similar procession takes place in Gozo, at the Ta' Pinu Shrine. Both are heavily attended, and are very atmospheric and truly symbolic of our Islands’ link to our faith.

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Good Friday The ‘Seven Visits’ last till around midday.

There is then a lull until 3pm, when Catholics celebrate, in silence, the death of Christ through prayers. But around 5pm Malta goes into full gear with full blown processions. There are elaborate pagents featuring hundreds of volunteers dressed in Roman attire, accompanying huge statues depicting the Passion of Christ with funerary music from brass bands ,as well as recorded music which form the background to a running commentary.

In Żebbuġ, there is also a chariot with live horses which is proudly driven by a ‘Roman Centurion’ in full armour. During this day, you might also see groups of men covered in white cloaks and pointed hoods, some dragging chains or crosses – like the ‘penitents’ found in the Spanish processions . As a child brought up in Malta, I remember vivid scary dreams of masked men swaying to the sound of chains on the road!

1. Kwareżimal; Gululu Kċina Maltija | 2 . Re-enactment of Passion of the Christ; Photo by Joseph Sultana, courtesy of visitgozo.com

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EASTER

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Easter Sunday Easter Sunday is another day of celebration, mainly held in or around the parishes. The altars are decked in white flowers and the tabernacles are left open, a sign of the Risen Christ. The bands play joyful marches. In some villages and towns there is also a procession of the ‘L-Irxoxt’ (Risen Christ) where a group of fit young men, run up the church parvis’ steps with the statue of the Risen Christ. Everyone awaits, fervently praying that the statue makes it back into the church in one piece. Then everyone rushes home for a sumptuous family meal.

Malta during Easter time is special. Even if you just wander about the towns and villages taking in the colours and the noise, you will be regaled with a ‘spectacle’ for all the senses.

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St. Julian’s Office Various images of Easter prosessions 2014 in Malta, taken from viewingmalta.com

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TOY MUSEUM

A Treasure Trove of Toys WORDS: Andrea Christians

Man’s relationship with toys is one that stretches back to prehistory with the earliest examples found in prehistoric archaeological sites. During the times of the Egyptians, children played with movable toys made from wood, clay and stone, whilst, in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, wax and terracotta were the preferred materials. The origins of the word 'Toy', are uncertain but it was believed to have first been used in the 14th century.

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ver the centuries toys evolved but our relationship with them has changed surprisingly little.

The fact is that just about every one of us once had a toy that had a special place in their heart and, although now long forgotten, often seeing it again can bring back poignant memories.

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This is something that Vincent Brown, who owns the Toy Museum at 222, Republic Street in Valletta, knows only too well.

Founded in the 1980s following his retirement from the bank, the Toy Museum is spread over three floors of a traditional Valletta house that was the one time maids’ quarters of a larger adjoining

property. It is a compact building that has been thoughtfully restored and retains much of it original character, including the original goats’ quarters found in an alcove under the basement stairs!

Walking in off the street it is, at first, hard to take in this Aladdin’s den of

TOY MUSEUM

childhood imagination, but closer inspection reveals an incredible collection that has been meticulously prepared before being laid out in order.

Once inside everything whispers of the past with display cases providing an opportunity to view toys of every size and description. They are often grouped together according to a particular era, or are mini collections of anything from robots to teddy bears.

Many have an educational aspect with fully-functioning mini sewing machines and typewriters enclosed in one case, alongside dolls and sewing kits that date from an era when domestic capabilities were considered to be of the utmost importance for girls. I must admit that it does feel just a little strange to be looking at dolls whose owners are either long dead or now very old ladies indeed!

However, fantasy is never far away and an cabinet opposite displays all manner of toy cars, trains and farms along with

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TOY MUSEUM

characters from fairy tales and cartoons that must have once so inspired the children of the day.

Many toys have a story. One which is particularly poignant is that of a small windup violinist that was made in Germany in the 1930s. As Vincent holds it in his hand he explains that it has a particular sentimental value for him.

“As a child, one of my sons was obsessed with trying to play with it but I would never allow him to as it is very

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delicate" he says. "Sadly, my son passed away some years ago and now, every time I look at this toy, I remember him as a small boy trying to prise it from my hand. It’s a priceless memory and I could never bear to part with it.”

When it comes to the oldest toy in the collection, Vincent tells me that it is a rather simple-looking wooden Pinocchio figure with jointed limbs that dates from 1883. Another interesting one is a moving figure of a girl teasing a dog with a frankfurter that dates from the 1920s.

Tin toys are particularly collectible and one of Vincent’s’ most prized pieces is a pressed tin model of a motorcyclist figure that was made by George Levy, a Jew who escaped from Germany, who was regarded as a maestro of toy making in his day. Other favourites are rather more recent and include a 1960s James Bond car that is a tiny replica of the one that was used in the film of that era.

The basement of the building houses a vast collection of miniature model cars.

Again Vincent points out a number

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TOY MUSEUM

of personal favourites including a tiny delicate horse and carriage that fits snugly in the palm of his hand that dates back to the 1950s, but is in absolutely perfect condition.

Vincent explains that, although it is a toy museum, in reality, it is aimed more at adults than children as the advent of computer games and technology has greatly changed the concept of playing as we know it. “Although it is often children who pull their parents in through the door in the first place, it is usually their parents or even grandparents who end up wanting to stay. I love spending time here as I get to meet lots of interesting people and it is always intriguing to watch their reaction when they see something that has a special memory for them. I generally let them walk around alone as I think it is a personal thing but I’m a always there to answer any questions they may have.�

Childhood is, after all, the age of innocence and visitors often become quite emotional when they see a toy that reminds them of this time. As a result, it is not unusual for laughter and even occasional tears to be the order of the day at the Toy Museum.

Photography by Fotocalssic

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Foraging Malta

Foraging Malta WORDS: Helen Raine

There’s a free lunch waiting for you in the Maltese countryside if you know where to look.

From the Early Neolithic Period onwards, people have been scouring the cliffs, woodlands and garrigue for food, and it’s still possible to do so today - despite urban development.

Malta’s small size means that getting into the countryside is relatively easy and, once you start to recognise the right plants, you’ll find that nature provides snacks everywhere.

Foraging for food comes with real benefits; your meal will taste better than anything you’d find shrink-wrapped in the supermarket and will be loaded with vitamins and minerals.

In addition, getting out there to find it yourself will give you an appetite. So, reconnect with your wild side and find a feast that won’t cost you a penny; here’s what to look for.

Really Slow Food After it rains, you might see people poking around rubble walls, plastic bag in hand. They’ll be looking for ‘bebbux’, edible snails, identified by their dark and light brown stripes. It’s easy to collect enough for a meal in an hour (if you’re pushed for time, you can buy extra ones from local vegetable wagons). Cooked in red wine, they are surprisingly delicious but a local secret is to crush together dry Maltese bread

(minus the crust), olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, tomatoes and parsley, then to dip your snails into this relish.

Snail collecting reaches fever pitch with the first end-of-summer rains when both snails and snail-pickers abound; but they can be found year round. Locals let the snails 'fast' for a week or more before washing them well and cooking them like shellfish or lobster.

1. Snails, 'bebbux', taken from viewingmalta.com | 2. 'Patata l-forn’ , roast potatoes with thyme and rosemarry | 3. Borage plant

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Foraging Malta

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Herbal Heaven A hike through the garrigue (limestone scrubland) in Malta will throw up some incredible aromas. That’s because you’ll be walking through Mediterranean thyme and rosemary, - aromatic shrubs which both have purple flowers in the spring.

The subtle, dry flavour of both herbs works well in soups or to flavour meat, bringing the countryside right into your

kitchen. Bees feeding off these plants produce a delicious honey.

twist to the local roast-pork-andpotatoes dish, ‘patata l-forn’.

You’ll also find wild fennel all over Malta; look for its yellow flowers growing bouquet-style. The delicate, feathery leaves look wonderful sprinkled over a pasta dish and the seeds are used to give a sweet, anise

Borage is another common plant that produces elfin blue flowers between January and May. These star-shaped blooms add sophistication to a simple a salad and you can pop some of the leaves in there too for a crisp, cucumber flavour.

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Foraging Malta

In a pickle

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If you can spare the time to make jam or chutney, the Maltese countryside offers plenty of options. Spiny Hawthorn trees are often found near the cliffs and the red autumn berries are good for jams and liquor; you can also dry the fruit and chop it finely into muesli. The new leaves work well grated into a salad with beetroot and carrot, then sprinkled with petals.

Locals will also collect capers for pickling, just as they have for thousands of years.

Capers are actually the khaki-coloured bud of this ubiquitous bush. Their intense, sea salt flavour works well with fish sauces or on pizza.

Olive trees grow wild too, although the long pickling process needs to be done just right or they’ll be decidedly unpalatable. Some old timers might also pick the pods of the carob tree to make carob syrup, which is effective for sore throats and coughs.

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Go Green Wild asparagus doesn’t look like much until springtime, when the tender new shoots suddenly appear. The wild versions are skinny but delicious; they are divine as a side dish, steamed and drizzled with a dash of olive oil, or used to add a deep, country flavour to risotto. Once you recognise the plant, you’ll find it all over the place; it is very drought resistant.

Wild Chard is also easy to gather, often from roadsides. It doesn’t have red stems and looks essentially like spinach (in fact, the Maltese tend to know it as ‘wild spinach’). Older leaves can be a little tough

and need steaming, but the young leaves are perfect for salad.

And if you have a stout pair of gloves, it’s easy to track down some nettles, usually on nitrogen-rich land or on the verges. The sting is deactivated by hot water, so they make a good addition for soup. You can also boil them and then make a pesto with parmesan, wild garlic and pinenuts. Avoid the lower leaves as they tend to be bitter.

Young dandelion leaves can be treated in the same way, or boiled for five minutes then drizzled with olive oil and dotted with a few petals for a visual feast.

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Foraging Malta

Salad Days

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There’s really no need to buy imported rucola (wild rocket) from Europe when it’s growing in profusion around Malta.

It’s adapted to poor soil and grows from autumn to the start of summer in clumps on the ground, often on roadsides and disturbed ground. Once you identify it, you’ll be sorry you missed it for so long. The spicy pepper flavour can be powerful, so mix rucola with other leaves or sprinkle chopped leaves over a Maltese ġbejna (cheeselet).

Free Fruit Prickly pear was one of the first cactus species to be cultivated for food and it grows in abundance in Malta, often planted as a fence or windbreak. They might be easy to find but are not called ‘prickly’ for nothing; you’ll need some extra thick gardening gloves to hold the fruit as you peel it, making sure to get rid of all the spikes. When chilled and sliced, the flesh tastes similar to watermelon. Different species ripen at different times, mainly late spring through to autumn, and the fruits can be yellow, red or white.

For me though, Malta’s greatest wild treasure is the fig. Biting into the velvety flesh, straight from the tree and at the ambient temperature, is like a communion with Mother Earth. Some trees start fruiting around June, but most ripen around August time. You can find them growing wild on country lanes (the country route from Xemxija to Manikata has several). Figs only keep for a couple of days and seem to lose their flavour after refrigeration, so the only reasonable option is to eat them immediately – at least, that’s my excuse.

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4. Capers growing on the cliffs above Għajn Tuffieħa Bay | 5. Olives growing on a tree | 6. Carob tree | 7. Wild asparagus | 8. Nettles | 9. Rucola | 10. Cutting open a prickly pear | 11. Figs

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FOOD

Springtime at The Chophouse Pan seared Scottish scallops with green apples and salsa verde...beetroot and goat’s cheese salad...beef carpaccio marinated with coffee and rosemary...rabbit ravioli.

These are just some of the new entries to The Chophouse menu this spring.

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teve Mamo, head chef at The Chophouse, and his kitchen brigade, have launched their Spring menu, just in time for Easter. Since Steve’s arrival at The Chophouse, a new standard has been set by blending traditional fare with adventurous creativity. Steve, who worked for Marco Pierre White at Les Escargots, says “I found a good team here at The Chophouse and continued to build on that by enthusing them with the free spirit of the modern

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age chef. Whilst we cater for what we believe to be our patrons’ tastes, we have a no-holds barred policy with when it comes to flair and creativity.” Steve insists on using only the best ingredients. “We visited Italy recently and managed to set up interesting contacts for supplies of speciality products. Visiting our meat suppliers in Veneto was an incredible experience.

We even got to meet the cows and bulls being reared by our suppliers, Angus and Charolais breeds from Scotland and France,

FOOD

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and discussed our specific needs with their master butchers, right down to the thickness and width of the different cuts we offer. Amazing stuff.”

Scottona beef, renowned for its succulence and refined marbling, is the beef of choice at The Chophouse.

Scottona cuts taken from heifers not older than 16 months are butchered for The Chophouse and other select clients at a boutique meat processing plant in the north of Italy. Maltese pork which remains the best as far as intensity of taste and tenderness go also features prominently on this new menu, with braised beef cheeks in ruby port and slow-roasted porchetta for two to share.

The Chophouse restaurant, situated in Tigne’ Point, high above Marsamxett

Harbour and with magnificent, unrivalled views of Valletta, is not just about good food nor talked about solely for the superb quality of its meat grilled on Malta’s largest charcoal-only open grill.

The Chophouse bar offers a pretty wide selection of fine whiskies - as many as 120 on the last count and Matthew will guide you through the Highlands and Lowlands, Speyside and the Isles the baristi mix great pre-prandial cocktails for sipping on the verandah as the sun sinks behind Fort Manoel - a pretty unique experience.

Another unique feature at The Chophouse is the glass-fronted wine cave which holds upwards of 400 wines. Sommelier Jamie will be delighted to recommend options at your table, or to show you around the cave and help you choose a wine.

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1. At the grill, if you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen | 2. Sommelier Jamie | 3. The Chophouse - Always a great time | 4. Matthew the 'Whisky Man' | 5. 'One of the most beautiful views in Europe'

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DESTINATION

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DESTINATION

Bent on Brussels Belgium’s capital city is a popular destination for tourists and boasts a wide number of attractions. Veronica Stivala explores the city. dmittedly, when many of us think of Brussels, holidays aren’t always the first thing that come to mind.

Brussels is the de facto home to the European Union. Since the end of World War II, Belgium’s capital city has been a major centre for international politics. Yet the city is a popular destination for tourists and boasts a wide number of attractions. And, of course, one cannot mention Brussels without mentioning its delicious Belgian chocolate, beer, mussels and fries. Here are some interesting facts about Brussels.

Quick facts Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and home to some 1 million people. It is officially a bilingual city where French and Dutch are spoken.

History Brussels’ history has its roots in the Middles Ages. The city was the centre of trade between the cities of Bruges, Ghent and Cologne, where the Senne River met the economic route that stretched from the east to the west of the country. Top among its exports were tapestries woven from the finest silk, which were bought to decorate the homes of royals and aristocrats. You can still see some of these tapestries in European museums such as the Louvre.

Speeding forward, Belgium’s last great revolt was in 1830 when it protested against King William of the Netherlands to gain independence. King Leopold I became the first King of the Kingdom of Belgium on 21 July 1831. The walls of the city were taken down during this period and replaced by a set of boulevards in the shape of a pentagon following the original outline of the Brussels. The

current circle metro line weaves around this same ring road.

Food and drink

Art Nouveau is definitely the highlight of Brussels architecture. Take this in by walking or cycling. The presence of this style can be attributed to Victor Horta - a famous designer in the early 20th century known throughout Europe for his contemporary architectural constructions. The larger art nouveau examples include Victor Horta’s Wacquer warehouse, which is now the home of the Centre of Comic Strip Art, the Old England building, which is now the Museum of Musical Instruments, and La Metropole, the most famous hotel in Brussels.

Belgian chocolates are some of the best - rated in the world. You will be spoilt for choice as there are thousands of varieties to choose from. What is special about them is that they are made with 100% cocoa butter and with no vegetable oil.

This is what gives them such a good quality and great taste. However, do be careful to buy genuine handmade Belgian chocolates (pralines and truffles are the best). Some top brands (listed in order of price) are Leonidas, Neuhaus, Godiva and Pierre Marcoloini’s. Speaking of food, you should also try moules et frites (mussels and fries), a traditional dish for which the Belgians were supposedly the first to put the two foods together.

Other architectural highlights in Brussels include the Bourse. Formerly the home of the Brussels Stock Exchange, it is now the Brussels office of the Euronext Exchange - a pan-European Stock Exchange that replaced the Brussels, Paris and Amsterdam stock exchanges in 2000. The Bourse building was crafted in the neo-Renaissance and Second Empire styles. The whole building has been designed with hundreds of sculptures and bas-relief; allegories for Brussels, Freedom of Trade, Africa and Asia are crafted in and around the building.

There are a whopping 400 varieties of beer in Belgium. Beer is treated with such reverence in Belgium and Brussels that the capital city even has a small beer museum at the Grand Place, the city’s central square. The museum plays a video about the history of beer and the beer-making process and serves beer at the end of the screening. A popular spot for drinking beer is the Délirium Café, a bar that serves all 400 varieties of Belgian beer, as well as beers from all around the world.

Architecture

Air Malta offers regular flights to Brussles.

Photo (left): The Grand Place | Photo (above): Brussels Stock Exchange 49

medical tourism

High-Flying Dentistry

The Dental Tourist Time to treat yourself. When planning your next holiday think outside the box. It may be advantageous looking into cosmetic dental make-overs; not necessarily large surgical procedures but rather cosmetic smile-make-oves. These minimally-invasive procedures make a huge difference to ones’ look, smile and confidence. Procedures of this nature include: 1. Ceramic inlays: Conversion of metal fillings and/or old stained fillings to porcelain inlays/onlays 2. Tooth straightening: Ceramic veneers may easily adjust the position of teeth. Adjustments include rotations, bringing teeth out, pushing teeth in, widening or narrowing of teeth.

3. Tooth whitening: Laser tooth whitening together with home maintenance kits may drastically improve the colour of your teeth. The look will not turn into polar white-looking teeth. What you see on television is not achieved with bleach but with ceramic veneers. However, if requested this may also be done.

DAY 2: Smile design approved by patient •C onfirmation of new tooth shade following laser and overnight tooth whitening • Milling of veneers, inlays and onlays • Final touches to veneers

DAY3 Try-in and fitting of new dental restorations. (3-4hours)

Planning: Patient contact: The interested client emails the clinic and forwards photos (taken with a smart phone or other) and a full mouth radiograph together with requests and interests in tooth adjustments etc. Potential client receives options for treatments including advantages/ disadvantages, timeframes and costs.

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Trip planning: Flight itinerary emailed to clinic. Free accommodation and transport organised by clinic.

DAY 1: Patient arrival and interview.

Reconfirmation of treatment plan and execution of initial treatment phase (3-4hours)

• Tooth preparation for veneers •S afe removal of amalgam fillings using safe protocol as indicated by the international academy of oral medicine and toxicology •D igital impression taken with CADCAM technique (computer-aided design/manufacturing) • L aser tooth whitening of remaining untouched teeth and fabrication of night white trays given to patient.

•S mile design using CAD-CAM software

This is the conventional sequence of events when dealing with the dental tourist. The very short time-frame is only managed due to the complete focus on this one patient. Technicians work hand-in-hand with clinicians ensuring that the expected planned results are achieved with no delay or mix-up. This 3-day time-frame may also be spaced out to accommodate a few free days to visit Malta.

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A Case Study Patient complaints: Colour, tooth position, small volume of tooth visible on smiling.

Treatment plan includes: • 14 ceramic veneers • 3 ceramic inlays • Simultaneous tooth whitening Potential clients may believe that this very short time-frame is only possible if one cuts corners. This is incorrect. With today’s technology and complete focus of the clinical team, many treatment modalities may be completed with relative ease and great client satisfaction. The high calibre world-recognied dental materials come with guarantees,as does the clinical work delivered by clinics, which cater for such clients.

Surely your 3-day dental visit may be extended to accommodate your holiday. Ask your dentist!

Dr Jean Paul Demajo 02

Dental and Implant Surgeon Trained in London NOW working in private practice in Malta.

1. Extra oral view before treatment | 2. Extra oral view after treatment | 3. Intra oral view before treatment | 4. Intra oral view after treatment 51

PROPERTY

Ta’ Monita Beats The Idylls Take a small village in Norfolk, one in Madeira and a beautifullyequipped large house in Sicily. All sound enticing, all sound perfect. Even the mere names make us want to go there. Then place Ta’ Monita in perspective - competing against all the idyllic places mentioned above. Ta’ Monita wins.

Hands down!

This is not a developer’s dream or a writer wined and dined enough to imagine or stretch the truth just a trifle beyond belief. This is reality as related to me by the Masons, a most charming couple who have just purchased an apartment at Ta’ Monita and who think that this place in Marsascala beats Madeira, Sicily, Portugal and has many more attributes than Norfolk.

Life in London was great, social life very hectic and theatre-land and concerts within easy reach. But they felt this was too hectic and they hardly had time to enjoy relaxing and feeling fulfilled. They wanted a quiet place where gardening would be fun, hobbies like pottery could be followed, and travelling the world a possibility often - and at short notice.

They bought a house in Norfolk in a rustic beautiful village with a population of just a few hundred. This was the start of their change in lifestyle. They started going there at weekends and enjoying the quiet and the lovely garden.

Then, five years ago Nadia retired completely from academia and Jeremy semi-retired. And they realised that one big thing was missing in their life still sun, glorious sunshine, life-giving light most days of the year. And the search was on from Spain to Morocco via Sicily.

Malta didn’t figure in their searches as they had come here 20 years back and left rather disappointed.

They were seriously considering Madeira for their idyllic home and attended an ex-pat fair which should have had Madeira as its main focus - however, there was no one to speak about it. Instead a

marvellous man from Malta talked highly of the island, its new developments and its new look, and they were intrigued enough to decide to venture over for another holiday: to check out the words of the estate agent from Malta.

They quickly established the truth of what he had told them. Malta now looked gorgeous and from 'hardly interested' they became 'enthusiastic'.

The final part of the love affair with Malta was viewing an apartment at Ta’ Monita. This clinched it all. And that is how Malta and Ta’ Monita won hands down. It was a tough tussle but Malta was the best place with its history, culture, hospitable and Englishspeaking people.

Life at Ta’ Monita is a real dream come true for the Masons. To them the views, the vistas of endless sea, the peace that reigns, the quality of the restaurants just round the corner, the abundant fish and the shops, are all bonuses to the quality of the development. They also look forward to many happy days when their children and grandchildren come to visit.

I left their idyll with them sitting on their terrace overlooking the limpid sea at Marsascala Bay. My reaction to their choice mirrored that of their friends: pure green jealousy.

Words by Victor Calleja | Spinola Developments | www.tumasdevelopments.com 53

BUSINESS NEWS

The Individual Investor Programme of the Republic of Malta Henley & Partners was awarded a Public Services Concession by competitive tender with regard to the design, implementation and international promotion of the Malta Individual Investor Programme (IIP). The IIP is a modern citizenship-by-investment programme aimed at ultra-high net worth individuals and families worldwide. It offers citizenship in an EU Member State that is stable, neutral and highly respected, with an efficient application process, and the world’s strictest due diligence standards and vetting of applicants, thus ensuring only highly respectable clients will be admitted. Furthermore, the programme is capped and only 1,800 applications will be admitted.

The IIP has been introduced with the aim of complementing the existing talent pool in Malta by attracting intellectual and financial capital that will further support inward investment to Malta. It allows for the grant of citizenship to duly qualified, reputable foreign individuals and families who make a significant contribution to the economic development of Malta. The legal basis regarding citizenship-by-investment is contained in Articles 10 (9) (b) and 24 (1) (i) of the Maltese Citizenship Act, Cap 188, and the Individual Investor Programme Regulations of the Republic of Malta, 2014. Furthermore, an agreement reached between the EU Commission and the Maltese Government on 29 January 2014 confers upon the IIP a unique legal status with explicit EU treaty protection acknowledged and approved by the EU Commission.

The IIP requires a person to make an economic contribution to the country. In return, and subject to a very thorough application procedure including detailed due diligence and background verification checks, the applicants and their families are granted full citizenship. To qualify for citizenship, the main applicant must be at least 18 years of age, meet all of the application conditions, make a non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund, and meet certain other requirements.

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The contribution amount is required to be paid by the main applicant in the sum of €650,000, with additional contributions required from the spouse and for each child under the age of 18. An application may include children between the ages of 18 and 26 years if they are financially dependent on the main applicant and are not married. In addition, parents over the age of 55 years may also be included in the application as dependants, if they are living with and are fully supported by the main applicant.

Due diligence fees are payable for all applicants, as well as fees to cover the passport application and bank charges.

Additionally, the following investment requirements and other obligations must be met: • Property

– either the purchase of a residential property in Malta with a price of at least €350,000, which must be held for five years, or the lease of a residential property with a rental of at least €16,000 per annum, also held for five years • Investment – €150,000 in a prescribed investment, details of which are published from time to time by the Identity Malta Agency, which must be held for five years • I nsurance – the holding of a valid global health insurance policy with medical expense cover • R esidence – the applicant must have been legally resident in Malta for one year prior to issuance of certificate of naturalisation • O ath of Allegiance – all applicants aged 18 years and over are obliged to visit Malta in person to undertake the Oath of Allegiance.

BUSINESS NEWS

All applicants must have a clean personal background and no criminal record.

A person who is deemed a potential national security risk, a reputational risk or is subject to criminal investigation, will also be denied citizenship. Malta has developed a four-tier due diligence system which is considered the most thorough in the world for this kind of programme. The names of successful applicants will be published annually, along with all other naturalisations granted by the Government.

Government, all relevant information provided and the background of the applicant and any dependants are verified by one or several due diligence agents. All required due diligence fees, passport fees and bank charge fees as well as a non-refundable deposit of €10,000 against the Government contribution, must have been received, the source of all funds must have been verified and a risk weighting procedure carried out.

Within a four month period and subject to the application being approved in principle, the applicant is required to:

Applications must be made on the prescribed forms and be accompanied by the appropriate fees and specific documents which, in addition to the usual personal documentation such as passport copies, birth certificates etc., include a medical certificate confirming that the main applicant and any dependants are not suffering from any contagious disease and that they are otherwise in good health; and a police certificate confirming that the applicants have no criminal record. Highly detailed due diligence checks are carried out and an application will be declined if it turns out that it contains false information or omissions.

• R emit the contribution (less the deposit already paid)

The Regulations stipulate that the process to achieve the issuance of a Certificate of Naturalisation under the IIP shall be a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years from the date of submission of the application. This includes the time taken to fulfill the property and investment requirements, as well as the one year residence requirement. Before the submission of an application to

• U ndertake the Oath of Allegiance in person in Malta, together with all dependants aged 18 years and above.

• Demonstrate compliance with the property requirement • S how proof of residence for one year • M ake the prescribed investment • B e in possession of a valid health insurance policy for the entire family with the requisite level of cover

Having satisfied all of the above requirements, a certificate of naturalisation can be issued, enabling successful applicants to become citizens of Malta.

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Eating Out

San Andrea Restaurant Rabat’s Newly-Discovered Gem Situated within Palazzo Castelletti, San Andrea Restaurant is a new addition to the list of high standard restaurants which you can find in Malta. When you step inside Palazzo Castelletti, you become part of the long and great legacy that is Maltese history. Palazzo Castelletti is a noble building, built in the 17th century, and it bears witness to 2,000 years of turbulent, often dangerous, times that shaped the fate of this Island. Here, in the suburb of Rabat, Palazzo Castelletti is surrounded by reminders of a past that is still present in the minds and hearts of local inhabitants.

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San Andrea restaurant offers something for the palates of all good food lovers and specialises in contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with French influences whilst making use of the best Maltese produce in a creative and innovative way. The level of skill and art involved in the food preparation by Chef De Cuisine Malcolm Bartolo and his brigade is simply unrivalled. Likewise is the high quality service and the unique setting in a historic Palazzo. Patrons here are guaranteed an intimate and fulfilling experience for the senses each and every time.

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stone throw’s away from the ancient capital of Mdina, Palazzo Castelletti has recently been restored to its former splendour. The Palazzo’s imposing red doors, renovated façade and antique stone walls, are just the preamble to the exquisitely converted interior which befits the site where dignitaries assembled to pass the keys to the fortress-city of Mdina to Malta’s former rulers, the Knights of St John.

The Palazzo was originally constructed for an aristocratic Maltese family, the Theuma- Castelletti family, who built a residence consisting of several interconnected rooms in keeping with the stately architectural style of that period, - with high-vaulted rooms and a ubiquitous use of arches. The function of these rooms has changed over the years: from housing nobility to being used as a school and shelter for children during

World War II, as well as briefly being the residence of a holy woman, the venerable Adeodata Pisani.

It was recently discovered that the building rests on the remains of an ancient Roman village that were unearthed and are open to viewing by the public.

Palazzo Castelletti is open daily from 11am till late at night, with its fine dining San Andrea restaurant open from Tuesday to Sunday from 7pm onwards. Booking is highly recommended.

Upon entering the palazzo, the picturesque courtyard immediately captures your attention, within which lies the imposing sculpture of St Andrew, with his right arm lifted in a gesture of blessing. Inside, patrons can enjoy a tasty snack at Castelletti Salumeria and Patisserie or a spot of fine dining at San Andrea Restaurant. On the first floor, visitors can dig into a laid-back meal on the outdoor terrace while over looking the quaint streets of Rabat and, in winter, the same eatery is taken downstairs into the cellar.

Palazzo Castelletti, St. Paul’s Street, Rabat | Tel: 2145 2562 or Mob: 9910 9911 | Email: info@palazzocastelletti.com | www.palazzocastelletti.com 1. Palazzo’s imposing courtyard | 2. Palazzo interior rooms | 3. Fine Dining restaurant | 4. Underground Shelters 56

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BUSINESS round up

More support for Puttinu Cares The Puttinu Cares Cancer Support Group was set up in 2002, stemming from a desire to offer a holistic approach of care for families with children suffering from cancer. The charity's first project was to bring to life the dull children’s ward in St Luke’s Hospital (the former general hospital in Malta until 2007). Today the children’s oncology ward is housed in the Rainbow Ward at Mater Dei Hospital. The professional staff of the ward work tirelessly and hand-in-hand with the dedicated team members and volunteers of Puttinu Cares, who are always willing to provide whatever is needed to the sick children and their respective families going through this very difficult period in their lives.

On an average, 30 young Maltese patents have to travel to the UK for diagnoses or treatment each month, which amounts

to an annual figure of 360 people. Puttinu Cares currently spends around € 500,000 to help such families in travelling and subsistence costs.

Puttinu Cares employs the principle of solidarity. The charity relies on, and is grateful from the generous sponsors and donations from the public, who also participate regularly in fund raising activities.

Last December, Air Malta contributed to this good cause by distributing charity envelopes on all its flights, collecting over €8,000.

For more information please visit www.puttinucares.org

PILOXING getting in shape in style!

Piloxing has taken Hollywood celebrities and international stars by the storm and is now available in Malta too. Developed by Swedish dancer and celebrity trainer Viveca Jensen to physically and mentally empower women through fitness, Viveca created the PILOXING brand and programs by combining her extensive fitness experience and passion to create a unique exercise program which instructors around the world can embrace together. She drew elements of dance, pilates and boxing to craft this new interdisciplinary exercise program.

The benefits of piloxing are various; from cardiovascular endurance to muscle tone and definition, lower overall stress, improved immune function and greater range of motion to name a few.

In Malta, Louise Agius is the only Elite Piloxing instructor and one of the few Elite Piloxing Instructors in Europe. She discovered Piloxing by coincidence when she came across an article online. After extensive research she trained in the UK and is presently traising for her Knockout certificate which will place her at the top of her game.

Check out Louise’s classes on https://www.facebook.com/piloxinglouise

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BUSINESS ROUND UP

Get connected and Stay connected anywhere in the world with melitaWIFI Travel

melitaWIFI Travel offers you a seamless connection at over 15 million WiFi hotspots around the globe, without having to authenticate at each WiFi hotspot… and you will never have to worry about data roaming limits. You simply need to download the melitaWiFI

Travel app and use your My Melita username and password to connect to WiFi hotspots anywhere. Until the 30th September 2015, Melita is providing you free access to melitaWiFi in Malta and abroad stay connected anywhere in the world.

boat cleaning just became a breeze Imagine finishing your working week with just one thing on your mind – heading to wherever your pride and joy, that boat you’ve spent decades saving up for, is moored, jumping aboard and disappearing into the sunset. A handful of your closest family and friends are in tow as you load up your beloved boat, all fuelled and ready to go, with all your favourite food, drink and any other supplies you choose to take with you.

You’re all set to head off for a long, lazy summer weekend cruising around the Maltese Islands without a care in the world.

The thing is, while still enjoyable, the reality is somewhat different. Spending the weekend out on your boat inevitably means it will get grimy unless you stick to just one bottle of drinking water and refrain

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from anything that looks remotely like a dip in the sea.

The last thing you want to do as you raise anchor for the last time and head for home at the end of the weekend is to think about doing cleaning and maintenance work.

However, it goes without saying that boats do require this work to be done to them if their condition is to be maintained.

Luckily, there’s a brand-new company that has been created by boaters, for boaters which makes cleaning a breeze. Briiz offers everything from a mere rinse-down of your boat, to antifouling application and even guardianage services should you spend extended periods away from Malta. Visit briiz.com.mt to see how Briiz can alleviate all the hassle from boat ownership.

BUSINESS ROUND UP

An event to remember

In a globalised world, the need for social networking is experienced as a necessary part of business and dialogue between partners. Launches, anniversary parties, gala dinners and other events have become the order of the day.

Such events demand thorough and professional planning.

The success of the event lies in the detail. The event planner shoulders the responsibility to coordinate all aspects of such events.

Sarah Young, director of Y Plan Events Ltd., has been in the business of planning events and weddings since 2001.

Together with her dynamic and energetic team she has, to-date, organised over 700 weddings and various high profile events. With a commitment to plan each event to perfection she helps clients find their ideal venue for their tailor-made event. She ensures that everything is synchronised with the theme the clients choose, including food and beverages, decoration and the entertainment.

She coordinates every detail of the event from A to Z, to the full satisfaction of her clients. “It is of paramount importance to me to see that all is in order on the day and that the event unfolds like clockwork to the satisfaction of all participants.� says Sarah Young.

Sarah and her team also offer event and wedding planning outside of Malta. As a person who holds a BA Hons degree from the University of Malta and an MA from Southampton University in the UK, she appreciates the client’s need to entrust the planning to a person who can honour a commitment to the full. With her expertise and many years of experience, Sarah guarantees success.

This is a paid advertorial 59

EVENTS

Dates to remember in...

APRIL

Easter Week in Malta Around Malta and Gozo 29th March till 5th April Malta’s Catholic roots come alive during the Easter Celebrations of Holy Week. The religious festivities commence on Palm Sunday with a ceremony of blessing sacred olive palms and holy music parades. Don’t miss the Easter Church processions on Good Friday, which is a public holiday. Actors dress up as biblical characters to re-enact the scenes from the death of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday brings with it a completely different atmosphere, with joyful celebrations marking the resurrection of Jesus. Witness parades where statutes are carried through the streets of towns like Valletta, Mosta, Mdina and Victoria, Gozo. Try some of the traditional Maltese Easter delicacies like figolli, (almond-stuffed biscuits) and kwarezimal, (honey and rose water pastries).

Lost & Found Festival Amazonia 3rd till 5th April Annie Mac has hand-picked the sunny Mediterranean island of Malta to host her first ever AMP festival – The Lost & Found Festival 2015. Expect boat parties, beach parties, night-time open air raves and plenty of AMP surprises all pumped up by an incredibly curated line-up.

For the updated line up, check out the ‘Annie Mac Presents Lost & Found Festival 2015’ Facebook Page.

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Events

Ta Fra Ben Jam Sessions Ta Fra Ben, Qawra Every Thursday 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th April Every Thursday night, Ta Fra Ben hosts a jam session featuring an eclectic mix of music and people. Musicians and patrons come together to jam, play and dance the fresh breezy night away at this intimate seaside bar. If you’re up for a few relaxed drinks, in a tranquil setting, with good company and upbeat live music,

Flying Superkids

this spot is definitely worth checking out.

MFCC, Ta’ Qali 4th till 7th April Flying Superkids is an internationally-renowned ensemble from Denmark. The show is a high tempo mix of acrobatics, gymnastics, dancing, singing, comedy, tumbling and, of course, twists, double and triple somersaults on trampolines and other crazy equipment.

The high-energy ‘superkids’ are the centre of the show, as their joy shines through every performance. Enjoy this 'high-flying' performance with the whole family.

For ticket information please call on +356 9999 0371/+356 2141 0371 or visit www.ticketline.com.mt to purchase tickets.

Simshar Don Bosco Oratory 6th till 10th and 12th April 'Simshar', a fictional film directed by Rebecca Cremona, is inspired by the real, tragic events that struck a Maltese fishing boat. Eleven year old Theo sets off on his first fishing expedition with his father, grandfather and Malian migrant worker when a fire breaks out on board and the crew is stranded in the open water. As the search for the missing Simshar ensues, an entanglement of diplomatic deadlock and familial tensions complicate the rescue mission.

‘Simshar’ is Malta’s first feature length film to be accepted as Malta’s official entry for the 87th Academy Awards.

Watch Simshar in the beautiful historic Don Bosco Oratory with the main cast and crew attending the screening on 7th April.

For further details please visit the ‘Simshar The Film’ Facebook Page.

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EVENTS

International Spring Orchestra Festival 2015 Manoel Theatre 7th till 11th April The 9th edition of the International Spring Orchestra Festival will be held under the distinguished patronage of Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta. The 2015 Festival presents an array of local and foreign talent performing together. Reigate Wind Quintet and Maltese-born pianist Erik Azzopardi open the concert. The ensuing concerts include performances by clarinetist Lino Pirotta, pianist Gisele Grima, soprano Brigitte Peyre accompanied by French conductor Raoul Lay and the Ensemble Telemaque, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and many others. A free concert aimed at children and young adults will also be held.

Image from viewingmalta.com

For reservations please call 2124 6389 or send an email to bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt.

I know I Don’t

Noises Off

St James Cavalier 10th April till 3rd May ‘I Know I Don't’ is an exhibition that explores personal identity and the

By Michael Frayn

idiosyncratic things that make a person unique and identifiable to others. Giola Cassar makes use of her personal experiences and tries to translate them to universal ones.

For more information please visit www.sjcav.org

Manoel Theatre 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 April Online booking: www.teatrumanoel.com.mt Tel: 21 246389 Email: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt

For more info call 21 246619 • Email: info@masquerademalta.com www.masquerademalta.com

Noises Off Manoel Theatre 17th till 19th and 24th till 25th April Masquerade Theatre Company presents Michael Frayn’s witty award-winning farce, ‘Noises Off’, directed by Anthony Bezzina. It is a glorious comic romp, which offers two plays for the price of one.

For ticket booking and further information please visit www.masquerademalta.com or call on +356 2124 6389.

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Events

Medieval Mdina 2015 Mdina Bastion Square 18th and 19th April For anyone intrigued by Malta’s diverse history, the Mdina Medieval Festival will transport you back to forgotten times, within the walls of Malta’s Medieval Capital. What is usually known as ‘The Silent City’ will burst into life with re-enactments of scenes from medieval times like a slave-market, a medieval kitchen, sword fighting, archery and medieval taverns. Wander through the streets and squares of Mdina and immerse yourself in battles and skirmishes, magic shows, live music, falconry displays, parades, flag throwing shows, and much more with free entrance for all.

For more information please visit the ‘Medieval Mdina’ Facebook page.

The Nutella Festival St Francis Square, Qormi 18th and 19th April Two days of chocolate-induced indulgence attracts locals and foreigners alike to the Nutella Festival, which is organised in aid of Inspire, a Maltese NGO. Local chefs will prepare Nutella-inspired pastries and snacks, while you can enjoy Maltese musical talent, and other free activities. This is one that will provide tempting treats for the whole family to enjoy.

For location and other details please visit the ‘Nutella Festival Malta’ Facebook Page.

Kotaro Fukuma Piano Recital: Chopin and Debussy Manoel Theatre 22nd April Born in Tokyo, Kotaro Fukuma has won both First Prize and the Chopin Prize at the 15th Cleveland International Piano Competition and, since then, his concert career has taken off with performances on all five continents. Kotaro performs Debussy’s Estampes, La Cathédrale engloutie, Images (Book 1) and L'Isle joyeuse and Chopin’s 4 Ballades.

For more information please visit www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

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EVENTS

Book launch

The Pride St James Cavalier 24th till 26th April and 1st till 2nd May The Malta Amateur Dramatic Club presents ‘The Pride’, an award winning British drama by Alexi Kaye Campbell, which counterpoints two parallel love stories.

To book your tickets, please visit www.sjcav.org or call +356 2122 3200.

Strictly for grown-ups.

Sharon and my mother-in law Palestinian author in Malta Suad Amiri, winner of the coveted Viareggio and Ninino Prizes, will be in Malta in April for the launch of the Maltese translation of her book Sharon and my Mother-In-Law: Ramallah Diaries, an unexpected runaway success translated into 20 languages.

An architect by profession, Amiri grew up and has lived in different Arab countries, but mainly in Ramallah. She has so far spent many years shuttling between Amman, Damascus, Beirut and Cairo. Amiri’s latest book Golda Slept Here (2014), published by Feltrinelli and Bloomsbury, has also been very well-received.

Malta International Music Festival Around Malta 27th April till 10th May The Mediterranean Cultural Foundation for Music, with the support of Mediterranean Centre for Culture & Art, announces the Malta International Music Festival & Competition. The goal of this festival is to improve the performing standards of Maltese youth by providing a combination of education programmes and performance opportunities. This Maltese cultural event will entertain anyone interested in music, culture or the art of piano, saxophone, violin, cello, chamber ensembles, clarinet and voice. Over 150 participants come together for this 13-day festival with over 15 concerts performed in leading venues in Malta and Gozo.

For more information please visit www.maltafest.eu

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It fell to another author from Ramallah, Walid Nabhan, winner of the Malta National Book Prize (2013), to bring Amiri to the attention of the publishing house SKS Publishers . The Maltese publishing company agreed to a Maltese version of Suad Amiri’s work Sharon and my Mother-in-Law. Amiri, who currently lectures in the United States, has accepted an invitation to fly in from Washington DC and give a presentation at the official launch on April 24th at James Cavalier Valletta which will be open to the public.

Suad Amiri is the founder of the Palestinian NGO Riwaq (www.riwaq.org), which she set up to restore and protect old historic buildings and rural sites in Palestine.

For a more dynamic perspective of an author, who often uses humour as a collective defense mechanism, follow Amiri’s TEDx Ramallah talk on Youtube.

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Rich colour combinations – a flamingo pink shirt over sandtoned trousers, and Art Deco blue over coffee – also bring a new beat to the BOSS world.

At SARTO you will find elegant, sophisticated and timeless fashion apparel combined with the finest selection of accessories, bags and shoes.

The company’s long history in tailoring stands at the foreground of the Italian name, SARTO. Derived from the word ‘Sartorial’, Sarto evokes art and craft – a Sarto is both a tailor and an artist.

SARTO offers supreme quality and exceptional service, together with luxury brands for both men and women such as Burberry, Blumarine, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Giuseppe Zannotti and Valentino accessories, as well as the ready-to-wear collection.

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Malta

01 Valletta 02 Attard 03 Balzan 04 Birgu 05 Birkirkara 06 Birżebbuġa 07 Bormla 08 Buġibba 09 Cirkewwa 10 Dingli 11 Fgura 12 Furjana 13 Għargħur 14 Għaxaq 15 Gudja 16 Gżira 17 Ħamrun 18 Iklin 19 Isla 20 Kalkara 21 Kirkop 22 Lija 23 Luqa 24 Marsa 25 Marsaskala 26 Marsaxlokk 27 Mdina 28 Mellieħa 29 Mġarr 30 Mosta 31 Mqabba 32 Msida 33 Mtarfa 34 Naxxar 35 Pembroke 36 Pietà 37 Qawra 38 Qormi 39 Qrendi 40 Rabat 41 Raħal Ġdid 42 Safi 43 San Ġiljan 44 San Ġwann 45 San Pawl il-Bahar 46 Santa Luċija 47 Santa Venera 48 Siġġiewi 49 Sliema 50 Tarxien 51 Xemxija 52 Xgħajra 53 Żabbar 54 Żebbuġ 55 Żejtun 56 Żurrieq

Gozo

57 Victoria 58 Għajnsielem 59 Għarb 60 Għasri 61 Kerċem 62 Marsalforn 63 Mġarr 64 Munxar 65 Nadur 66 Qala 67 San Lawrenz 68 Sannat 69 Xagħra 70 Xewkija 71 Xlendi 72 Żebbuġ

Islands 73 Comino 74 Filfla 75 Manoel Island 76 St. Paul's Islands

Beaches

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Anchor Bay Armier Bay Balluta Bay Delimara Point Fomm ir-Riħ Għadira Bay Għar Lapsi Ġnejna Bay Golden Bay Marsaskala Bay Marsaxlokk Bay Paradise Bay Pretty Bay Salina Bay St. George's Bay St. Paul's Bay St. Peter's Pool St. Thomas Bay Wied iż-Żurrieq Xrobb l-Għaġin Blue Lagoon Santa Marija Bay Daħlet Qorrot Dwejra Bay Marsalforn Bay Ramla Bay San Blas Bay Xlendi Bay Xwejni Bay

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Made In Malta

made in

Malta Even in such a globalised world there are still some products that uniquely reflect a country’s characteristics.

And Malta is no exception to that, so here are a few things which are exclusively Maltese and Made in Malta which would make great gifts or keepsakes as a reminder of a great holiday here.

Mdina glass Head over to Mdina Glass at the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village to see the glassmakers, free of charge, and check out their wide range of unique, practical and decorative handmade. This includes including a large selection of textured glass lanterns, in various shapes and sizes, ideal for indoor or outdoor use. Each style of lantern comes in a choice of nine colours and handles, made of either handmade real leather or rope.

Feel free to contact us: T: +356 2141 5786.

You can shop at any of the seven outlets throughout Malta and Gozo or online with worldwide delivery at www.mdinaglass.com.mt Handcrafted just for you When in Malta don’t miss true craftsmen at work. The artisans at Mediterranean Ceramics will amaze you with their artistry and passion.

In the Ta’ Qali workshop you can admire the detailed and artistic execution of volcanic stone table-tops and many other useful and decorative pieces. The designs on these unique pieces are alluring – and anything, from table-tops to kitchen counters, lamps and cruets, can be produced to your own dimensions and design. Mediterranean Ceramics have crafted this bespoke tradition into a true art. Visit the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village shop, or the shop at the Valletta Waterfront. Have part of Malta right at home – worldwide delivery is easily available to add a dash of affordable art to your surroundings.

Feel free to contact us: T: +356 2010 5552 / David Grima: 9920 1055 / Brian Grima: 9944 0922 www.MediterraneanCeramics.com

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Places to visit

Places to isit ...the best way to describe what you can discover while strolling down any of the charming lanes of Malta and Gozo’s towns and villages.

Here’s a look at what you’re likely to find...

For a more comprehensive look at places to visit log on www.visitmalta.com As opening times may vary, phoning ahead is advisable.

Valletta

Valletta

Located on the northeastern shore of Malta, Valletta was built by the Order of St John, after the Turks of the Ottoman Empire invaded the island during the 1565 Siege of Malta. With its old-world splendour and magnificent baroque architecture, it is no wonder that Valletta is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Valletta got its name in 1566 from Grandmaster Jean Parisot de la Valette, the year the city was founded. It was one of the first cities in Europe to use a grid street system. After the war, much of the economic development occurred in the suburbs, leading to a population drain that has left Valletta with a population of around 7,000 today. This small city remains the capital and administrative centre of the island.

This small city remains the capital and administrative centre of the island 69

Places to visit

Inside St. John's Co-Cathederal St John’s Co-Cathedral The simple, sober façade of St John’s gives no hint of its lavish interior. It was built as the conventual church of the Order and the Knights spent enormous sums of money embellishing the chapels of their langues. The co-Cathedral was built between 1572 and 1581, and led by Geralomo Cassar; his training as a military engineer accounts for the sedate exterior.

Nearly a century later, the prolific Italian artist, Mattia Preti, transformed Cassar’s severe interior into a glowing showpiece of Baroque art. His greatest task, which occupied him for five years, was the decoration of the vault.

St John’s Co-Cathedral Museum and Oratory Of all the artistic treasures in the church, the pièce de résistance’ is generally considered to be Caravaggio’s painting of The Beheading of St John. This huge, vigorous work of art dominates the oratory.

Auberge de Castille The Auberge de Castille was the official seat of the Knights of the langue of Castille, Leon and Portugal.

Today it serves as the office of the Prime Minister.

Auberge D’Italie The Auberges of the Knights are the inns (or officers’ quarters) where knights of a particular ‘langue’ used to reside.

Casa Rocca Piccola This small palazzo, built in 1580, is the private home of the 9th Marquis de Piro. It contains over 40 rooms and a delightful courtyard giving you the opportunity to see how a patrician household lived.

Fort St Elmo Fort St Elmo guards the entrances to both the Grand and Marsamxett Harbours. It was the scene of a heroic defence during the Great Siege of 1565.

Hastings Gardens Hastings Gardens, in Windmill Street, has splendid views of Manoel Island and Msida Creek.

Lower Barrakka Gardens This garden commands a superb viewpoint of the harbour mouth, as well as over to Fort Ricasoli, Bighi Palace, Fort St Angelo and the creeks of Vittoriosa and Kalkara.

National Museum of Archaeology Housed in the Auberge de Provence, this museum contains the most important finds from the many prehistoric sites across the Islands.

National War Museum Located in Fort St Elmo, this museum has a permanent exhibition of relics and personal memorabilia of World War II, including a Gloster Gladiator – christened Faith – and the George Cross.

Palazzo Ferreria Palazzo Ferreria is found opposite the ruins of the Royal Opera House. Its façade resembles that of a Venetian St John’s palace.

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Sacra Infermeria Valletta’s Sacra Infermeria, built in 1574, was the best-equipped hospital of the Order. In its day, it was counted among the finest hospitals in Europe. The Infermeria had six wards; the largest measured 161 metres and is still the longest, and one of the most impressive, halls in Europe.

St James Cavalier As a millennium project, St James Cavalier was transformed into a Centre for Creativity, adapting internal spaces for modern use, providing a backdrop for numerous exhibitions, recitals, concerts, festivals and cinema shows.

The Casino Maltese Originally used as the Treasury of the Knights of St John, today the exclusive Casino Maltese retains most of its original 16th century features. A truly outstanding venue with a history of noble visitors.

The Great Siege of Malta This walk-through show is an irresistible, entertaining spectacular on the four month long Ottoman siege of Malta in 1565, a siege that shaped and changed Malta for ever. This 30-minutes audio-visual journey, quality assured by the MTA, is located on Republic Square (Piazza Regina).

The Lascaris War Rooms The Lascaris War Rooms are Malta’s best kept secret from WW2 in being the British combined War Headquarters from where both the defence of Malta and attack on Axis – controlled Europe were conducted. The LWR consist of a massive underground labyrinth of tunnels and chambers which houses different operation rooms and supporting facilities.

They are located just under the Upper Barrakka Gardens. They can be accessed from Battery Street, Valletta, or from the Valletta Bus Station into St James Ditch following directional signs.

The Manoel Theatre and Museum The Manoel Theatre, built for the 'honest entertainment of the people', by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena in 1731, is one of the oldest theatres in Europe, and is still in use.

The National Museum of Fine Arts This splendid palace, known as Admiralty House during the British period, was originally erected in 1570 and restored in the 1960s.

The Saluting Battery The Saluting Battery is Malta’s 500 year-old ceremonial platform from where gun salutes are fired to greet visiting dignitaries and ships, and from where the passage of noon is signalled everyday by gun fire. An evening gun is also fired at 4pm daily. The battery can be reached through the Upper Barrakka Gardens or Battery Street in Valletta.

The Siege Bell Memorial Inaugurated in 1992 by Queen Elizabeth II, the Siege Bell Memorial is a monument to the fallen of World War II. The bell is rung each day at midday.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens The Upper Barrakka Gardens are situated near Auberge de Castille offering visitors unrivalled views across one of the world’s largest and deepest natural harbours, the Grand Harbour, and over to the Three Cities.

Toy Museum Located on Republic Street, it showcases toys from the 1950s onward.

Valletta Living History This innovative 35-minute audiovisual show, at The Embassy Complex in Valletta, chronicles Valletta’s major milestones, taking you on a journey through time and history, and revealing facts and figures about Malta’s capital city.

Places to visit

Places to visit

Valletta Waterfront The Valletta Waterfront is an award-winning landmark on the Island. There are 19 beautifully-restored 18th century warehouses built during the Baroque period stretching along the water’s edge, with a backdrop of historic bastions and fortifications.

The gemstone buildings were originally constructed by Grandmaster Pinto to be used as stores by the Knights of St John. Today, ushering in a modern era, the iconic doors have been revived with an artistic impression of colour, representing the storage of goods from days past, with blue for fish, green for produce, yellow for wheat and red for wine. The heritage buildings have been transformed into a variety of lively restaurants, retail outlets and office spaces, as well as a host of services ranging from banks to tax-free shopping, Wi-Fi connection to a tourist information service and various transport services.

Valletta Waterfront at night

The iconic doors have been revived with an artistic impression of colour 71

Places to visit

The Three

Cities

On the other side of the Grand Harbour, opposite Valletta, lie the historical fortified towns referred to as the Three Cities. Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea, built by the Grandmaster Fra Nicholas Cottoner, have a unique charm and character that distinguishes them from all other towns in Malta, including Mdina and Valletta. Older than Valletta, the Three Cities were home to the first knights. Fort St Angelo, which was built around 12th century AD, was the headquarters of the Knights until Valletta was built.

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Fort Rinella Kalkara [2]

Maritime Museum Vittoriosa

The Malta at War Museum Vittoriosa [1]

Fort Rinella is a late-19th century British coastal

This museum is housed in the former British na­

The Malta at War Museum combines a modern

fort still armed with its monstrous Armstrong

val bakery, built in 1842 over the site of a slipway

museum dedicated to Malta's second siege

100-ton gun. Using a quarter of a ton of gun

where the Order of St John repaired their war

in World War II and a visit into a massive

powder, this gun fired a one-ton shell up to a

galleys. On show are exhibits of expertly-made

underground air raid shelter located under

distance of eight miles to pierce nothing less than

model ships, paintings, nautical instruments,

the same museum. This museum is located

65cm of iron armour. Today this fort is Malta’s

weapons and traditional Maltese boats.

just a short walk away from the Vittoriosa bus shelter. Access is from Couvre Porte Gate or Sir

only live-museum where history is recreated daily

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Paul Boffa Street.

through different historical re-enactments and

Fort St Angelo Vittoriosa [3]

living-history displays. These include live-firing of

Fort St Angelo is the jewel in the crown

cannon and musketry and cavalry displays.

of Malta’s military heritage. According to

Safe Haven Gardens Senglea

tradition, it stands on the site of a fortified

Safe Haven Gardens are at the tip of the

Inquisitor’s Palace Vittoriosa

Roman settlement. In medieval times, the

peninsula of Senglea. From here one can enjoy

The Inquisitor’s Palace was erected in the 1530’s

fort was occupied by the Aragonese and the

wonder­f ul views of Valletta and the Grand

as the civil law courts of the Order of St John. This

Angevins. In 1530, when the Knights arrived

Harbour. The watchtower in the gardens is

architectural gem is now home to the museum of

on the islands, the fort became the seat of

known as the Gardjola.

Ethnography. Careful historical reconstructions of the

the Grand Master of the Order. It was to play

palace display areas such as the tribunal room and the

a heroic role in the Great Siege of 1565,

prison complex, as well as a permanent exhibition on

when, against all odds, it managed to repel a

the impact of the Inquisition on Maltese society.

formidable Ottoman army.

Places to visit

Northern

MALTA 04

Malta Classic Car

The Sanctuary of Our Lady Mellieha

Selmun Palace Mellieha

Collection Museum Qawra

This is considered to be the oldest

The majestic 18th century Selmun Palace is the

A museum featuring a ‘living’ collection of a

sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady. According

largest and the last castle built by the Knights

large selection of automobiles spanning over 50

to tradition the apostles Paul and Luke

of St John, in 1783.

manufacturing years.

visited this sanctuary.

The Red Tower Mellieha [4]

Sweethaven Village Mellieha

Wignacourt Tower St Paul’s Bay

Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris built St Agatha’s

This is where the musical Popeye, the story of

Wignacourt Tower serves as a small

Tower, popularly known as the Red Tower, in 1647. It

the much-loved sailor starring the late Robin

museum dedicated to Malta’s rich military-

served as a signal post for communication with Gozo.

Williams, was filmed in 1980.

architectural heritage.

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Places to visit

View of Mdina

Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum Previously known as ‘The Norman House’, Palazzo Falson is one of the very oldest medieval buildings in Mdina, dating back to the 13th century. It contains a remarkable collection of antiques, including paintings, furniture, jewellery, armour and much more, and is open for public viewing.

Mdina Mdina is one of the few great architectural treats in Malta that did not result from the activities of the Knights of St John. The oldest city on the island, going back to pre-historic times, the word Mdina derives from the Arabic word ‘medina’ which means ‘city’.

Mdina was fortified in medieval times, but its protection in early times must have been its high location on a rocky crag. It is certain that, either during the Byzantine or Arab occupation of Malta, the fortifications were retracted to present proportions, perhaps for better defensibility. It was during this time, when the city was refered to as the ‘medina’, that Mdina got its name. The Arab legacy continued even though the Arabs were officially expelled from Malta in 1250, when the islands were under Christian rule. Thus the name ‘Mdina’ survived even though the city was referred to as Civitas (city in Latin) or Citta Notabile.

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Vilhena Palace Vilhena Palace has a fine Baroque façade and an impressive entrance courtyard, both of which one notices on the right when entering Mdina, through Notabile Gate. In 1973 this beautiful palace was converted to host the Natural History Museum. The most interesting of the exhibits is a moon chip given to Malta by President Nixon in 1979.

Casa Testaferrata This house was the seat of the old noble family Testaferrata.

Historians believe that, in Roman times, the site of this building housed a temple dedicated to Apollo.

Carmelite Church and Priory Museum The Carmelite Church and Priory Museum offers a unique and innovative experience as the only monastery in Malta that has opened its doors to the general public. This 17th century priory has recently been restored to its former glory. Walking around the cloister, one is led into the different areas of the priory, which now form part of the museum.

Places to visit

Xara Palace The Xara Palace is a small Relais & Chateaux hotel. The history of the late 17th century Xara Palace is inextricably linked to that of Mdina, with its walls forming part of the city walls that make up its impressive bastions.

PALAZZO DE PIRO The magnificent 18th century Palazzo de Piro, has been restored to create a unique venue of cross-cultural, artistic and social dialogue.

The Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre, operated by Infinitely Xara, features a programme of various collections held by the Metropolitan Mdina Cathedral Museum

Cathedral Museum, offering an outstanding setting to showcase,

Originally a seminary, this museum is now one of the most outstanding

promote and sell independent contemporary art. The venue, with

religious museums in Europe. A small chapel is found on the second floor

panoramic views over Malta, also includes the Xpresso Cafe by

exhibiting church vestments. It also exhibits an impressive cross-section

Infinitely Xara, which works with Maltese producers to provide visitors

of sacred art, famous paintings, a coin collection, Roman antiquities and

with local dishes.

original documents from the time of the Inquisition.

Cathedral of St Paul Palazzo Gatto Murina

The skyline of Mdina, with its Baroque cathedral, bastions and

Palazzo Gatto Murina, one of the earliest ‘Siculo-Norman’ structures

palaces, is an imposing landmark visible throughout central Malta. The

(built between 1100 and 1530), was erected during the latter part of

Cathedral is the archi­t ectural heart of this elegant, walled city, and lies

the 14th century. An audiovisual show 'Tales of the Silent City' is housed

on the site of a much-earlier Norman church destroyed by a violent

inside the Palazzo.

earthquake in 1693.

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Rabat Howard Gardens Howard Gardens is one of the biggest public gardens in Malta. These gardens form a natural border between Rabat and neighbouring Mdina.

St Paul’s Catacombs [1] The Maltese Islands are rich in late Roman and Byzantine burial sites. The St Paul’s Catacombs are a typical complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 4th century AD. St Paul’s Catacombs represent the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.

Casa Bernard in St. Paul's Street This late 16th century historical Maltese Palazzino is a hidden gem recently restored to its former grandeur and now open for guided tours daily Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm. Step into the past and enjoy the experience of visiting this Europa Nostra award-winning house still lived-in today.

The Roman Domus The mosaic pavements in this 'Roman house', rank among the finest and oldest mosaic compositions from the western Mediterranean, alongside those of Pompeii and Sicily. They were discovered in 1881 just outside Mdina in the remains of a rich and sumptuously decorated town house of the Roman period.

Attard

Villa Bologna Attard Situated in the heart of Attard, across the street from the grand San Anton Presidential Palace, Villa Bologna is a Grade 1 Listed National Monument. It has known many distinguished residents, foremost among them the Prime Minister Sir Gerald Strickland, the only Maltese politician to have been a member of the British House of Commons and later the House of Lords. Positioned within a large working estate, Villa Bologna offers its visitors a number of small distinctive ‘secret’ gardens with enchanting characteristics, and provides a feeling of a calm and welcoming Mediterranean oasis as they stroll through vast expanses of flowering beds into shady niches around tinkling fountains or sparkling ponds.

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Places to visit

Gozo &

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Places to visit

Comino

With a coastline of 43km, Gozo is the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago.

Forever immortalised as The Island of Calypso, this name originated from the Greek mythological location of Ogygia, referred to in Homer’s Odyssey. In this epic poem, the fabled island was controlled by the nymph Calypso, who had detained the Greek hero Odysseus for seven long years as a prisoner of love. Gozo’s history is entwined in the general story of its sister island of Malta. As a result, Gozo shared the same influences of cultures bestowed on it by the number of dominators and events that touched the Maltese Islands during the last 7,000 years.

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The Blue Lagoon Comino [1] The Blue Lagoon, a sheltered inlet of shimmering aquamarine water, is the main attraction on the tiny island of Comino and popular for day trips. The Lagoon and the isle’s other bays, with their crystal clear waters, make Comino the ideal choice for most kinds of water sports, especially diving and snorkelling.

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Places to visit

Gozo & Comino

Maltese Church

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Dwejra [1] Dwejra is perhaps the archipelago’s most spectacular natural landmark. Here, geology, time and sea have worked together to produce some of the most remarkable scenery on the Islands – The Azure Window, the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock, sheer cliffs and a rocky coastline yielding fossilised remains of sea creatures dating from the Miocene period.

The Citadel Victoria Gozo’s Citadel rises steeply above the surrounding countryside, its impressive bastions commanding a superb view of the island. The Citadel owes its roots to the late medieval era.

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Museum of Archaeology Victoria Housed in Palazzo Bondi, this museum showcases archaeological finds from the 11 phases of prehistoric Gozo, as well as the Classical World to the Middle Ages. A section of the museum includes items discovered at sea, off the Gozitan coastline.

Ggantija Temples Xaghra [2] The Ġgantija Temples ('place of giants') are thought to be the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

They are among the best-preserved temples on the Maltese Islands. A Unesco World Heritage Site, the complex comprises two Neolithic temples dat­ing from the third millennium BC (3600 to 3000 BC).

The Xewkija Rotuna Xewkija Xewkija village is dominated by a huge rotunda church built in 1971. It is Gozo’s answer to Malta’s Mosta Rotunda. The dome is larger than that of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The church has the capacity for a congregation of 3,000 – the entire population of Xewkija.

Gharb Folklore Musuem Gharb This privately-owned museum in the village’s main square depicts authentic daily life in Gozo.

This museum is a showcase of traditional life and includes the printing press used for Gozo’s first newspaper, plus a collection of old tools and clothes.

Places to visit

Valley in Gozo

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Gozo Cathedral Museum Victoria This museum houses over 2,000 items including the Cathedral’s archives, some magnificent paintings, clerical vestments and a silver vault.

Among the paintings are several by well-known local artists Giuseppe Hyzler, Michele Busuttil and Tommaso Madiona.

Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary Gharb The origins of the Basilica of Ta’ Pinu go back to a day in June 1883, when a peasant woman heard the voice of the Virgin Mary in an old chapel. In 1931, the church (as it is today), was consecrated and, a year later, Pope Pius XI raised it to the status of Basilica. The original 16th century chapel was fully integrated into the new church.

Gozo Cathedral Victoria The Cathedral, built early in the 17th century, is small but graceful. Its floor is made up of a mosaic of marble tomb­stones and ecclesiastical emblems, while its ceiling has a remarkable trompe l’oeil painting depicting the interior of a dome that was never built.

Folklore Museum Victoria This museum, housed within the Citadel, contains a wide range of exhibits depicting the domestic, rural and traditional ways of life in the agrarian economy of the Maltese and Gozitans.

Pomskizillious Museum of Toys Xaghra This museum of toys is an Aladdin’s cave of whimsical treasures. Some toys on display are over 200 years old.

St Anne Chapel in Dwejra

Il-HaGar | Heart of Gozo Museum Victoria Il-Ħaġar Museum merits the ‘one of a kind’ description. It is state-of-the-art, constructed to combine a medieval building in a modern design, drawing on the latest museological technology and offering all essential visitor facilities. The museum illustrates the making of the people of Gozo through the succession of cultures, civilisations and religions that visited the island. Most of its historic and artistic exhibits belong to nearby St George’s basilica and some of them are still used, which makes of Il-Ħaġar a living museum.

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Restaurant Guide

In the best Mediterranean tradition, the Maltese Islands are packed with fabulous restaurants. With everything from traditional Maltese fare to Japanese sushi, and from Italian pizza to Korean kimchee, all served in a variety of beautiful settings, dining out in Malta is an experience not to be missed.

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Restaurant Guide

GOZO

Maldonado Bistro Victoria, Gozo M: 9901 9270 • E: info@maldonado.com.mt • W: www.maldonado.com.mt You’ll need to explore the backstreets of Victoria to find food worth hunting for, but once here you’ll be glad you did. Off the tourist track and with none of the traps, Maldonado Bistro is the sort of place only locals know about but with the food and ambiance to charm all. Maldonado's menu is a satisfying mix of Mediterranean cuisine using the freshest ingredients sourced directly from local growers and suppliers.​ So go exploring and discover a spot to treasure. We promise that your visit to Maldonado will be a special experience.

MDINA

Ciappetti Restaurant 5, St Agatha’s Esplanade, Mdina T: 2145 9987 Grapevine covered courtyards, home-grown herbs, multi-coloured lights and myriad chimes give a flirtatious wink of what’s to come. Your hosts, Peter and Mary Louise, have created a 'classic with a twist' menu of intense flavours and textures which hint at their sublime ingredients, yet are still based on traditional local dishes. Dining beneath the orange trees to the sound of running water transports clients to a peaceful place – something that we easily forget still exists in Malta. As for costs, they are very reasonable. Ciappetti’s motto is 'quality, character, consistency'. Definitely worth a visit! They also cater for a gluten-free diet. Booking recommended.

de Mondion Restaurant The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina T: 2145 0560 • E: info@xarapalace.com.mt • W: www.xarapalace.com.mt or www.demondion.com Set atop Mdina's centuries-old bastions, within the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux and awarded the runner-up for the best boutique dining hotel in the world, the de Mondion offers a unique fine dining experience, enhanced by truly spectacular panoramic views of the island from the terraces and charming features served in elegant surroundings. Consistently rated amongst the top restaurants in Malta for its cuisine, refinement and excellence, the de Mondion promises discreet yet impeccably-attentive service allowing patrons the time and privacy to savour the cuisine, the company and the view. With exquisite cuisine combining the finest seasonal produce with innovation and expertise to create tantalising dishes, the ‘award winning’ kitchen brigade have and continue to delight the palate of a multinational clientele. Group lunches are available on request. They also welcome enquires for private functions and special celebrations. Booking recommended.

Palazzo De Piro – Xpresso Café And Bistro Palazzo de Piro, 3 Triq is-Sur, Mdina MDN 1131 T: 2010 0560 • E: events@palazzodepiro.com • W: www.palazzodepiro.com Set within the magnificent 18th century Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre, located in Malta’s Silent City, Mdina, Xpresso Café and Bistro is an elegant spot for casual dining, snacks, coffee, afternoon tea or simply a get-together with friends. The talented Brigade of Chefs makes use of the fresh produce from nearby valleys and slopes when producing their seasonal menus. Through close co-operation with local growers and producers, Xpresso Café and Bistro seeks to showcase the freshest and best the region has to offer through a menu of healthy dishes. With magnificent views of the Maltese Islands, fine architectural heritage and a passion for culture and art, Xpresso Café is the perfect place to enjoy the history of Malta, its rich culture and its culinary delights.

Trattoria AD 1530 The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina T: 2145 0560 • E: info@xarapalace.com.mt • W: www.xarapalace.com.mt The Trattoria AD 1530 at The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux in Mdina is a charming eatery that prides itself on serving traditional and tasty food typical of the word 'Trattoria'. Strategically situated in one of the old squares of the Silent City, with the beautiful and imposing Vilhena Palace directly opposite and the magnificent 17th century Palazzo of The Xara Palace on the other side, the Trattoria's idyllic location is simply perfect for indoor or al fresco dining. Trattoria AD 1530 is the ideal restaurant for every occasion and is open for coffee, lunch, dinner, snacks and afternoon tea.

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Restaurant Guide

MOSTA

Ta’ Marija Restaurant Constitution Street, Mosta T: 2143 4444 • F: 2141 8181 • E: info@tamarija.com • W: www.tamarija.com Enjoy the folklore evenings and feast yourselves on a sumptuous dinner with a colourful touch of history. A night of Maltese song and dance... for an evening of culinary delights sprinkled with a lot of liveliness, come for their special folklore evenings, which start with strolling musicians playing mandolins and guitars, who belt out the sweetest of Maltese songs with assured merriment in the making. After your delicious dinner, the charming Maria Muscat will present the folklore show in a variety of languages, featuring six dancers who lure you into a jovial story of Maltese history told through dance. At some point, you or your special guest could be hand-picked to make their moves on the dance floor so that, you too, can make history on your own unforgettable night! Well, and it is not quite over till it’s over… after the show Ta’ Marija’s dance floor remains lit up so that you and your party can dance the night away to all-time favourite songs.

Locals enjoy it every time too, so this night is aimed for our esteemed foreign guests as well as our ever-loyal local friends.

Who says you can’t dine, dance and sparkle all in one place? Every Wednesday and Friday at Ta' Marija Restaurant.

QAWRA

The Plum Tree Bar & Restaurant Triq l-Imhar, Qawra T: 2157 5970 • W: www.the-plumtree-malta.com Established since 1995, John and Joan Mc Bride have strived to make The Plum Tree a place where mouth-watering food, value for money and a friendly service combine into a single venue. The bar area is a cross between an old Maltese wine bar and a British pub, while a separate dining area has a Mediterranean feel to it. There is also a patio for dining al fresco, especially during the summer months. The menu contains breakfast, lunch and dinner sections so one can opt for an English breakfast or a scrumptious dinner meal. Caters for small groups. Opening hours 10am-midnight from Tuesday to Sunday in October - June, and from July - September from 5pm-midnight.

SLIEMA

Ta’ Kolina 151, Tower Road Sliema T: 2133 5106 • M: 9942 4877 • E: takolina@gmail.com Ta’ Kolina is a quaint, family run restaurant on Tower Road (one of Sliema’s most popular spots) and has been opened since 1974. Ta’ Kolina is a typical Maltese restaurant with its traditional Maltese limestone interior and décor. A set menu comprising of traditional Maltese food offers a choice of five local starters; five main courses; dessert & coffee for €20.

There's a unique à la carte menu with some 20 starters from €4.50 to €7.50, and 20 main courses from €11 to €24 to choose from. Ta’ Kolina offer a variety of fresh fish, rabbit, steak and many more traditional dishes. A wide selection of the best Maltese wines are available ranging from €6.50 to €25 per bottle. All in all this restaurant provides its guests with the true taste of Maltese cuisine at a reasonable price.

Ta’ Kris Restaurant & Maltese Bistro 80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema T: 2133 7367 M: 9984 7713 Tucked away on a quiet, narrow street of Sliema, Ta’ Kris is the perfect location for a tranquil evening in a warm atmosphere. Specialising in Maltese dishes, Ta’ Kris offers genuine food at very reasonable prices. The menu boasts a variety of meat dishes including rabbit, pork, chicken, veal and beef, as well as authentic Maltese dishes such as 'bragioli’ (thin slices of beef rolled and stuffed with minced pork, ham and seasoning, seared in a tomato and wine sauce). Sea bass stuffed with a tuna risotto, covered in Maltese caper sauce, is yet another delicious item which Chef Kris graces his patrons with. With an excellent service, dish selection and atmosphere, Ta’ Kris Restaurant & Maltese Bistro offers a unique culinary experience.

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Restaurant Guide

TA' XBIEX

The Galley Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, XBX 1028 Ta’ Xbiex Malta T: 2131 8801 • E: thegalley@artisanfoods.com.mt The Galley is a new, already popular restaurant located at The Royal Malta Yacht Club in Ta' Xbiex. The setting is idyllic – overlooking the Marsamxett harbour with spectacular views of the capital Valletta’s skyline. The interior emulates a beach house with good natural light and soft furnishings. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable with a menu that offers both staple popular dishes and seasonal specials. The menu includes premium meat, pastas and light snacks at lunch time. Prices are reasonable to accommodate the regular clientele from the yachting community. The venue offers indoor and outdoor areas with ample nearby parking and good proximity to the neighbouring busy areas of Sliema and Valletta, which are well serviced by public transport. The Galley has become especially popular on weekends and booking is recommended.

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Restaurant Guide

ST JULIAN'S

The Avenue The Avenue, Gort Street, Paceville, St Julian's T: 2135 1753 / 2137 8731 • W: www.theavenuemalta.com This award-winning restaurant has been a household name for over a decade and remains a regular favourite. Its versatile menu, friendly service and well-pitched prices all contribute to The Avenue’s strong appeal. Best known for pizza, freshly-prepared pasta or grills, or you could opt for succulent poultry and fresh fish – the menu is not only versatile but portions are generous.

The Avenue started off 20 years ago as a snack bar and today encompasses three different sections, all with different character and décors: the arustic-styled room, the elegant ‘Valentino’ section and the more informal and colourful segment. This venue is popular with locals as it’s good value for money. In fact, looking through the large, glass windows, one can see the place is always bustling with people and life. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Includes two hours free parking at the Portomaso car park all week.

Delivery service to the surrounding areas is available.

Dubliner Bar & Restaurant Gorg Borg Olivier Street, St Julian’s T: 2136 7106 This cosy, traditional Irish pub in St Julian’s invites all to a casual and friendly atmosphere to kick back and enjoy a jovial treat straight from the green lands of Ireland. The weekday menu, served on the second floor restaurant and boasting exceptional views of the bay, covers everything from traditional Irish and British pub food to international cuisines. Alternatively, visit The Dubliner simply to enjoy the atmosphere of the surrounding bar whilst indulging in a hearty pint of Guinness with friends. The Dubliner provides patrons with a haven from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area, where one can sit back and have a great meal or simply relax with friends.

Waterbiscuit Intercontinental Malta, St. George’s Bay, St Julian's T: +356 2376 2225 • E: info@waterbiscuit.com.mt • W: waterbiscuit.com.mt Waterbisuit is at the forefront of the Maltese culinary experience with delicious and innovative dishes for all to enjoy.

Waterbiscuit, stylishly set on two floors, offers a gastronomic experience that will delight all with healthy, delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners. It is a truly contemporary location ideal for a business rendezvous, social gathering, casual dining or a night out. Breakfast promises to provide a wakeup call with a creative à la carte menu boasting six different types of Egg Benedict, the signature dish of Waterbiscuit, ideal for those who wish to indulge in a truly unique breakfast experience. Waterbiscuit also allows patrons to lounge at the bar throughout the day and night with a variety of coffees, cocktails and wines that will tease the senses; the atmosphere is relaxed and offers a delightfully glamourous feel. For reservations, kindly give them a call.

Zest Hotel Juliani, 25, St George’s Road, St Julian’s T: 2138 7600 • E: Info@zestflavours.com • W: www.zestflavours.com Zest... where east meets west in both dining and décor. The chic restaurant is a point of encounter between Continental and Asian cuisine in a contemporary ambiance, oozing relaxed elegance. The menu boasts a selection of dishes from Thai curries, Indonesian noodles, Singaporean seafood laksas and continental pan-fried lamb to Japanese teppanyaki. Attractive features include an open wine cellar and a sushi bar on the restaurant floor, where patrons can sit around the chef and enjoy the art of Japanese sushi preparation. Located on the first floor of the Hotel Juliani, using this transformed town house’s original entrance and external staircase, the restaurant enjoys the added bonus of an open-air, terrace bar, overlooking romantic Spinola Bay, which is ideal for pre-dinner drinks.

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Bars & Nightlife

Malta is known for its vast number of bars and clubs catering to all ages and to all tastes in music.

Try one of the following for a great night out.

PORTOMASO

Club Twenty-Two Level 22, Portomaso Business Tower, Portomaso T: 2310 2222 • E: Info@22.com.mt • W: www.22.com.mt Already the mecca for Malta’s most discerning and hedonistic crowd, Twenty-Two has also managed to attract a big number of international VIPs and celebrities from the world of music, film, television, fashion, sports and business. Twenty-Two established itself from day one as Malta’s only really exclusive venue with its stunning surroundings and breathtaking views, and with impeccable VIP table service found nowhere else on the island – Twenty-Two is luxury and comfort usually located only in the major fashion capitals around the world! Twenty-Two combines the comfort and exclusivity of a stylish wine lounge and is situated on the 22nd floor of the Portomaso Business Tower – Malta’s tallest building. Open from Wednesday to Sunday; caters for private events.

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air malta news

airmalta

NEWS Events and news about Malta's national airline

Air Malta Launches its Summer 2015 Schedule This summer Air Malta is offering customers a selection of 160 weekly flights to around 50 destinations. With this schedule, running from the 29th March till 24 October, the Maltese airline is planning to carry 1.2 million passengers.

26 of these routes are scheduled services, whereas 23 are charter flights.

A number of changes to last year’s summer schedule were made to maximise opportunities, increase efficiency and make flights more attractive, both for Maltese citizens as well as for the tourists visiting the islands this summer.

This was announced by Air Malta’s Chief Executive, Philip Micallef at the launch of AMITEX, the yearly travel fair organised at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre Limited (MFCC).

This summer the Maltese airline has increase flights to a daily service to Amsterdam. Flights to Brussels have also increased from seven to nine flights every week.

Changes have also been made to the schedule on Italian routes. This year Air Malta will operate a daily service to Milan’s Linate airport. For the second consecutive summer the airline will also be operating to Venice, with a maximum

of 3 flights per week and has also increased 3 flights per week to Catania.

This season Air Malta will also be operating an interesting series of charter flights, both for Maltese and foreign operators. Most of the flights will be operated to Tel Aviv in Israel, and regional airports in England, France and Eastern Europe.

“Our strategy is to operate a conveniently timed flight schedule to a number of central airports. We pride ourselves of offering competitive prices giving our

customers a varied choice of more than 100 destinations together with our partner airlines,” said Chief Commercial Officer Ursula Silling.

This summer Air Malta will operate direct scheduled flights to Amsterdam, Athens, Berlin, Brussels, Budapest, Catania, Düsseldorf, Djerba, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hamburg, London – Gatwick, London – Heathrow, Lyon, Manchester, Marseille, Milan, Moscow Domodedovo, Munich, Paris – Charles De Gaulle, Paris – Orly, Prague, Rome, Venice, Vienna and Zurich.

For more information visit www.airmalta.com , call Air Malta’s sales office on +356 21662211 or log onto www.facebook.com/AirMalta .

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air malta news

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The Malta International Music Festival and Competition 2015 A stunning line-up of international acclaimed musicians and professors will be performing and conducting masterclasses at the Malta International Music Festival and Competition 2015 from 27th April to 10th May 2015.

The Festival welcomes students and Malta performers from around the world.

Young artists will have an opportunity to learn, live and exchange artistic experiences with professors and many foreign participants.

A faculty of 18 professors will be conducting master-classes in pianoforte, violin, violoncello, saxophone, clarinet and chamber music. These are Arkadi Zenziper, Yuri Didenko, Leonel Morales, Nina Tichman, Andreas Frolich and Giuliano Mozzacante for piano; Alexander Zagorinsky, Romain Garioud and Boris Andrianov for cello; Dora Schwarzberg, Alissa Margulis for violin; Hayrapet Arakelyan, Lars Mlekusch, Sergey Kolesov for saxophone; Antonio Tinelli

and Julian Milkis for clarinet, Alexander Bonduryansky and Vasily Shcherbakov for chamber ensembles.

Festival Artistic Director Mro Alan Chircop said: “We are looking forward to welcome many participants to an enjoyable, rewarding and inspiring artistic experience, no matter at which level they are in their studies or career.

They will have an opportunity to experience the work of other international participants and performers.”

This year the Festival will be holding international competitions for junior and senior students/artists in pianoforte, strings, wind instruments and chamber ensembles. Apart from the attractive monetary prizes, winners will be invited to perform in various European music festivals.

All the participants will have the opportunity to perform alongside international artists in an extensive number

of concerts held every day. The Opening Concert of the Malta International Music Festival and Competition will be held on the 27th April at 19.30hrs at the Teatru Manoel in Valletta. All concerts are open to the public free of charge.

Malta International Music Festival and Competition 2015 is organised by the European Foundation for Support of Culture in collaboration with the AlinkArgerich Foundation, Johann Strauss School of Music – Malta, Choral and Orchestral Society “Maria Bambina”, AELS English Language School and the Malta Band Clubs Association.

Air Malta is the Official carrier of the Festival.

Closing date for participation is 10th April 2015. Further details regarding participation or schedule of concerts are available on www. maltafest.eu and Facebook page: Malta International Music Festival or contact the organisers via email to info@maltafest.eu, or call +356 77727222.

1. Ilya Gorbunov – 1st prize winner of Children Category last year | 2. Armenian saxophonist Hayrapet Arakelyan and Italian pianist Mro Giuliano Mazzoccante at the Opening Ceremony last year. | 3. Cello quintet at the Gala Concert last year. | 4. Leonel Morales at last year’s Opening Ceremony of the Malta International Music Festival.

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air malta news

Sharks at the Malta National Aquarium The Malta National Aquarium currently displays a variety of shark species from local to tropical oceans. Sharks are top predators in the marine environment and their protection is vital for the balance of the ecosystem. Therefore teaching about them at the Aquarium is our way of raising awareness on their conservation.

Local Species Over the last year, the Aquarium has been collaborating with Sharklab Malta in a recovery and release programme of two species of local cat shark species, Nurse hounds and Lesser spotted cat sharks. These species are often caught by fishermen due to unspecific fishing techniques which trawl along the sea bed and collect everything that is caught. Sharklab visit the fish market in Valletta daily to analyse the amounts of shark species that are landed and check whether or not they have egg cases inside them. Since the egg case contains a yolk sac which feeds the developing embryo, it can survive even if the mother is dead for a short period of time. These egg cases are taken out and brought to the Aquarium for further development until they

hatch naturally. Both Sharklab and the Aquarium have since organised three shark releases in order to give these species a second chance at life in the Sea. Tropical species The main tank of the Aquarium exhibits a number of sharks such as the black tip reef sharks with their sleek aerodynamic body shape, the zebra shark which moves slowly and calmly and spends most of its time on the seabed, both commonly found in the Indo-Pacific. The leopard sharks and horn shark tend to hide, so unless its feeding time, one must be patient until these species emerge for a swim.

Diversity and protection Shark have diversified into over 500 species and thus vary a lot in terms of size, diet, behaviour and habitat. Many shark populations are threatened by human activity and this will continue to happen unless we take action to protect them.

The Malta National Aquarium is one of Air Malta's partners.

For more information, follow us on www.aquarium.com.mt / www.facebook.com/maltanationalaquarium Brought to you by Malta National Aquarium, Triq It-Trunciera, Qawra, San Pawl il-Bahar SPB 1500 88

air malta news

Navigating Through The Maltese Waters The clear blue seas which surround the Maltese Archipelago frequently receives visitors which add vigour to the already rich marine life. Both the bottlenose dolphin (id-denfil ta’ geddumu qasir) and the loggerhead turtle (il-fekruna l-komuni) are two marine species which our waters have become more accustomed to seeing over the past few years.

With the growing pressures and challenges on our marine life, for years the need has been felt for better and improved safeguards to be put in place to protect and conserve these vunerable species.

Although both species are protected by the EU and other legislation, conservation policies and measures only become effective when quality data is made available. Due to the lack of comprehensive information regarding the population dynamics of these species and the type of habitats that are essential for their survival, Malta has continued to carry out systematic scientific studies through the EU LIFE+ Migrate Project.

These studies are bridging the information gaps and contributing towards the identification of areas essential to their life and

reproduction, around Maltese waters. If such sites are confirmed they will be proposedfor the eventual inclusion in the European Union Natura 20 0 0 network.

Throughout the past months baseline data which has been gathered from volunteers, NGOs, scientific papers, experts and data from various sightings, as well as data arising from this project, are being translated into map format for modelling purposes.

Visual and acoustic surveys have also been carried out, covering a total of 3123 nautical miles.

For more information, please visit: www.lifeprojectmigrate.com.

For this project, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA)and the Ministry for Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Change has teamed up with KAI Marine Services (Spain), a marine conservation company which is sharing its extensive expertise in helping to identify such crucial areas for these species. KAI Marine, in fact, have already carried out similar LIFE projects in Spain where they assisted in the identification of such important areas. This project, which will be concluded in April 2016 is also being co-financed BOV, as the official co-financier.

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air malta news

IL-BIZZILLA TALKS TO Neville Vassallo Revenue Managment Executive

How long have you been working with Air Malta?

I have started working with Air Malta in June of 1994. Air Malta was my first working experience, and also my dream job as I have always have had a keen interest in the aviation industry.

Three words that describe your job?

Meticulous, Challenging, Unpredictable and thus exciting.

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

Currently I work in Revenue Management, and my biggest challenge is to maximize the revenue generated by the sale of the seats in our planes. Due to heavy competition on Malta route my job is getting more and more challenging as years go by. I strive to strike the right balance between keeping the best most competitive prices for our customers, whilst yielding the most revenue for our airline.

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Do you have any hobbies?

I am passionate about football. MI support Tottenham Hotspurs and regularly enjoy watching the team play. I also love travelling and going on holidays, especially to faraway places where the culture and the way of life is very different. I love sports and try to keep myself fit and active. I go for jogging or walking every day as it helps me to keep healthy and also to sort out my thoughts after a days work.

Which is your favourite destination and why?

I have visited many different places, however my favourite remains Kenya.

I went to Kenya in 2000. Though it is quite a dangerous place to visit, I found it very different from usual places, with its picturesque sceneries and the different way of life the African people lead. That was the only place where I used to enjoy waking up at 4am, as it was to go on the African Safari in the

Masai Mara. I also enjoyed the cuisine, which is so very different. There I tried crocodile meat!

What are your favourite spots or tips for anyone visiting Malta?

I like both countryside and seaside.

I feel that in Malta we are lucky enough to have the right weather for both of them. In summer nothing beats the breeze that comes in from the sea on the beach, while in winter and spring, nothing beats a walk in the colourful countryside.

I am lucky enough to live in Siggiewi where we have both the countryside, starting from the Laferla Cross area going all the way to Dingli Cliffs and Zurrieq, and the fantastic sea of Ghar Lapsi, which is a beach tugged up in rocks, with sea which is always cool and fresh even in the hot temperatures of August and September.

air malta news

RULES FOR USE OF PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES Transmitting Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs)

connectivity such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi shall be disabled. These devices must be stowed away safely during taxi, take-off and landing since they could hinder an emergency evacuation.

Any devices that can send or receive data by wireless means, such as mobile-phones and tablets, may be used during all phases of the flight provided their transmit/receive capabilities (e.g. Bluetooth and Wi-fi) are switched off. Alternatively, if the device has ‘Flight Mode’1 capability, this shall be enabled. Such devices shall be safely secured in the customers’ hand (handheld) or a pocket during taxi, take-off and landing. Larger devices (e.g. laptops) shall be switched off and stowed away safely during taxi, take-off and landing. Accessories, such as headphones, must not obstruct access to the aisle. If the data transmission capability cannot be switched off (whilst the device is operating), the device itself shall be switched off for the duration of the flight.

Are there times when I cannot use my electronic devices?

Under certain circumstances, your Flight Crew or Cabin Crew may ask you to switch off all Personal Electronic Devices. This may happen during automatic landings, low visibility takeoff or landing, or during emergency situations.

Can I use headphones?

Personal headphones can be used during all phases of the flight. However, we ask you to remove your headphones during the safety briefing. For safety reasons, customers sitting at an emergency exit row must refrain from using headphones during taxi, take-off and landing.

Non-Transmitting Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs)

I should inform the cabin crew when … … a passenger notices that his/her device is overheating. In such a case, the Personal Electronic Device must be switched off immediately and a member of the crew informed.

If you require more information, please refer to the table below which includes a list of Personal Electronic Devices which can be used onboard Air Malta flights by phase of flight. Please do not hesitate to contact any member of our cabin crew if you have any further questions.

These could include, but are not limited to, items such as DVD players, electronic games, music players and personal cameras. Such devices shall be safely secured in the customers’ hand (handheld) or a pocket during taxi, take-off and landing.

Larger devices shall be stowed away safely during taxi, take-off and landing.

Laptops and notebooks Such devices may be used during boarding and during flight but not during taxi, take-off and landing. Any built-in data

(e.g. smart phones and tablets)

Larger PEDS

(e.g. laptops and notebooks)

HEADPHONES

Wi-fi, text and phone call functions

Boarding

YES

YES

YES

YES

Extended Ground Delay (when instructed by Flight Crew or Cabin Crew)

YES

YES

YES

YES

Taxi-out for Take-Off

YES

NO

YES

no

During Safety Briefing Demonstration

YES

NO

NO

NO

Take-Off

YES

NO

YES

NO

Cruise

YES

YES

YES

NO

Circa 10 minutes to landing (Cabin Crew PA)

YES

no

YES

no

Landing

YES

no

YES

no

Taxi to Stand

YES

no

YES

YES

PHASE

Hand Held PEDs

More information is available at http://www.airmalta.com/information/check-in

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air malta news

airmalta

In-Flight Service MENU We are pleased to offer you a great selection of snacks and drinks available on board your flight today.

Feel like a drink?

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€ £ Alcoholic Beverages: Teachers Whisky 4.00 3.00 Bells Whisky 4.00 3.00 Gordon’s Gin 4.00 3.00 Smirnoff Vodka 4.00 3.00 Camus Brandy 4.00 3.00 Bacardi Rum 4.00 3.00 Havana Club 4.00 3.00 Campari 4.00 3.00 Noval Port 4.00 3.00 Averna 4.00 3.00 Baileys 4.00 3.00 Tia Maria 4.00 3.00 Wines: Pjazza Reġina Red Pjazza Reġina White

4.00 3.00 4.00 3.00

Champagne: Drappier Carte D’Or Brut

10.00 8.50

Beer: Heineken Cisk Lager

4.00 3.00 4.00 3.00

air malta INFO

Try our ter s a E l a n o i t i d tra la l o g i F e s e t l a M only available this April!

â‚Ź

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Minerals and Mixers: Sprite Diet Coke Coca Cola Fanta Orange Kinnie 500ml Tomato Juice Bitter Lemon Tonic Water Ginger Ale Soda Water 500ml Sparkling Water 500ml Still Mineral Water 500ml Apple Juice 200ml Orange Juice 200ml Tea Coffee Hot chocolate Capuccino

2.00 1.50 2.00 1.50 2.00 1.50 2.00 1.50 3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 2.00 1.50 2.00 1.50 2.00 1.50 2.00 1.50 2.00 1.50 2.00 1.50 2.00 1.50 2.00 1.50 2.00 1.50 2.00 1.50 3.00 2.50 3.00 2.50

SNACKs: Pringles Crisps Harribo Mix 160g Maltesers 175g Ready Salted Peanuts Mini Galletti Snickers 48g Corny Big Twix Standard 48g Kit Kat 4 Fingers Twistees Bauli croissant Honey ring Figolla

2.00 1.50 2.00 1.50 3.00 2.50 4.00 3.00 1.00 0.75 1.00 0.75 1.00 0.75 1.00 0.75 1.00 0.75 1.00 0.75 1.00 0.75 1.50 1.00 2.00 1.50 2.50 2.00

Bar Prices

Safety

We accept bank notes and coins in Euros and Sterling.

Excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited to the extent that bar service may be refused, thus ensuring safety and comfort to other passengers on board.

Unfortunately we are unable to accept Credit or Debit Cards.

The correct change would be very much appreciated.

Charter Flights

We are pleased to offer you a selection of food and beverage items against a charge.

Scheduled flights

We are pleased to offer you a complimentary snack and a bottle of water.

All other beverages and snacks are available at a charge.

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air malta INFO

airmalta

INFO Flight and Company Information

94

Alcohol consumption

Smoking

Alcohol consumed at high altitude can have a stronger effect than usual. Cabin crew are legally empowered to refuse serving any alcohol to an intoxicated passenger and to anyone under the age of 18. In extreme cases, crew may also temporarily confiscate the passenger‘s own drinks so that the passenger would not become a nuisance to the other passengers and crew. Furthermore, Air Malta is bound by international regulations which prohibit embarkation or the carriage of drunken passengers. But once you are reading this article, Air Malta‘s Flight Safety Committee is confident that you are a law-abiding and exemplary passenger. Indeed, the cabin crew may need your assistance to restrain another passenger in the unlikely event that he or she may act irresponsibly during the flight. The consumption of one’s own alcoholic beverages in-flight goes against Air Malta policy.

Smoking is prohibited from when you leave the terminal building until you arrive to the terminal building. Smoking is allowed in designated areas only. Smoking is not allowed during any phase of the flight and in any area of the aircraft.

Should you be aware of a passenger who has smoked in the toilet during the flight, please inform the cabin crew immediately so that they can check for any undetected fires. The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is also not allowed on board Air Malta flights.

Similarly, the use of naked flames on and around the aircraft is also prohibited.

air malta INFO

AIR MALTA Fleet

DID YOU KNOW? Facts about Malta 1. Malta might be the easiest place in the world to f ind a place of worship… there are around 365 churches in Malta, one for ever y day of the year.

Enhance your Travel experience At Air Malta, we want our passengers to get everything they need to make the travel experience comfortable in one place. Here are a number of services that we offer that you might not have known about: Join the Club Upgrade to Air Malta’s Club Class for priority service. Members can make use of the special check-in counters for a more leisurely and efficient boarding, enjoy access the La Valette Lounge at Malta International Airport, and get more privacy with a separate in-flight cabin area. Kindly ask at the check-in desk for further details.

AIRBUS 319

AIRBUS 320

Qty: 4 in fleet Number of seats: 141 Engines: 2 CFM56-5B6/P Maximum take-off weight: 73.5 metric tons Overall length: 33.84m; Wingspan: 34.1m Cruising speed: 834 kph Range: 4,815 km

Qty: 6 in fleet Number of seats: 168/180 Engines: 2 CFM56-5B4/P Maximum take-off weight: 77.0 metric tons Overall length: 37.57m; Wingspan: 34.1m Cruising speed: 834 kph Range: 4,055 km

2. During summer, the Maltese population triples with the arrival of nearly 1 million tourists from all over the world.

from different languages including Italian, French, Spanish and A rabic, and is the only Semitic language in the world that is written in the Latin alphabet.

3. In Malta we drive on the left side of the road like the British, so if you are planning to drive, please do keep this in mind.

5. Malta is one of the 10 smallest sovereign states in the world.

4. Malta has a unique language spoken by over 1 million people worldwide. It has evolved

Carry more with you Are you worried about not being able to fit everything you need into your suitcase? Stop stressing out and check out our extra baggage service. Simply book your extra baggage online and get the most out of your trip!

Web check in Skip the line and check-in before you get to the airport. You may check-in online before you get to the airport up to 24 hours prior to departure up until 2 hours before your flight.

Fly in comfort Enhance your comfort with extra legroom during your flight. This option gives you more space to relax in preparation for your trip!

Your Air Malta boarding pass now gives you access to great discounts Find out how to make your ticket go the extra mile by visiting our website or our Facebook page. You can use your Air Malta boarding pass to get special discounts during your stay in Malta at many hotels, museums and more. All you have to do is present your boarding pass when purchasing the services listed on airmalta. com or at Air Malta Facebook page and you will be entitled to a special discount for your Air Malta boarding card. Make sure to mention that you wish to use this discount when making a booking, and have your boarding pass with you in order to redeem these offers.

Get sportive Are you passionate about a sport? We make it easy to travel and take your specialized equipment with you at very minimal cost.

Visit www.airmalta.com for more details.

Groups We also cater for large groups who want to travel together. If your group is larger than ten adults, contact our Group Bookings team for special rates that you can’t get anywhere else!

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air malta INFO

NORWAY SWEDEN • Oslo

Arlanda Stockholm

RUSSIA ESTONIA

LATVIA DENMARK

UNITED KINGDOM REP. OF IRELAND

LITHUANIA

• Copenhagen

• Moscow Domodedovo

• Manchester

BELARUS • Bremen • Hamburg

London Heathrow • • London Gatwick

• Berlin • Hannover GERMANY

• Amsterdam HOLLAND

• Brussels BELGIUM

• Düsseldorf

• Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly •

• Frankfurt

• Dresden

UKRAINE

CZECH REPUBLIC SLOVAKIA

• Munich

Linate Milan •

• Turin

• Vienna

MOLDOVA

AUSTRIA

• Zurich SWITZERLAND

FRANCE

• Warsaw POLAND

HUNGARY

ROMANIA

SLOVENIA CROATIA

• Otopani

• Verona

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

• Bologna

PORTUGAL

SERBIA

F.Y.O.M.

• Rome • Olbia

SPAIN

BULGARIA • Sofia

MONTENEGRO

ITALY

ALBANIA

• Naples

TURKEY

GREECE • Cagliari • Athens SICILY • Catania

• Algiers

MOROCCO

ALGERIA

CYPRUS

• Larnaca

Malta

TUNISIA • Djerba

LIBYA

EGYPT

VT

NH

MA NY

Airport

Weekly Flights

Algiers 1 Amsterdam 4 Athens 2 Berlin 2 Brussels 7 Catania 9 Djerba 3 Düsseldorf 3 Frankfurt 5 Hamburg 2 London Gatwick 7

Flights code-shared:

Meridiana

Code-shared Routes

Airport

Weekly Flights

London Heathrow 14 Manchester 4 Milan Linate 5 Moscow Domodedovo 2 Munich 7 Sofia 2 Paris Charles de Gaulle 4 Paris Orly 4 Rome 7 Vienna 4 Zurich 5

Emirates

Lufthansa

96

PA New York (Newark) • NJ wv

• Abu Dhabi

MD DE

SAUDI ARABIA

VA

OMAN

Intra-European Flights operated by Air Malta: Athens-Sofia-Athens (2 weekly flights) Munich-Catania-Munich (4 weekly flights) Amsterdam-Brussels (2 weekly flights) Brussels-Amsterdam (1 weekly flight)

Etihad Airways

Austrian Airlines

SN Brussels

Abu Dhabi Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney Arlanda Berlin Bremen Catania Dresden Düsseldorf Frankfurt Hannover Munich New York (Newark) Oslo

IRAN

CT

via Heathrow, Manchester and Brussels with Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways via Munich code-shared with Lufthansa via Munich code-shared with Lufthansa via Munich and Frankfurt code-shared with Lufthansa via Munich code-shared with Lufthansa via Munich and Frankfurt code-shared with Lufthansa via Munich code-shared with Lufthansa code-shared with Lufthansa via Munich and Frankfurt code-shared with Lufthansa code-shared with Lufthansa via Munich with Lufthansa code-shared via Munich with Lufthansa

Stockholm Larnaca Bologna Cagliari Naples Olbia Turin Verona Budapest Otopani Prague Sofia Warsaw Brussels Copenhagen

via Munich code-shared with Lufthansa code-shared with Emirates via Catania code-shared with Meridiana via Rome and Milan code-shared with Meridiana via Catania code-shared with Meridiana via Catania, Rome and Milan code-shared with Meridiana via Catania and Rome code-shared with Meridiana via Catania code-shared with Meridiana via Vienna code-shared with Austrian Airlines via Vienna code-shared wit Austrian Airlines via Vienna code-shared with Austrian Airlines via Vienna code-shared with Austrian Airlines via Vienna code-shared with Austrian Airlines via Catania code-shared with Brussels Airlines via Brussels code-shared with Brussels Airlines

9

Gozo - Malta • 11 April - 24 May 2015

Programme of Events Sat 11/4 20.00hrs

THE SOUND OF MUSIC MUSICAL BY RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN

GAULITANUS CHOIR & SOLOISTS KEATS STRING QUARTET GAULITANA WIND ENSEMBLE STEPHEN ATTARD (Piano) TERRY SHAW (Director) COLIN ATTARD (Conductor) – (Malta/UK) Grand Hotel, Mgarr Sun 12/4 19.30hrs

2 REEDS & 16 STRINGS

Tue 14/4 19.30hrs

FAIREST ISLE: BRITISH MUSIC FOR A QUARTET

Thu 16/4 19.30hrs

YOUTH & MUSIC 1

Fri 17/4 20.00hrs

4-HAND PIANO

Sun 19/4 19.30hrs

AN ITALIAN & A RUSSIAN ON AN ISLAND

Tue 21/4 19.30hrs

A FLUTE & A VIOLIN WITH A PIANO

Thu 23/4 19.30hrs

MUSIC WE LOVE

Sat 25/4 20.00hrs

PIANO RECITAL 1

Sun 26/4 19.30hrs

GOZZELINO & PRÉVERT: METRO DE LA VIE

Thu 30/4 19.30hrs

A CELLO WITH A PIANO

Fri 01/5 19.30hrs

WORLD WAR 1 IN MUSIC & WORDS

Sat 02/5 11.30hrs

200 YEARS OF TRIO MUSIC

Sat 02/5 20.00hrs

PIANO RECITAL 2

NICOLA FAIRBAIRN (Oboe) KEATS STRING QUARTET – (UK) St Francis Church, Victoria

KEATS STRING QUARTET – (UK) St Augustine Church, Victoria

GIUSEPPE FRICELLI’S STUDENTS & FRIENDS – (Italy) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria GIUSEPPE FRICELLI Ι DARIA ALESHINA (Piano Duo) – (Italy/Russia) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria IACOPO SAMMARTANO (Saxophone) DARIA ALESHINA (Piano) – (Italy/Russia) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria FORTEPIANO TRIO – (Italy) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria

FÉ AVOUGLAN (Soprano) COLIN ATTARD (Accompanist) – (USA/Malta) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria

Tue 05/5 19.15hrs

YOUTH & MUSIC 3

Thu 07/5 20.30hrs

RESOUNDING PIPES

Fri 08/5 19.30hrs

PIANO RECITAL 3

Sat 09/5 20.00hrs

FROM MASTER TO STUDENT: PAGANINI TO SCALERA

Tue 12/5 19.15hrs

SOUNDS OF SPAIN

FENÌLYA TRIO – (Italy) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria DAVID BOLDRINI (Piano) – (Italy) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria

Mon 04/5 YOUTH & MUSIC 2 19.15hrs PARTICIPANTS – MALTA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria

ALEXANDER FREY (Piano) – (USA) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria

DUO TORTORELLI/MELUSO (Violin/Piano) – (Italy) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria LAURA ALONSO PADÍN (Soprano) ALBA DÍAZ TOBOADA (Piano) – (Spain) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria

Fri 15/5 20.00hrs

CROSSOVER TO JAZZ

Sun 17/5 19.30hrs

2 CELLOS IN A MUSEUM

Fri 22/5 20.00hrs

MIRKO MARIA MATERA (Piano) – (Italy) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria FRANK CAMILLERI Ι LUCIE KUCHAROVA (Violoncello Duo) – (Malta/Czech Republic) Rotunda Church Museum, Xewkija

3-ACT OPERA by GIUSEPPE VERDI INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS GAULITANUS CHOIR MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA ENRICO CASTIGLIONE (Director) COLIN ATTARD (Conductor) – (Malta/Italy) Teatru tal-Opra Aurora, Victoria

Sat 23/5 11.30hrs

IN HYMNIS ET CANTICIS

Sat 23/5 20.00hrs

A MUSICAL JOURNEY WITH A TRIO

Sun 24/5 11.00hrs

YOUTH & MUSIC 4: A GOZITAN TOUCH AT LUNCHTIME

Sun 24/5 20.30hrs

A CHORAL FINALE

FENÌLYA DUO – (Italy) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria GAULITANUS CHOIR & SOLOISTS – (Malta) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria

ALEXANDER FREY (Organ) – (USA) Nativity of Our Lady Basilica, Xagħra

Wed 13/5 FROM LISZT TO MAHLER: 19.15hrs ROMANTIC SONG LAURA ALONSO PADÍN (Soprano) ALBA DÍAZ TOBOADA (Piano) – (Spain) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria

MICHAEL LAUS (Piano) – (Malta) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria

RUTH SAMMUT CASINGENA (Soprano) SOFIA NARMANIA (Piano) – (Malta/Abkhazia) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria

PARTICIPANTS – MALTA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria

CORO LIRICO SICILIANO - (Italy) Gozo Seminary Chapel, Victoria MARCELLINE AGIUS (Violin) NADIA DE BONO (Viola) MICHAEL LAUS (Piano) – (Malta) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria

PIERRE LOUIS ATTARD (Violin) COLIN ATTARD (Accompanist) – (Malta) Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria MARY MORGAN (Soprano) FIONA HENDERSON (Contralto) ROLAND KITCHEN (Tenor) ANDREW HOPWOOD (Bass) WYCLIFFE CHORAL SOCIETY JOSEF LAMING (Organ) CHRISTOPHER SWAIN (Conductor) – (UK) Nativity of Our Lady Basilica, Xagħra

Artistic Director: COLIN ATTARD

GAULITANUS

25th ANNIVERSARY

More info: www.gaulitanus.com

gaulitanafestival@gmail.com

2156 0200 | 9920 9779 | 9925 8592 Concerts (except for opera) are free of charge