Domus Zamittello - Your Stay In Malta

Your Stay In Malta

Table

Contents

Valletta p.4

Republic Street

Casa Rocca Piccola

St. John’s Co-Cathedral

The Grand Harbour

Embassy Shopping Complex

The Manoel Theatre

The Three Cities & Mdina p.10

Central & Northen Areas p.12

Mosta Dome

Mediterraneo Marine Park

Ta’ Qali Craft Village

Southern Areas p.16

Hypogeum Of Hal Saflieni

Marsaxlokk

Blue Grotto

Gozo & Comino p.18

Others & Tips p.20

Temples & Caves

Wreck Diving

Weather

Bus Service

Harbour Cruise

Religion

Swimming

Tipping

Malta provides the opportunity for visitors to experience a huge variety of different sites and places to visit. Whether looking to relax on the beach with a cool cocktail, visit the plethora of cultural sites or go diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, there is something for everybody. The following aims to provide you with a guide to the most vital places to see when on holiday. Please do speak to Reception for more detailed information and other places that the Maltese Islands have to offer.

Republic Street

Republic Street is Valletta’s main street running the length of Valletta, from City Gate towards the granaries at Forst St Elmo, it is lined with high end jewellery shops, shopping malls, antiques shops and food stores. In the morning, the city is bustling with shoppers, tourists and commuters. Siesta time, between 13.00hrs and 16.00hrs, is when some shops may be closed.

Casa Rocca Piccola

A unique attraction in the centre of Valletta providing insight into a 16th Century Palace of a Maltese noble family. Here one can find unique historical evidence of the customs and traditions of the Maltese Nobility over the last 400 years. You can also see a collection of furniture, silver and paintings that add to the aesthetic riches of the country. The souvenir shop has beautiful items to remind you of your visit to Casa Rocca Piccola and Malta.

Casa Rocca Piccola is a 7 minute walk from Domus Zamittello.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral

A Roman Catholic Co-Cathedral dedicated to St John the Baptist & one of the most spectacular in Europe. The floor alone features over 400 intrinsically designed marble tombstones dedicated to prominent knights and clergymen. The magnificent painted ceiling by Mattia Preti and the works of art by Caravaggio are both acknowledged as world class masterpieces.

St Johns Co Cathedral is a 3 minute walk from Domus Zamittello.

The Grand Harbour

The crescent-shaped Grand Harbour is the biggest and most dramatic natural harbour in the Mediterranean. It was the base for the Knights of St. John for 268 years and after their departure became a strategic base for the British for a further 170 years. It remains a spectacular sight, particularly at night time when all the fortifications are lit up providing a wondrous backdrop to admire and enjoy. Enjoy spectacular views of the Grand Harbour from Upper Barrakka Gardens, a short 4 minute walk from Domus Zamittello.

Embassy Shopping Complex

This is the modern face of shopping in Valletta. Set over seven floors, the Embassy comprises a shopping mall, cinema complex, entertainment centre, cafes and a multimedia museum. The shops range from fashion outlets, book stores, footwear and cosmetics.

The Embassy Shopping Complex is a 4 minute walk from Domus Zamittello.

The Manoel Theatre

The third oldest operating theatre in Europe, the Manoel Theatre dates back to 1731 and is Malta’s national theatre which stages opera, concerts, piano and violin recitals as well as plays. Book and reserve your tickets from the Front desk to avoid queues and benefit from front row seats. A complete list of events is available at the Front desk.

The Manoel Theatre is a 6 minute walk from Domus Zamittello.

Stay

Malta

The Three Cities

The Three Cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua have provided a home and fortress to almost every people who settled on the Islands.

These harbour areas are where the Knights of St. John were based from 1530 until 1570. Visit the old naval bakery, now housing the Maritime Museum, Fort St. Angelo which the Knights made their headquarters during the Great Siege, and the Inquisitor’s Palace.

The three cities are also accessible by traditional regatta boats. This crossing is just 7 minutes and offers a unique experience and view of the Grand Harbour.

The ferry is accessed from the Upper Barrakka Lift, by walking across to the Valletta Waterfront.

Mdina & Rabat

The old capital city of the island and its suburb are a must see for any visitor to our islands. Mdina, a walled city and continuously occupied since the bronze age is a collage of narrow streets and varying architectural styles. The Cathedral, dedicated to St Peter and St. Paul together with its museum, houses one of the largest art collections on the islands

and are a highlight visit of the city. Nearby town Rabat, contains ancient Christian catacombs and the most complete Roman artefacts at the Domus Romana.

A visit to Mdina & Rabat would not be complete without a trip to Is-Serkin, Crystal Palace bar for traditional Maltese pastizzi.

The Mosta Dome

The Mosta Dome is the third largest church dome in the world. It was hit by a bomb in World War II which, amazingly, failed to explode. This was locally hailed as a miracle and a replica of the bomb can now be seen in the Church’s sacristy.

Ta’ Qali Crafts Village

Visit the Ta’ Qali crafts village where you can interact with local experts as they create all kinds of traditional artefacts including blown glass, Maltese lace, pottery and intricate filigree jewellery. Within easy walking distance you will find the Aviation Museum and the National Football Stadium.

Ta’ Qali Crafts Village

Hypogeum Of Hal Saflieni

One of the nine UNESCO World Heritage sites on the islands, this spectacular pre-historic underground temple is the greatest jewel in the Maltese cultural crown.

Marsaxlokk

Malta’s prettiest fishing village is full of traditional, colourful, Phoenician style fishing boats that have become a symbol of the island. Not surprisingly, it is one of the best places to eat fish. Be prepared for an early start on a Sunday if you wish to be at the market when it is at full swing, nothing beats seeing the catch of the day at Marsaxlokk.

Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is a complex of sea caves along the South Western part of Malta, which is a popular tourist attraction. On sunny days, the reflection of sunlight on the white sandy seabed lights up the caves in bright blue hues, making it a true spectacle to admire.

Bad weather often disrupts the cruises, so do check with Reception whether running ahead of making the visit.

Gozo & Comino

Gozo, more rural and greener than Malta, is known as ‘the island of love and honey’. Plan your trip during the week as the weekends are usually much busier. Exploring Gozo can either be done through an organised tour, renting a car or otherwise a quad bike, for the more adventurous.

The smaller island of Comino, famous for the Blue Lagoon is often filled with sun seekers, private yachts and cruises throughout the year. For guided tours to Gozo and Comino, kindly speak to the Concierge.

Temples & Caves

Malta and Gozo are home to some of the oldest temples in the world, some dating as far back as 3600BC. Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are some of the most remarkable ones in Zurrieq, Malta. Afterwards, hop aboard a small, motorised fishing boat and see the pristine waters of the Blue Grotto caves.

Wreck Diving

The island is one of the most popular worldwide destinations for divers. Few destinations have the natural harbours, bays, sheltered creeks, reefs and wrecks which you will find around the Maltese coast. Both beginners and experienced open-water divers will be able to explore a variety of underwater worlds.

Weather

Malta enjoys some of the finest weather in the Mediterranean. We recommend adequate protection from the sun and hats, sunglasses and sun block in the summer are a must.

Bus Service

Malta is a small island, easily accessible by a well-connected public bus service. The Valletta Bus terminus is located a 2 minute walk from Domus Zamittello with connections to all parts of the island. Do allow an average of 45 minutes travel time to most destinations.

Harbour Cruise

A harbour cruise is a relaxing and spectacular way to see Valletta and the three cities from a very different angle. Cruises start from the Sliema ferries terminal. One can get to Sliema ferry terminal by bus, taxi or better still by ferry directly from Valletta.

Religion

The Maltese Islands boast some of the most magnificent churches in the world, when visiting, do remember that they are places of worship so appropriate dress is required.

Swimming

Malta has some of the cleanest seas in the Mediterranean. Enjoy its beaches, explore its alcoves and do remember, when in doubt swim where the locals do.

Tipping

Most restaurants in Malta don’t include a service charge in their bill, it is habitual to leave a tip of 10% of the bill value.