Valletta
are not taking place, visitors are given a short guided tour on arrival. Many come especially to see the wrist-bone of St Paul, which is displayed in an elaborate gold niche, and a part of the column to which he was tied when he was beheaded in Rome (the rest is in Rome). Other items of interest include the altarpiece, by Italian artist Matteo D’Aleccio, the ceiling paintings by Attilio Palombi and Giuseppe Calì, a silver throne upon which the Holy Eucharist is placed and the titular statue by Melchiorre Gafà. 74 St Paul Street (2123 6013). Open 6.30am-12.30pm, 3.30-6.30pm Mon-Sat; 7am-noon, 4-6pm Sun. Admission free.
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Museums
in existence. The audio tour is excellent and really helps you to get to know the place, while there’s plenty to learn in the adjacent museum too. Exhibits include priceless Flemish tapestries, silverware, liturgical vestments, illuminated choral books and portraits of knights. Bear in mind that heels and inappropriate dress (shorts for men; short skirts and exposed shoulders for women) are not allowed in the Co-Cathedral. St John Street (2122 0536, www. stjohnscocathedral.com). Open Co-Cathedral & Museum 9.30am4.30pm (last admission 4pm) Mon-Fri; 9.30am-12.30pm (last admission noon) Sat. Admission Co-Cathedral & Museum €6; €3.50€4.60 reductions; under-12s free. St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral This is the only Anglican cathedral in Malta. It was founded by Queen Adelaide, the widow of King William IV, who spent the winter of 1838/39 in Malta and was keen to found a Collegiate church in the
Fortifications Interpretation Centre This museum, within a beautifully restored building that was built during the time of the Knights of St John, is a must-see in the capital. This recent initiative communicates and explains the history and meaning of Malta’s military architecture and its heritage – while that may sound a little dry, it’s actually fascinating. There are helpful multi-lingual information guides, 28 interactive monitors and a free guided tour (which adds loads of curious facts and figures into the mix). This is a good option for families, with games and 3D puzzles for younger visitors. St Mark Street (2122 8594). Open mid June-Sept 9am-1pm Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat; 9am-4pm Tue, Thur; Oct-mid June 10am-4pm Mon, Wed, Fri; 10am-7pm Tue, Thur; 9.30am-1pm Sat. Admission free. Casa Rocca Piccola. See p47.
Anglican tradition. The British government provided a site, on the spot where the Auberge d’Allemagne (the conventual home of the German Knights Hospitaller) had stood. Queen Adelaide laid the foundation stone on 20 March 1839. The cathedral is built in the neo-classical style, and the spire is a Valletta landmark, rising to over 60m. While the cathedral does open regularly, it is run by volunteers and times can change at the last minute. Independence Square (2122 5714, www.anglicanmalta.org). Open 8.30am-12.30pm daily. Admission against donation. St Paul’s Shipwreck Church The Maltese attribute their Catholic beliefs to the shipwreck of St Paul on our islands, so it’s of little wonder that this church is of such importance for many of the faithful. Built in 1609, it became a collegiate church in 1773 and its façade was finished over 100 years after that. Provided that liturgical services
44 Time Out Malta & Gozo for Visitors 2015/16
National Museum of Archaeology With finds that date back to 5,200 BC, this museum offers great insight into around 7,000 years of history – with a range of artefacts from the Neolithic (5,000 BC) to the Phoenician period (600 BC). As you tour you’ll come across remnants from early settlements on the islands, such as pottery bowls, stone pots, carved spiral motifs and large altars, showcased at ground floor level. There is also a fascinating collection of human figurines, ranging from mysterious stone heads to full-sized figures of the ‘fat lady’, believed to represent a fertility cult. Look out for the fascinating temporary exhibition that’s being held in summer 2015, featuring a collection of coins dating back to Punic, Roman and medieval times. Auberge de Provence, Republic Street (2122 1623, www.heritagemalta.org). Open 9am-6pm daily. Admission €5; €3.50 reductions; €2.50 children. National Museum of Fine Arts This museum is currently going through a transition. In a couple
of years it will be relocated to the Auberge d’Italie, renamed MUZA, and restructured as the national community art museum as one of the Valletta 2018 projects (the project that will see Valletta through its journey to European Capital of Culture 2018). So, this is the best time to experience it in its current format, featuring a treasure trove of works by local and internationally acclaimed artists, including gems by the inimitable Mattia Preti, Frenchman Antoine Favray, beloved Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì and William Turner. Aside from wonderful artwork, this museum also showcases items dating back to the 14th century and to the era of the Knights of St John, including precious Maltese silverware, statuary in marble, bronze and wood, fine furniture items and splendid majolica pieces. On top of the wealth of beauty it houses, this opulent rococo venue, with its unique staircase, also has a fascinating history of its own. In fact, this building has hosted several high-ranking international personalities both as residents and as guests, including British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, King George V and Queen Elizabeth II of England. As an insider tip, those looking to visit the Hypogeum in Hal Saflieni (see p98) should note that the Museum of Fine Arts often has a very limited number of last minute tickets available for purchase. South Street (2122 5769, www. heritagemalta.org). Open 9am4.30pm (last admission 4.30pm) daily. Admission €5; €3.50 reductions; €2.50 children. National War Museum Fort St Elmo was recently reopened to the public after extensive restoration. This museum, however, remained open throughout, illustrating Malta’s military history – from prehistory right up until the island’s accession to the EU, with a special focus on the two world wars. The most interesting displays include the photographic panels depicting the harsh conditions endured by the civilian population and the extent of damage caused during World War II. Among the highlights look out for an Italian E-Boat, an anti-aircraft gun, the Willis Jeep ‘Husky’ and the Gloucester Gladiator ‘Faith’. A replica of the George Cross, awarded to the Maltese nation by King George VI, for incredible bravery and endurance, is also on display here. Another section of the museum is dedicated to the Royal Navy, showcasing uniforms, insignia, equipment, Malta convoys, a section of a Spitfire, a Junkers Juno engine and a Messerschmitt wing. Fort St Elmo (2123 3088, www. heritagemalta.org). Open 9am6pm daily. Admission €10; €7.50 reductions; under-5s free.