Grand life winter

W i n ter 2 0 1 5 Edi t i o n

MALTA’s Catacombs

EDITORIAL

General Information about the Hotel The hotel’s outlets Level 8 Executive Club Lounge The perfect place to discuss business matters, prepare meeting notes or share your special moments with family and friends during your stay.

Level 7 Business Centre

Our team at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is committed to making every moment of your stay a memorable one.

Whether you are planning an intimate event or a family celebration; a reunion with old friends or a new business connection, we promise intuitive service, unmatched attention to detail, and sophisticated style to create long-lasting memories.

Level 6 Hotel Entrance

We invite you to Live the Grand Life at the Grand Hotel Excelsior.

With this hotel as your home you are only two minutes away from Valletta, Malta’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take the opportunity to re-live Malta’s rich history whilst unwinding during a Mediterranean Luxury Escape.

Chartroom Lounge serving Traditional Afternoon Tea daily between 1500 and 1700hrs

Visiting Malta and Valletta will help you to affirm why the City was chosen as the European Capital of Culture 2018.

Our prime location allows for easy access to all tourist locations around the Maltese Islands. We highly recommend that you take advantage or our private tours around Malta and Gozo and discover the unique and truly Mediterranean experience in style.

Le Grand Spa compliments our luxurious accommodation, with excellent spa and wellness facilities. Its relaxing atmosphere is the perfect starting point for the journey toward equilibrium between your body, mind and spirit. We offer an indoor (heated) and outdoor swimming pool and also have the only private sandy beach in the Capital City Valletta.

We wish you a pleasant stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, and look forward to living the Grand Life with you.

Our Reception Desk is manned and at your service round the clock and can be reached by dialling 0 Harbour View Lounge serving a selection of hot and cold beverages, wine, alcoholic and nonalcoholic cocktails 24 hours, 7 days a week

Level 5 À la Carte menu and Themed Buffet nights served in Admiral’s Landing between 1830 and 2230hrs Level 4 A lavish spread is available for Breakfast in Spice Island, level 4, between 0630 and 1030hrs Level 1 Le Grand Spa is open daily between 0900 and 1900hrs Guest Services: Room service is available 24 hours Check out time is 1200hrs noon Please let us know whether there is anything else you require during your stay. Nothing is impossible and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure your ultimate comfort and wellbeing.

Norbert Grixti General Manager

Grand Hotel Excelsior Great Siege Road, Floriana, FRN1810, Malta Phone Fax

+356 2125 0520 +356 2125 0522

Valletta Summit

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he Valletta Summit took place on 11th and 12th November, and brought together several EU leaders, as well as European and African heads of state. Grand Hotel Excelsior was proud to host several prestigious delegates during this event, including Donald Tusk, President of the European Commission; Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament; Francois Hollande, President of France; and Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister of Italy. This was a very high profile event and consequently, various security measures had to be implemented to ensure the safety of our esteemed guests and our team members. The management would like to thank all team members for ensuring the success of this important event.

Valentine’s Day The Heart of Valentine’s Day It’s a day that is filled with ancient mystique and inspiring legends, but at this point in our culture, one cannot be sure that the history of Valentine’s Day really matters. What does indeed matter, is what we do with its legacy, and what it means to every man and woman with a sense of modern tradition, and a desire to matter long after the gifts have been forgotten.

By tradition, for women, it may mean flowers, chocolates, and a fancy card with loving words. For men it may mean a functional gift or perhaps a card with words of praise for past heroics. And for both it certainly has the potential of making the heart skip a few beats – Perhaps it’s the excitement for a woman who receives a tangible glimpse of love, and often enough for the man, it’s the elation over having remembered at the very last moment – just before the gift store closes.

But in the highest sense, Valentine’s Day means that we all have the opportunity to exhibit our love in a particular way – One that says to the recipient “I’m thinking of you and I’ve taken the time to show it.” It’s a moment when even the most unlikely veterans are provided a fresh start – one that doesn’t have to be driven by the pressures of advertising, but instead can be acted upon with a genuine desire to affirm one’s love for another. Because the truth is, we all have a built in desire to matter which ultimately means that we need intentional affirmation far more than last minute trinkets.

Even for those Valentine’s cynics who’ve decided that commercialization has made it a shill; somehow, it still matters, because even when the gifts are forsaken, the opportunity to love intentionally cannot be ignored without consequence. In other words, if not today, then when? If not now, then how will

our intention ever really begin?

So now that Valentine’s Day is upon us once again, perhaps we should add a new spin by taking the opportunity provided us by florists, confectioners and greeting card companies to not only give those things, but to live those things. In other words, let our spirits be as vibrant as any bouquet, and as enjoyable to those we love as any sweet confection. And let our words be as satisfying to them as the ones God gave us – the very best greeting card on earth.

And let this coming day be special in a new way. By all means, give to one another all these fun things too, but don’t let go of the boxes, vases or envelopes without looking your loved one in the eyes, and first giving the thing that matters more – in your own words – blessings, affirmations, honor and respect. http://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/st-valentines-day/ the-heart-of-valentine-s-day.html

THE YEAR OF

THE MONKEY 2016

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he positive and negative quality of the Monkey Year 2016 culminate in a year that anything can happen. There is little point in storing up goods or planning one’s life. The influence of the Monkey puts everything into flux. Things will get accomplished, but largely through personal and individual efforts. Group movements, such as political upheaval or revolutions, will not make a mark during this year.

This cheeky animal bursts with exuberance, bringing a lightening fast pace and fantastical motivation. The Monkey increases communication, humor and wit, helping us get through stressful times with grace and ease. Business flourishes and risks tend to pan out.

The Monkey’s gift is the ability to find unconventional solutions to old problems. Daring to be different can lead to success.

Talk is fast and cheep though, so be on the alert for deceptions. With so much mental energy zapping around, everyone needs to re-think their fitness program, diet and health plan. If you don’t have one, you definitely need to instigate some form of regular physical activity this year. The body was designed to move! Honor it! Stress needs to be burned off by going to the gym, swimming, yoga, water aerobics, dance, martial arts, team sports, tennis or long walks. When was the last time you did any of these things?

Although a lively, optimistic and progressive year where finances, politics, and real estate should see an upturn, there will be a decided undercurrent of insecurity. Everyone wants to work the shrewdest angle, get the best deal, and win big. However, business decisions made this year should be based on fact, not emotion. Problems and chicanery abound, so nothing this year should be taken for granted, whether politically, financially, professionally, domestically or emotionally.

A particularly auspicious time for new inventions, the Year of the Monkey is for taking risks and being rebellious, a year where agile, inventive minds, sheer guts and bravado will win out. Now is the time of courage, action, anarchy, and true devotion to even the wildest of schemes, a time to start new endeavors, for they are destined to succeed under Monkey’s influence. But a word to the wise: those who can hang on for the wild ride, outsmart the confidence-trickster, and bluff their way through will come out unscathed. Those who are dull or slow witted, and can’t handle the stress will come unglued.

On the individual level, do go ahead with your life. Move forward, make strides, and stretch out for what may lay ahead. The Year Of The Monkey 2016 is a time for business considered as risky, and here the seeds of unplanned success lays. Run with ideas, embrace the inventive, and don’t look back.

Remember that this year will reward the individual effort and those who place their trust in the group collective will face disappointment.

The Benefits of a T

he relation between physical and mental wellbeing has a great impact on the quality and length of life and on society as a whole. Mental wellbeing supports good physical health and vice versa, therefore it is important that we pay equal attention to not only how we look, but also to how we really feel on the inside. Busy work and personal schedules, hurrying from one place to another, getting stuck in a traffic jam, multitasking ....the list goes on and on. Over time society has adjusted to this lifestyle and therefore we tend to forget the negative effects it can leave on the body and mind.

Stop for a second and rewind your daily routine. What does your morning look like?

Are you one of those who get ready in a few minutes before rushing out of the door to a busy work schedule holding onto your favourite reusable coffee cup, many times without even having your breakfast...Do you manage to fit in a short work-out before or after work?

Such a lifestyle can eventually lead to the cardiovascular disease, obesity, anxiety, built up tension, stroke and many other complications. It is very important that we take a break for ourselves every once in a while, and truly enjoy our free time whilst contributing to our over all health.

Whilst physical exercise is a great tool to create new energy, strength and is fun at the same time, many people do not have time or energy to follow the daily work out plan. However, most of us will find a couple of hours every so often to enjoy the benefits of a relaxing massage. There are many different massage techniques one can choose from and which are suitable for particular needs – whether you are more or less

a massage active in your everyday life. A massage can definitely benefit everyone who is looking for quality time to relax and appreciate their body.

According to experts, having a massage once a month or more is very beneficial.

These include: • Increased energy • Improved ability to control stress • Helps to improve sleep • Has positive impact on people with mood swings • Helps to expand the blood vessels and therefore impove the supply of healthy nutrients to our body • Improves the blood supply to the heart and as a result the circulation of blood to the extremities • Clears the body of toxins • Helps to prevent adhesion • Stretches connective tissues around the muscles • Helps to minimise stiffness or swelling • Stimulates and calms the nervous system • Can have a positive impact on weight reduction A massage is a relaxing form of doing something for your physical and mental wellbeing and contributing to a healthier lifestyle.

Our team of specialists can recommend a massage suitable for your needs.

Inherited from Philippine ancestors and used for royal pampering, the Maharlika relaxes the body, mind and spirit.

It assists with relieving physical imbalance, improves blood circulation, eliminates toxins and stimulates the energy flow throughout the body.

A Maharlika treatment at Le Grand Spa never fails to leave a lasting impression.

If you enjoyed our signature aromatherapy range, you can purchase a treat to take with you to enhance the aromas of your private retreat at home.

Please speak to one of our therapists for more information.

With the help of your therapist and your senses, create a body treatment that is totally personalized and specific to your taste and needs.

Maharlika Couples body Ritual Duration: 120mins Pr ice: €200 per co uple Maharlika Foot Ritu al Duration:45mins Pr ice: €50 Maharlika Massage Duration: 90mins Pr ice: €120

Santa’s S w im The Yearly Santa’s Swim at the Grand Hotel Excelsior

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he 5th edition of the Santa Swim took place on 5th December. Once again, the Police Band welcomed swimmers and spectators in the Lobby by playing a number of festive tunes. The brave swimmers then took the plunge into the chilly waters. Those present included team members, retired waterpolo players, members of the national waterpolo team, as well as long-distance swimmers and members of Sirens Swimming School. All proceeds of the event were in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund, and H.E President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was in attendance. The HR team would like to thank all those who contributed towards the success of the event.

Ea ster

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his time of the year is one of the most exciting, colourful and appealing times of the year.

It’s the time when the Maltese culture comes out fully alive to the wonder of the many tourists who happen to be around. It’s no surprise that cameras are continuously clicking in order to catch on films these creative, festive and emotional scenes tinged with some type of religiosity.

Inside the building of the churches celebrations become truly alive as they make an exception and take a different approach where colours, ornaments, flowers and an unusually a high dose of emotions take place. People’s choice is for the Addolorata where they identify with her wounds their own miseries, pain, guilt and suffering. It’s surely a crowd puller.

People throng to visit ‘seven churches’ on Maundy Thursday. Christians kneel, reflect and pray beside the tomb of Christ. Good Friday gives a sombre outlook where churches are deprived from the traditional ornamental style for a single day. Red resembling the Blood of Christ is splashed all over the place.

The situation changes completely the next day in the evening. Celebrations start in pitch darkness. They are then illuminated by flickering candle lights. Finally there is an ‘explosion’ of light where churches are suddenly illuminated with candles, chandeliers, bulbs, floodlights etc. Bells toll happily as they break the night’s normal silence in order to announce Christ’s central event - resurrection, exactly when the singing of the ‘Glorja’ commences.

Faith can be witnessed outside the church’s building especially at this time of the year.

People who prefer acting in the streets rather than in closed theatres are in for a special treat where live processions and pageants are the order to the day. On Good Friday Malta is turned into Roman and Jewish pageantry.

In the inner core of villages one comes near Pontius Pilate and Barabbas! Sometimes the procession has nearly the whole biblical story and hence may include Adam and Eve too. People do some odd penitence such as carrying heavy weights or walking barefoot!

Some cover up their faces as they pay the price for a special grace they received.

If one likes food then there are very special and unique Maltese delicacies.

Thekwarezimal and the figolli top the list yet other food items are also present such as the Lent’s ftajjar; Karamelli; hot cross buns and Pastarjali food are also present. Although in Lent the traditional Maltese fast, yet the street vendors are as busy as bees in keeping up with the heavy demand! http://www.maltamedia.com/features/easter/

1O Grand things

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to do at

Grand Hotel

Excelsior

1)

A Grand private breakfast on your room terrace

2)

Relaxing by the indoor heated pool

3)

Healthy lunch at the Admiral’s Landing

4)

Private chauffeur-driven tours around Malta

5)

Afternoon tea at the Chartroom

6)

Spa treatment at Le Grand Spa

7)

Cocktails at the Harbour View

8)

Themed Nights at the Admirals Landing

9)

A là Carte dining at the Admiral’s Landing

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3

10) Family pampering with our Royal Sunday Buffet Lunch

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5

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When on holiday in Malta, take advantage of its small size and visit as many sites as possible. The distance from one place to another is relatively short so your stay can be truly mesmerizing and filled with plenty of different experiences. After all, holidays should be about exploring new and unknown, perhaps even typical for the country visited.

Valletta Enjoy a cup of coffee at Cafe Cordina, Valletta’s oldest cafè Explore Valletta’s grid system of streets Visit St. John’s Cathedral and admire Caravaggio’s ‘Beheading of St. John the Baptist’ Enjoy the view from the Lower Barrakka Gardens Visit the open air market outside Valletta on a Sunday Morning Visit The Saluting Battery Visit the National Museum of Archeology Visit Lascaris War Rooms Admire The Magesterial Palace & Armoury Visit the National Library Visit the Malta War Museum in Fort St Elmo Attend a concert or play at the Manoel Theatre

Mdina, Rabat and Dingli Cliffs Explore Mdina by Night Go to Dingli Cliffs, limits of Rabat, and enjoy the stunning views Visit St. Pauls Catacombs in Rabat Wander around Buskett Gardens close to Rabat See a Norman House by visiting Palazzo Falzon in Mdina Admire the mosaics at The Roman Villa in Rabat Visit the Museum of National History in Mdina Experience the Mdina Dungeons Enjoy the beautiful views from Fontanella tea rooms in Mdina

The Three Cities Explore underground shelters at the Malta War Museum, Vittoriosa Walk around Fort St Angelo Go to the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa Visit the Inquisitor’s Palace

Gozo Book a unique tour of Gozo at our Transport Desk Visit the Azure Window Climb the hill towards Citadella Soak up the sun at Ramla Bay beach Drive to the salt pans in Qbajjar Visit the sacred shrine of Ta’ Pinu Eat by the water’s edge at Xlendi Bay Attend the Gharb carnival in Gozo in February Go back to the past; visit the Ggantija Temples Drive to ‘Ta Kola Windmill n Xaghra Go to a summer party at ‘La Grotta’ nightclub Go to Mgarr Ix-Xini cove Visit the ‘Azure Window’ in Gozo

things to do when in Malta Local Foods & Drinks Try a traditional Maltese rabbit dish ‘fenkata’ in Mgarr Taste the famous Maltese ‘pastizzi’, filled with ricotta or peas Taste ‘bebbux’ (snails) Enjoy a bottle of Maltese wine Try one of the Maltese traditional liquors called ‘Bajtra’ (prickly pear) Another must is to taste freshly bakec Maltese bread Try Maltese sausage, available from village butchers Enjoy Gozo cheeselets During summer months enjoy delicious local fish called ‘lampuki’ Have a pint of Cisk – Malta’s local beer.

Refresh yourself with a local soft drink Kinnie Try a packet of Twistees, a local snack Enjoy the delicious ‘mqaret’ the Maltese traditional date filled pastries Savour ‘hobz biz-zejt’, maltese bread with tomato paste and tuna filling

Ideas for Winter Visit Hagar Qim, Malta’s prehistoric freestanding Megalithic temples, situated in Qrendi Practice your photography Go out cycling.

Channel your inner artist and try painting and sketching Go karting in Ta’ Qali Try horse riding at least once in your life.

Take a trip out to the newly opened National Aquarium in Qawra Dance the night away at one of the nightclubs in Paceville Visit the ‘Kordin 111 Neolithic Temples’ Go to the ‘Malta War Museum’ in Fort St Elmo in Valletta.

Visit the Royal Navy Prison Museum in Corradino See the ‘Fat Lady’ at the Tarxien temples.

Take time to explore at least one seasonal cultural event

7,000

of

years Civilisation 5000 BC

First settlers arrive in Malta from Sicily

3600-2500 BC

Construction of Megalithic temples

800-480 BC

Phoenician Rule

218 BC

Roman rule begins during Second Punic War

60 AD

St Paul the Apostle shipwrecked off Malta

395-870

Byzantine Rule

870-1090

Arab rule

1194-1530

Norman rule

1194-1530

Swabian, Angevin and Aragonese rule

1530

Islands ceded to Knights of St John

1565 The Great Siege, Ottomans besiege Malta with an

overwhelming force but are defeated by a small army of knights and Maltese.

1566

Founding of Valletta, the new capital city, named after Grand Master La Valette, hero of the Great Siege

1798 French army under Napoleon Bonaparte invades the islands on

the way to to Egypt Knights of St. John expelled after 268 years in Malta 1800

Maltese revolt against the French who are expelled, heralding the start of British rule

1974

Malta becomes a Republic

2004

Malta becomes a member of the European Union

WHAT’s on WATCHES 06/11/2015 - 10/01/2016 Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti is continuing with its series of temporary exhibitions with an exhibition dedicated to antique watches. Over 50 watches specially loaned from private and museum collections, highlight the technological and artistic qualities of antique watches.

The exhibition considers their variations and functions, and takes an in-depth look at particularly important watches belonging to notable personalities. This show not only delves deep into these marvellous little machines to see how they work, but also demonstrates their aesthetic qualities and how they were once indispensable items of costume, merging beauty and function in a wearable objet d’art.

This exhibition is guest-curated by David Thompson, who occupied the role of senior curator of Horology at the British Museum until his recent retirement.

The Mdina Cathedral Contemporary Art Biennale 13/11/2015 - 07/01/16

BAY STREET’S REAL ICE RINK 23/11/2015 - 06/03/2016 10:00 - 22:00

The event will establish a spiritual space celebrating creativity. It will create a stimulating modern environment, in which different works of art by artists from diverse cultural backgrounds are displayed together under one theme.

Bay Street’s Real Ice Rink is the only REAL ice skating rink in Malta, and will be back from the 23rd November 2015 till March 2016! The circular ice-rink will be located on Level 0 in the main arena and with Skating sessions from €5 including the hire of ice-skating shoes. Schools and community organisations can also arrange a private hire booking. To ensure that customers of all ages and abilities can skate and have fun Bay Street will have a range of skating aids available, including children’s twin blade ice shoes to help little ones get their balance on the skating surface, Penguin walkers as a learning aid, and for customers with reduced mobility, a special support frame will be available, as well as dedicated sessions for wheelchair users. Visit www.baystreet.com.mt for more information and booking of parties or special events!

The theme for 2015 is ‘Christianity, Spirituality and the Other’, ‘The Other’ standing for faith and non-faith, belief and non-belief, theist and atheist, agnostic and polytheist.

The Mdina Biennale traces its roots back to the previous Christian and Sacred Art Biennale of the 1990s, and the forthcoming 2015 event will radically widen its creative spectrum.

The idea that all art is spiritual remains the central concept. This thematic approach is profoundly important for a complete appreciation and understanding of the event. It plays a central role in the Artistic Director’s concept and to establish the Mdina Cathedral Contemporary Art Biennale as a spiritual space of and for creativity.

Contact: Marie Noelle Lanzon Phone: +356 79315844 Email: mnoelle94@gmail.com www.mdinabiennale.org

Contact: Philip Galea Phone: 79747487 Email: baystreetmarketing@gmail. com http://www.baystreet.com.mt

CHRIS DE BURGH LIVE IN CONCERT 26/02/2016

VODAFONE MALTA MARATHON 28/02/2016 07:30

The IN GUARDIA PARADE 06/03/2016

Internationally acclaimed singersongwriter Chris de Burgh will perform live on stage of the Republic Hall, Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta.

The Vodafone Malta Marathon 2016 is the largest marathon in Malta!

It allows participants to either participate in the full marathon that consists of 42.2km or the half marathon of 21.1km. The latter also includes an ‘Endo’ Walkathon where participants may walk, jog or run at any time. Both marathons start from outside the bastions of the medieval city, Mdina and finish in the popular town promenade of Sliema.

Applications for the 2016 Vodafone Malta Marathon will open on the 1st of October 2015.

Is a re-enactment that portrays an authentic event that took place regularly inside Malta’s major fortifications of the Order of St. John. The re-enactment portrays the inspection of the fort and its garrison by the Grand Bailiff of the Order of the Knights of St. John in charge of military affairs. During the re-enactment, of the fort’s garrison - some 55 re-enactors in all - are kitted-out in their uniforms to perform their military drill to demonstrate to the Grand Bailiff its state of readiness. The show begins at 11.00 a.m. and lasts 40 minutes.

Admission tickets Adults : Euros 7 Children (6 - 12 years) Young Adults (up to 18 years) : Euros 3. In case of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstance the event may be cancelled without prior notice.

TOUR TA’ MALTA 17/03/2016 - 20/03/2016 08:30 - 12:30 The Tour Ta’ Malta is an international cycling race that was first held in 1990. This year it is taking place again on the Maltese islands over four consecutive days. The race is made up of four stages, one for each day. More information regarding the programme can be found on the website below.

Venue All Maltese Islands Organiser Contact: John Zammit Phone: +356 79471935 Email: john.zammit@onvol.net http://www.tourtamalta.com

AMP LOST & FOUND - MALTA 31/03/2016 - 03/04/2016 Wow we have reached a second year of AMP Lost & Found Festival in Malta!

Last year was so much fun that we’ve decided to add an extra day to the festival. Expect more pool parties, boat parties, castle raves, flamingos and some incredible new day & night venues. We’ve been working really hard on the line up and I can’t wait to show it to you… it’s very special.

Contact Auberge D’Italie, Merchants Street, Valletta Phone: 22915440 1 / 2 www.visitmalta.com info@visitmalta.com

CATACOMBS

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he first of the year’s major feasts is celebrated in the Parish Church of St. Paul Shipwrecked in Valletta and in the streets of Malta’s capital city. It commemorates the shipwreck of the Apostle St. Paul on the Maltese Islands, an event which took place in 60 AD and which is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

This event is a National Public Holiday and a Religious Feast.

According to the legend, the Apostle took refuge in a cave, now known as St. Paul’s Grotto in Rabat, Malta.

In fact, the St Paul’s Catacombs take their name from their proximity to St. Paul’s church and grotto, where the apostle is believed to have preached during his sojourn in Malta. This cavernous sepulchre with hundreds of tombs dates from the 3rd century and constitutes one of the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. It is one of the largest hypogea that covers an area of over 2,000 square metres, having a large hall divided into two chambers. One hall features examples of the reclining tables whilst the second was possibly used in the medieval period as a shrine. The few remaining murals in St. Paul’s catacombs are the only surviving evidence

in Malta of painting from the late Roman periods.

St. Paul’s Catacombs St.Paul’s Catacombs are a typical complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 4th century AD. They are located on the outskirts of the old Roman capital Melite (today’s Mdina), since Roman law prohibited burials within the city. St Paul’s Catacombs represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. The site was cleared and investigated in 1894 by Dr A.A. Caruana, the pioneer of Christian era archaeology in Malta.

The Catacombs of St Paul are situated in the zone of Ħal Bajjada in Rabat, in an area which is at times also called as Tad-Dlam. The site consists of two large areas called St Paul’s and Saints Paul/Agatha, and are littered with more than 30 hypogea, of which the main complex, situated within the St Paul’s cluster, comprises a complex system of interconnected passages and tombs covering an area of well over 2000 sqr metres.

The cluster gets its name from the myth that it was once

connected with St Paul’s Grotto, which was once also partly re-cut into a Palaeochristian hypogeum. The origin of the main catacomb most probably started from a cluster of small tombs of the Punico-Roman type and hypogea which were eventually enlarged and joined haphazardly to create the complex system of passages and tombs used in the late Roman period.

Although much smaller when compared to the catacombs of Rome and other large Roman centres, the catacombs of St Paul are a good example of the Maltese underground architecture, which is the result of an indigenous development which was barely influenced by overseas traditions.

The entrance to the main complex of St Paul’s Catacombs leads to two considerably large halls, adorned with pillars made to resemble Doric columns and painted plasters most of which have now disappeared. On keeping with what seems to have been a norm in most Christian catacombs, these main halls are equipped with two circular tables set in a low platform with sloping sides which resemble the reclining couch (triclinium) present in Roman houses. In all cases found in the main complex and the numerous other Christian Hypogea of the site, both table and couch are hewn out in one piece form the living

rock forming a single architectural unit within an apsed recess.

Although various interpretations may be found, these triclinia, or Agape tables, were probably used to host commemorative meals during the annual festival of the dead, during which the rites of burials were renewed.

The complex was probably abandoned and to some extent despoiled during the Saracenic period, when burial customs changed dramatically to suit the practices of the new conquerors. Part of the catacombs were used again during the re-Christianisation of the Island around the 13th century, when an open space was re-cut and used as a Christian shrine decorated with murals.

The catacombs were eventually abandoned and the site fell in disrepair. The main entrance was blocked off but access was still possible through an independent hypogeum in Djar Ħanżira (now Catacombs alley). It was from here that G.F. Abela probably accessed the site, which he described in his Della Descritione di Malta. The complex was however only cleared of debris in 1894 by A.A. Caruana, who cleared all the passages of rubble and surveyed the complex, including the areas appropriated by private landowners http://heritagemalta.org/museums-sites/st-pauls-catacombs/

Sunday,

Time to Gather Make it a special moment Sunday Lunch at the Grand Hotel Excelsior offers an abundant choice of international cuisine, delicacies and over 20 different types of desserts. Whether you wish to sit down with your closest ones over a delicious meal or celebrate a special occasion, we can certainly make this experience a memorable one.

For more information and bookings, feel free to contact us on 2125 0520 or send an email on food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt.

Our Food and Beverage team will gladly assist you.