issue 12 digital

CONTENTS

02

A message from the Editor-in-Chief

04

Evaluating the Implementation of Food Safety Management in 5-star Hotels in Malta

08

The 1975 Vulcan Bomber Aircraft Crash in Żabbar: Inferno & Devotion

10

A learning experience for the lecturer in China

14

Valletta 1940-1943: Female Plotters, Nurses and the Kitchen Workers in WWII

18

The archaeological and historical heritage of Tas-Silġ: From Neolithic to Byzantine times

20

A focus on the secret medicinal plants used by Frenċ tal-Għarb

22

ITS pastry lecturer breaks another ‘sweet’ record

26

Foreign Cultural Influences and Maltese Theatrical Identity in Valletta (1731–1942)

28

The Rising of the Priests of 1775: Remembering Valletta’s Past for a Dark Tourism Experience

32

ITS Events Timeline

34

The coming of the First Motorized Transport Vehicles for Public Use on the Island of Malta and How it Changed Over the Years

36

The Revolt of the Maltese against the French on 2nd & 3rd September 1798: A Dark Tour of Rabat & Mdina

38

Hidden Histories: Everyday Life in Prehistoric Gozo through Santa Verna, Ta’ Marżiena and L-Imramma

42

From Knights to Halophytes: A tour at the Salina Saltpans & Salt Museum

45

The Sette Giugno Riots: A Clash Between the Working Class and the Valletta Millers and Grain Importers.

48

Santa Marija of Birmiftuħ and St Mary Parish Church in Gudja: An investigation into the differences in art and architecture and structural changes between 1500 and 1910

51

“Verba Volant, Scripta Manent”: Reliving a dramatic 19th century historical event, through notarial deeds

54

Malta’s WWII Pillboxes - Forgotten Fortresses of Heritage and Tourism

57

The medical practices organised by the Knights of Malta in the Sacra Infermeria

60

Dark Mdina and Rabat

On the Cover An aerial view of Malta’s rugged Żeljka cliffs meeting the sea right next to Riviera Bay (renowned as Europe’s most beautiful beach in 2024). This image by JeffreyvE represented Malta in the Wiki Loves Earth 2024 competition.

CC-BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

A m e s s a g e f r o m t h e E d i t o r-i n-C h i e f

More Than Tourism: Building the Future Through Skills and Sustainability

BY D R K AT YA D E G I OVA N N I , C H I E F O P E R AT I O N S O F F I C E R - AC A D E M I A AT I T S

T

here is a tendency to think

provider. They must be an interpreter, an

informed by research, and responsive to

of tourism as an industry of

innovator, a storyteller, a researcher, and

changing societal expectations.

movement. Visitors arrive,

increasingly, a custodian of authenticity.

experiences are consumed,

Innovation also features strongly

Across Malta and Gozo, countless

throughout this edition. Yet innovation

stories remain waiting to be told. The

should never be understood solely

rural traditions explored in this issue

as technology. True innovation often

remind us that heritage is not something

emerges when creativity, collaboration,

preserved behind glass. It is something

and vision converge. The remarkable

Connection between people and places.

lived. It is found in the hands of the

achievement of creating a Guinness

Between the past and the future. Between

beekeeper, the bread baker, the farmer,

World Record chocolate sculpture

innovation and tradition. Between

and the artisan. These individuals are not

demonstrates precisely this principle.

communities and opportunities.

merely preserving traditions; they are

Beyond the spectacle itself lies a powerful

safeguarding identity. Their knowledge

lesson about international partnerships,

represents a form of cultural capital that is

educational opportunities, philanthropy,

becoming increasingly valuable in a world

and the ability to transform an ambitious

where travellers seek genuine experiences

idea into a reality that captures global

rather than standardised products.

attention.

At the same time, the research presented

Similarly, our growing international

by our students highlights another

collaborations remind us that education

important reality: tourism is evolving

today cannot operate within geographical

through knowledge. Whether investigating

boundaries. The experiences shared from

food safety systems, uncovering hidden

China illustrate how learning becomes

chapters of Maltese history, or exploring

richer when different cultures engage in

archaeological treasures that span

meaningful dialogue. Internationalisation

millennia, these studies demonstrate that

is no longer an optional extra for

rigorous academic inquiry has a central

educational institutions. It is a necessity.

role to play in shaping the future of the

The tourism industry itself is global, and

sector. Tourism must be evidence-based,

preparing future professionals requires

photographs are taken, and journeys continue elsewhere. Yet tourism, at its best, is not about movement at all. It is about connection.

As we reflect on the diverse contributions featured in this edition of Futouristic, one message emerges with remarkable clarity: the future of tourism will belong to those who can successfully connect these seemingly different worlds.

The stories contained within these pages demonstrate that tourism is no longer confined to hotels, airports, restaurants, or attractions. It has become an interdisciplinary force that influences education, heritage preservation, sustainability, technology, community development, and cultural identity.

The tourism professional of tomorrow must therefore be more than a service

2 || Futouristic

Editorial Board Dr Katya De Giovanni (chair) Mr Joseph Cassar Dr Martin Debattista Ms Charlotte Geronimi Ms Fleur Griscti Ms Helena Micallef Ms Stephanie Mifsud Mr Aaron Rizzo Mr Claude Scicluna Dr Rosetta Thornhill Mr James Mula (secretary)

Access the full text of the research here

Executive Team Executive Editor: Martin Debattista Proofreading: Stephanie Mifsud Sales and Marketing: Marketing Department Design Kite Group Contact Information Editorial: The Futouristic Editorial Board Academic Research and Publications Board Tel: +356 23793100 Email: arpb@its.edu.mt Web: www.its.edu.mt

exposing them to diverse perspectives,

If we are to build a future-ready tourism

practices, and worldviews.

sector, we must continue investing

Yet perhaps the most important lesson emerging from this edition concerns resilience. Whether examining the women who sustained Valletta during

in knowledge, embracing innovation, celebrating authenticity, and nurturing the connections that make destinations truly memorable.

wartime, the communities that

The future of tourism begins with

transformed tragedy into collective

understanding who we are. It continues

memory, or the generations who

with having the courage to imagine what

preserved traditions despite economic

we can become.

Sales and Marketing: Tel: +356 23793100 Email: marketing@its.edu.mt Institute of Tourism Studies Aviation Park Aviation Avenue Luqa, LQA 9023 Malta

and social pressures, resilience appears repeatedly as a defining characteristic of both Maltese society and the tourism sector itself.

As we look towards the future, we must ensure that tourism growth remains meaningful. Success should not be measured solely in arrivals, occupancy rates, or economic indicators. It should also be measured by the stories we preserve, the communities we empower, the heritage we protect, and the opportunities we create for future generations.

Tourism has the power to shape places.

More importantly, it has the power to shape people.

Dr Katya De Giovanni E ditor-in- Chief & ITS Chief Operating Officer – Academia

Futouristic is the official journal of the Institute of Tourism Studies (Malta). The aim of this publication is to promote academic research and innovation at ITS, not just to the partners and stakeholders in the tourism industry but also to society at large.

Therefore, ITS fulfills its mission to be at the forefront of this vital industry with its contribution that goes beyond the training of the workforce.

Futouristic is free of charge and is distributed to all stakeholders in the Maltese travel, tourism, hospitality, and higher educational sectors.

The views expressed in Futouristic do not reflect the views of the Board of Governors or of the Management or the Editorial Board of the Institute of the Tourism Studies but only that of the individual authors.

This publication is governed by the Creative Commons Licence 4.0 BY-NC-ND. Anyone can share this publication in any medium, reproduce, and reuse the content with the following conditions: full attribution is given to Futouristic and the individual authors; content is reproduced as is without any remixing or modification; and such reuse does not lead to financial gains.

The Institute of Tourism Studies shall have no liability for errors, omissions, or inadequacies in the information contained herein or for interpretations thereof.

ISBN: – 978-99957-1-961-6 978-99957-1-962-3

Futouristic || 3

Evaluating the Implementation of Food Safety Management in 5-star Hotels in Malta

BRITNEY BUGEJA M A ST ER I N B U S I N ES S A D M I N I ST R AT I O N

F

INTRODUCTION

five-star hotels in Malta, seeking to ascertain

five-star hotels and aims to offer practical

ood safety is a critical component

whether stated food safety regulations

suggestions for improving the knowledge

of public health and the global

translate into actual compliance among food

and implementation of food safety

economy, with foodborne illnesses

handlers. By focusing on the intersection

procedures, thereby contributing to the

affecting a significant portion of

of documented policies and everyday

overall enhancement of hygiene standards

the population annually. The hospitality

kitchen operations, the study addresses

in Malta’s tourism-driven economy.

industry, particularly the rapidly expanding

the critical gap between food handlers’

sector in Malta, plays a major role in

theoretical knowledge, their attitudes, and

mitigating these risks. This research

their practical behaviours. The research

investigates the efficacy of Food Safety

provides a comprehensive understanding of

Management Systems implementation in

the present settings of food safety in local

4 || Futouristic

LITERATURE REVIEW The literature review systematically examines the foundational concepts of food safety and the structured frameworks

S esearch Student tudent Rresearch esearch tudent R

HCCP in the commercial kitchen (Image generated by ChatGPT)

designed to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Union, Malta has enforced rigorous food

compliant behaviours during high-pressure

It provides an overview of Food Safety

safety regulations, including the Food

operational scenarios, thereby identifying

Management Systems, highlighting the

Safety Act of 2002 and various European

a significant knowledge-behaviour gap that

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point

directives. Furthermore, the literature

necessitates further empirical investigation.

system as the globally recognised standard

addresses the causes and contributing

for managing biological, chemical, and

factors of foodborne illnesses, pinpointing

physical hazards. The review underscores

human error, poor personal hygiene, and

that effective implementation relies heavily

inadequate temperature control as primary

on Prerequisite Programmes, such as

culprits. Crucially, the review explores the

Good Hygiene Practices, pest control,

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices model,

and sanitation schedules, which form

revealing a recurring theme in global

the bedrock of any functioning safety

studies: while food handlers may possess

framework. The review also surveys the

adequate theoretical knowledge and

legal and regulatory landscape, noting

positive attitudes towards food safety, these

that since its accession to the European

attributes do not consistently translate into

RESEARCH METHODS To achieve a comprehensive evaluation of food safety implementation, this study adopted a mixed-methods methodological triangulation approach. This design integrated both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques to cross-validate findings and mitigate inherent biases.

The research was conducted across nine randomly selected five-star hotels in Malta during the off-peak season to capture Futouristic || 5

Access the full text of the research here The triangulation matrix of the primary data collected in the research

regular operational settings. Three primary

operational realities of food safety in Malta’s

were alarmingly low. Personal hygiene

instruments were utilised. Firstly, Food Safety

luxury hospitality sector. The audit findings

recorded the lowest compliance at 63.9

Management Systems audits were conducted

revealed a highly commendable level of

percent; specifically, only 44.4 percent of

alongside the hotels’ respective safety

documented compliance, with an overall

observed food handlers consistently washed

leaders, using a 22-item checklist derived

average score of 89.3 percent. Notably,

their hands between tasks, and adherence

from local Environmental Health Directorate

all nine hotels demonstrated 100 percent

to uniform and jewellery policies was only

guidelines to assess documented policies,

compliance in maintaining comprehensive

partially met. Cleaning and sanitisation

training records, and compliance procedures.

hazard analysis manuals, identifying Critical

of work surfaces during food preparation

Secondly, on-site observations were carried

Control Points, and scheduling internal

also demonstrated low adherence at 55.6

out by the researcher to directly evaluate

audits. However, the audits also exposed

percent. Moreover, while hotels excelled at

real-time food handling practices across six

administrative gaps, such as the fact that

maintaining cooling equipment, the actual

criteria: overall premises, personal hygiene,

one-third of the hotels failed to conduct

human execution of cooling procedures

cleaning, food handling, temperature control,

regular team meetings, which literature

and the prevention of cross-contamination

and pest control. Finally, a cross-sectional

suggests is vital for reinforcing a robust food

during active food preparation showed

survey questionnaire was administered

safety culture. Furthermore, while training

significant lapses.

to 110 food handlers. This 33-item

records were largely present, inconsistencies

questionnaire assessed the respondents’ self-

in the continuous application of standard

reported Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices

operating procedures were identified.

using a Likert-scale, alongside a practical

Conversely, the cross-sectional questionnaire results indicated that food handlers possess strong theoretical

The on-site observational data presented

foundations. The overall mean score for

a stark contrast to the flawless

self-reported knowledge was 4.49 out of 5,

documentation, highlighting the knowledge-

with attitudes scoring 4.37 and practices

behaviour gap central to this study.

scoring an optimistic 4.67. Participants

The overall observational compliance

overwhelmingly reported that they always

stood at 75.6 percent, with significant

wash their hands and strictly adhere to

variances across different categories. While

temperature controls, directly contradicting

structural elements like overall premises

the observational findings. This discrepancy

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

and temperature control exhibited high

underscores that self-assessed compliance

The analysis of the triangulated data

compliance rates of 93.3 percent and 88.9

is frequently overestimated in the hospitality

provides profound insights into the

percent respectively, behavioural metrics

industry.

knowledge test. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis via statistical software to test the research hypotheses, ensuring a rigorous evaluation of the correlation between documented systems and human behaviour.

6 || Futouristic

Hypothesis testing further clarified

hygiene checklists, and real-time alarm

these dynamics. The first hypothesis,

systems, to reduce the manual monitoring

positing a significant correlation between

burden on staff and minimise human error.

the implementation of Food Safety Management Systems and actual food safety, was supported by a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.685. This indicates a moderate to strong positive link, confirming that hotels with betterdocumented systems and audits generally exhibit safer physical environments. The second hypothesis, evaluated via multiple linear regression, examined whether food handlers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices significantly affect food safety implementation. The model accounted for 58 percent of the variance. Crucially, the regression revealed that actual selfreported practices were a statistically significant predictor of compliance, whereas theoretical knowledge and attitudes were not statistically significant on their own.

This critical finding proves that theoretical awareness of food safety protocols does not automatically translate into practical application without continuous reinforcement, rigorous monitoring, and a supportive operational culture that prioritises safety over speed during peak service times.

RECOMMENDATIONS To bridge the persistent gap between documented policies and actual kitchen practices, it is recommended that hotel management transcend routine

CONCLUSION In conclusion, this research successfully demonstrates that while five-star hotels in Malta possess robust and welldocumented Food Safety Management Systems, the translation of these policies into consistent daily practice remains a significant challenge. The study highlights a pronounced knowledge-behaviour gap, where food handlers exhibit strong theoretical awareness but frequently bypass critical hygiene and cross-contamination protocols due to operational pressures.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of food safety in the hospitality sector relies not merely on regulatory compliance and paperwork, but on the cultivation of a proactive food safety culture, sustained behavioural reinforcement, and continuous, practical supervision on the kitchen floor.

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY Arendt, S. W., Paez, P. and Strohbehn, C., 2013. Food Safety Practices and

“

S esearch Student tudent tudent R Rresearch esearch

The on-site observational data presented a stark contrast to the flawless documentation, highlighting the knowledgebehaviour gap central to this study.

”

Managers’ Perceptions: A Qualitative Study in Hospitality. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 25(1), pp. 124-139.

Charalambous, M., 2011. Implementation of Food Safety Management Systems in Small Enterprises in Cyprus.

administrative audits by implementing

Chege, P. W., 2017. Critical Review of the

2017-2018. U.S. Department of Health and

unannounced, behaviour-focused

Literature on Hazard Analysis Critical

Human Services.

inspections. This will help detect immediate

Control Point. Prime Journal of Social Science,

deviations from hygiene regulations in real-

6(4), pp. 1476-1483.

time. Furthermore, hotels must transition from static, classroom-based learning to behaviour-based training programmes that replicate authentic, high-pressure kitchen settings, thereby enhancing food handlers’ capacity to execute safety measures under stress. Given the diverse demographic of kitchen personnel, integrating multilingual training resources and translated standard operating procedures is essential to

Da Cunha, D. T., Stedefeldt, E. and De Rosso, V. V., 2014. The role of theoretical food safety training on Brazilian food handlers’ knowledge, attitude and practice. Food Control, 43, pp. 167-174.

FAO and WHO, 2022. General Principles of Food Hygiene CXC 1-1969. Codex Alimentarius International Food Standards.

guarantee comprehensive understanding

Food and Drug Administration (FDA),

across all staff. Finally, hotels should invest

2023. Technical Report: FDA Report on the

in digital monitoring instruments, such as

Occurrence of Foodborne Illness Risk Factors

automated temperature sensors, smart

in Fast-Food and Full-Service Restaurants,

Jespersen, L. et al., 2016. Measurement of food safety culture using survey and observational measures. Food Control.

Oduol, R. W., 2020. Role of Food Management Systems on Food Safety in 5-star rated hotels in Nairobi City County Kenya. Thesis.

Wallace, C. A. and Mortimore, S., 2013.

HACCP A Practical Approach. 3rd ed. Springer.

World Health Organization, 2022. Food Safety. WHO Fact Sheets.

Futouristic || 7

The Vulcan bomber exploding over Ħaż-Żabbar, photo takeb by aviation enthusiast Godfrey Mangion

Access the full text of the research here

The 1975 Vulcan Bomber Aircraft Crash in Żabbar: Inferno & Devotion GOR DON PACE H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

T

INTRODUCTION

categorising it into immediate journalistic

thematic content analysis to extract data

his study investigates the tragic

reports, eyewitness accounts, historical

relating to collective memory and religious

crash of the Royal Air Force Vulcan

publications, and technical assessments for

interpretation. This was fundamentally

Bomber XM645 over the town of

aviation enthusiasts. While technical reports,

supported by two in-depth, semi-structured

Ħaż-Żabbar, Malta, on the 14th

such as those by Griffiths, delve into the

interviews with key informants, alongside

of October 1975, an event that claimed six

mechanical failures of the Avro Vulcan, they

the examination of a unique, unpublished

lives and left an indelible mark on the town’s

also inadvertently highlight the miraculous

compilation of survivor testimonies

collective memory. While prior historical

nature of the low civilian casualty count.

held in the Żabbar Museum Collection.

literature has adequately documented the

The review reveals a significant gap in

Methodological triangulation was utilised

technical and factual aspects of the disaster,

the literature regarding the psychological

to enhance the credibility of the emergent

the human experience and the profound

and emotional impact on the residents,

themes.

emotional aftermath have remained largely

particularly focusing on the lack of scholarly

unexplored. This research bridges that gap

attention paid to the disruption of their

by foregrounding the lived experiences

daily lives and the deeply rooted religious

of the Żabbar residents who witnessed or

attribution that followed the tragedy.

survived the fiery crash. Furthermore, it

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The analysis reconstructs a human-centred narrative of fear and resilience, highlighting the terrifying immediate aftermath of

RESEARCH METHODS

the crash through the experiences of a

To uncover the lived experiences of the

newlywed couple, the Paces, and other

survivors, a qualitative and inductive

locals like Angelica Schembri. The physical

methodology was employed, enabling

destruction of homes forced residents

the researcher to move from general

into prolonged displacement, yet the

LITERATURE REVIEW

observations towards identifying broad

overarching community response was

The literature review examines the existing

patterns of reaction and action. The study

one of profound religious gratitude.

documentation surrounding the crash,

utilised targeted bibliographic research and

The research meticulously analyses the

explores how the local community processed this catastrophic event through the lens of religious faith, transforming widespread devastation into long-term devotion.

8 || Futouristic

S tudent R esearch unpublished testimonies collected by Renato Agius Muscat, illustrating how the community collectively interpreted their survival as a miracle granted by Our Lady of Graces. This theological framing allowed the town to process its trauma, embedding the event into Żabbar’s cultural identity through annual processions, commemorative plaques, and devotional art.

RECOMMENDATIONS The author recommends that future researchers continue to record the oral narratives of the surviving generation using broader questioning techniques to capture alternative perspectives before they are lost to time. It is also advised that unpublished compilations of testimonies, such as those housed in the local museum, be further catalogued and preserved, as they serve as a critical treasure trove for understanding the sociocultural dynamics of trauma and memory in Maltese communities.

CONCLUSION In conclusion, this essay successfully shifts the historical focus from the technical failures of the Vulcan Bomber to the profound human dimension of the tragedy.

By documenting how the residents of Żabbar re-interpreted a catastrophic inferno

The destruction brought by the crash of the Vulcan bomber on Ħaż-Żabbar (Image by Times of Malta)

through the protective mantle of their faith, the study contributes significantly to Malta’s social and cultural history. It demonstrates that history is ultimately lived on the ground, where emotion, memory, and resilience converge to turn devastation into enduring devotion.

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY Agius Muscat, R., 2007. It-Tiġrif tal-Vulcan Fuq Ħaż-Żabbar - Id-Disgrazzja u l-Grazzja. Żabbar: Unpublished.

Caruana, R., 2000. Aspects of Post-War Żabbar. In: M. A. Sciberras, ed. Żabbar - A Living History. Żabbar: Żabbar Local Council, pp. 183-229.

How the threee daily national newspaper reported the tragedy the following morning

Cluett, N., 2024. The Avro Vulcan is the Most Iconic Bomber Ever. Plane Historia.

Grech, D., 2025. Forty-Six Feet Short. 1st ed.

Qormi: Horizons.

Griffiths, D., 2005. Miracle on the Ground.

Vulcan News, pp. 12-21.

Mangion, G., 2010. The Vulcan tragedy over

Sant, T., 2017. Remembering Rediffusion in

Żabbar, 35 years on. Times of Malta.

Malta: A history without future. 1st ed. Santa

Sammut, C., 2006. Media and Maltese Society.

1st ed. Maryland: Lexington Books.

Venera: Midsea Books.

Testa, M., 2005. Vulcan crash at Żabbar was ‘avoidable’. Times of Malta.

Futouristic || 9

A heartfelt exchange of gifts and gratitude marked the close of an unforgettable crosscultural journey.

A learning experience for the lecturer in China I N T ERV I EW BY M A RT I N D EBAT T I STA E X ECU TIV E ED ITO R - FU TOU R I STI C

J

ude Cauchi, senior manager in the

insight into Chinese vocational higher

Yes, adaptation was essential. Recognising

People and Culture human resources

education to inform my teaching practice;

language barriers, I simplified language,

department at ITS, in October 2025

and establishing professional networks to

reduced idiomatic expressions, and

spent two weeks of lecturing at the

facilitate future collaborative research and

increased visual aids and interactive

curriculum development.

materials. I slowed delivery pace and built

Zhengzhou Tourism College (ZTC) in China, where ITS has a satellite campus. This was the first cohort at ZTC to be exposed to the ITS curriculum on travel, tourism and

Institutionally, the exchange reinforced our Institute’s commitment to

in frequent pauses for translation and comprehension checks.

internationalisation and demonstrated our

Observing that Chinese students

capacity to contribute meaningfully to global

demonstrated more reserved classroom

educational partnerships. It showcased

behaviour than typically experienced in

WHAT WERE THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF

our pedagogical approaches while learning

Malta, I shifted from expecting immediate

YOUR VISIT TO ZHENGZHOU, BOTH FROM

from our Chinese colleagues and explored

verbal responses to structured participation

YOUR PERSONAL ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVE

pathways for continuous collaboration to

formats such as small group discussions

AND FROM THE INSTITUTIONAL

enhance both institutions’ international

and written reflection exercises. I also

STANDPOINT?

profiles.

emphasised personal and real-world

hospitality. Futouristic spoke to Mr Cauchi about his experience.

From a personal academic standpoint, my objectives were threefold: broadening my pedagogical repertoire by engaging with students from a different educational and cultural background; gaining firsthand

10 || Futouristic

DID YOU ADAPT YOUR PEDAGOGICAL METHODS TO SUIT THE LOCAL ACADEMIC

examples, which resonated particularly well within the vocational framework.

AND CULTURAL CONTEXT? IF SO, IN WHAT

I also acknowledged local academic

WAYS?

protocols, including more formal student-

“

Students demonstrated strong motivation and clear career aspirations, viewing education as a direct pathway to professional employment in tourism.

This career focus was evident in their engagement with practical applications and

Students demonstrated strong motivation and clear career aspirations, viewing education as a direct pathway to professional employment in tourism.

”

concerns about employability.

I observed a structured learning environment with clear expectations and well-organised facilities. Students were accustomed to defined learning outcomes and systematic content delivery, reflecting respect for educational processes. The experience deepened my appreciation for how educational context shapes student expectations. Teaching at Zhengzhou Tourism College required reflection on assumptions about student autonomy and classroom participation rooted in my own context.

While I cannot speak authoritatively about

teacher dynamics and hierarchical respect,

and practical skill demonstration over

institutional structures beyond my brief

while integrating Chinese contexts alongside

analytical, argument-driven writing expected

assignment, the experience illuminated

Maltese and European examples to

in Western contexts. Despite challenges,

important differences in educational

demonstrate cultural reciprocity.

students appreciated practical strategies

culture, highlighting how vocational

like structured templates and step-by-step

education serves different populations

approaches. The personal development

across national contexts and underscoring

module’s success provided a useful bridge,

the importance of cultural sensitivity in

enhanced self-awareness and therefore

international teaching.

WERE THERE PARTICULAR THEMES, CASE STUDIES, OR ASPECTS OF MALTESE PRACTICE THAT GENERATED SIGNIFICANT INTEREST AMONG THE STUDENTS IN ZHENGZHOU? The two modules I delivered: Academic

helped students approach academic writing with greater resilience.

DID YOU OBSERVE DIFFERENCES IN HOW TOURISM, HOSPITALITY, OR RELATED

Writing Skills and Personal Development

The contrast proved instructive: personal

DISCIPLINES ARE CONCEPTUALISED OR

generated different engagement. Personal

development concepts transcend cultural

OPERATIONALISED IN THE CHINESE

development resonated strongly; topics like

boundaries more easily than discipline-

CONTEXT COMPARED TO MALTA OR THE

goal-setting, self-reflection, professional

specific academic conventions, underscoring

EU?

identity formation, and career planning

the importance of scaffolding and cultural

Students at Zhengzhou Tourism College

were met with active participation and

sensitivity.

conceptualised future careers reflecting

genuine interest.

IN WHAT WAYS DID THIS EXPERIENCE

China’s domestic tourism market scale and the sector’s importance within national

Academic writing proved significantly more

DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING

challenging due to the linguistic demands

OF CHINESE HIGHER EDUCATION,

of academic English, unfamiliarity with

PARTICULARLY WITHIN THE VOCATIONAL

Western academic conventions (particularly

AND POLYTECHNIC SECTOR?

critical argumentation, thesis development,

While my two-week assignment at

and evidence-based reasoning), and limited

Zhengzhou Tourism College focused on

prior exposure to structured academic

delivering the two modules, it provided

writing in English.

valuable observational insights. My

I noted that the students approached

understanding was necessarily limited to

transferable skills with strong practical

classroom interactions and immediate

orientation, consistently interested in how

campus environment rather than deep

these skills would enhance employability

institutional engagement.

and professional effectiveness. This

These difficulties reflected not only language barriers but also educational differences. Chinese vocational education may emphasise knowledge reproduction

development priorities. Therefore, career planning emphasised opportunities within China’s expanding hospitality infrastructure and service sector growth. The students also showed strong interest in learning about European contexts.

pragmatic focus may reflect broader

Futouristic || 11

Star signs, shared stories, and a celebration of cultures- the Language Corner where every student truly shines.

emphases within Chinese vocational

cultural connections was deeply fulfilling.

educational moments often occur in casual

education, though I cannot speak

Several students shared how comparative

conversations, and these were significantly

authoritatively about institutional policy

perspective helped them see their own

constrained, teaching me the importance

beyond my two modules.

context with fresh eyes.

of structured translation support beyond

WHAT WERE THE MOST INTELLECTUALLY

The experience provided invaluable

OR PERSONALLY REWARDING ASPECTS OF

professional development: greater

Navigating China’s distinct digital ecosystem

YOUR TIME IN ZHENGZHOU?

cultural competence, enhanced ability to

was unexpectedly challenging. Familiar

Intellectually, the most rewarding aspect

communicate across linguistic barriers, and

platforms (Google services, learning

was examining my disciplinary assumptions

practical experience adapting pedagogy

management systems) were inaccessible,

through a completely different cultural lens.

to diverse contexts. The broader cultural

requiring rapid adaptation to local

Teaching in Zhengzhou required me to

immersion experiencing Zhengzhou’s blend

alternatives like WeChat. This highlighted

articulate and justify pedagogical choices,

of tradition and modernity and developing

how contemporary pedagogy depends on

leading to valuable critical reflection. The

relationships with Chinese colleagues

technological infrastructure.

comparative perspective enriched my

provided rich personal growth.

understanding regarding how context

formal teaching.

Furthermore, I encountered subtle cultural

WERE THERE ANY UNEXPECTED

challenges around communication styles.

CHALLENGES—ACADEMIC, CULTURAL,

For example, indirect communication

Personally, the most rewarding moments

OR LOGISTICAL—THAT PROVED

and cultural values around maintaining

came through genuine connections with

PARTICULARLY INSTRUCTIVE?

harmony sometimes made gauging

students who, despite language barriers,

While I anticipated classroom language

student comprehension or receiving critical

demonstrated remarkable curiosity, respect,

challenges, I underestimated how

feedback difficult and therefore learning to

and eagerness to learn. Witnessing students

language barriers would affect informal

read subtle cues required conscious effort

grasp complex concepts and make cross-

learning opportunities. The richest

and cultural sensitivity.

shapes educational philosophy.

12 || Futouristic

Learning comes alive when every student has a voiceengagement in action at its finest.

“

The intensity of the two-week schedule, combined with cultural adjustment and cognitive load of navigating unfamiliar environments, was more exhausting than anticipated, teaching important lessons about the importance of self-care during international assignments.

vocational education serves different populations across national contexts and underscoring the importance of cultural sensitivity in international teaching.

”

FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO OTHER ACADEMICS CONSIDERING SHORT-TERM INTERNATIONAL TEACHING ASSIGNMENTS IN CONTEXTS SUCH AS CHINA? Approach the assignment with openness, humility, and genuine curiosity. Short-term international teaching in contexts like China offers extraordinary opportunities for professional and personal growth but requires flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

Futouristic || 13

Women plotters at the British forces command centre in Lascaris

Valletta 1940-1943: Female Plotters, Nurses and the Kitchen Workers in WWII CYNTHIA-MARIA DEBONO MIZZI H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

T

INTRODUCTION

Specifically, the study investigates the

Valletta that places these women at its

his research challenges the

indispensable roles of three groups of

very core.

traditional, male-dominated

women stationed in Valletta between 1940

narratives of the Second World

and 1943: female plotters at the Lascaris

War in Malta by focusing on the

War Rooms, wartime nurses, and workers

extraordinary yet frequently overlooked

in the Victory Kitchens. By foregrounding

contributions of women. For the first

these female experiences, the research

time in local history, women stepped into

aims to provide a more truthful, enriching,

unchartered public spheres, responding

and balanced understanding of Malta’s

to a national crisis and making a critical

wartime chapter, culminating in the

difference to the island’s survival.

proposal of a themed walking tour of

14 || Futouristic

LITERATURE REVIEW The literature review surveys existing wartime historiography, noting that while Malta’s strategic position and bombing records have been extensively documented over the past eighty years, the focus has predominantly remained on male military heroism. Although recent scholars

S tudent R esearch have begun to weave the female civilian

everyday reportage from the Police War

heroines, offering quiet resilience and

experience into these narratives, everyday

Occurrences logbooks, provided crucial

undertaking their duties without expectation

female protagonists operating at the

insights into the turmoil experienced by

of recognition. The analysis evaluates the

grassroots level have largely been sidelined

civilians in Valletta. Complementary semi-

immense physical and emotional burdens

at the periphery of mainstream literature.

structured interviews were conducted with

shouldered by these women as they

The review synthesises broad perspectives

selected experts to mitigate bias and gain

navigated the destruction of their city while

on gender and the civilian experience,

profound contextual knowledge.

maintaining essential services, proving that

drawing upon diverse secondary sources to construct a focused understanding of the female plotters, nurses, and kitchen workers.

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The analysis contextualises the findings

their quiet determination was as crucial to Malta’s survival as any military stratagem.

within the besieged state of wartime

RECOMMENDATIONS

RESEARCH METHODS

Valletta, structuring the discussion around

The author recommends further

To achieve its aims, the study adopts a

three emergent themes: Gender Role

interdisciplinary research to build a more

qualitative, inductive approach, blending

Upheavals, Sung and Unsung Heroines, and

inclusive portrait of women’s contributions.

textual and verbal sources to underpin

Resilience in Silence. The research highlights

Because many primary participants have

a comprehensive account of female

how the sudden demand for female

passed away, subsequent studies must

wartime input. Document-based research

labour in plotting rooms, hospitals, and

prioritise gathering oral histories and stories

was utilised alongside semi-structured

communal kitchens completely upended

from the descendants of these wartime

interviews to prompt insightful themes

traditional Maltese gender roles, pushing

women. Furthermore, incorporating

directly from the data, rather than relying

women into the public sphere. Despite

frameworks from sociology, gender studies,

on predetermined hypotheses. Primary

their vital operational contributions, many

and behavioural science is advised to fully

sources, including archival materials and

of these women functioned as unsung

appreciate the depth of the female wartime

Maltese girls serving meals at a Victory Kitchen communal feeding centre

Futouristic || 15

experience and properly integrate it into the

Choosing among Five Approaches. 5th ed.

national identity.

Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

CONCLUSION

Debono, C., 2019. Malta during World War II.

In conclusion, this research successfully

Valletta: National War Museum Publications.

corrects a longstanding historical disparity by illuminating the vital roles of female plotters, nurses, and Victory Kitchen workers during the bombardment of Valletta. Far from being passive victims, these women demonstrated immense resilience and strength, effectively functioning as the backbone of the city’s wartime survival. By translating these findings into a themed

Enloe, C., 2014. Bananas, beaches and bases: making feminist sense of international politics.

2nd ed. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Galea, F., 2004. Carve Malta on my heart: true wartime stories of Christina Ratcliffe and Tamara Marks. Malta: Pintco Ltd.

walking tour, the study ensures that these

Galea, F., 2006. Women of Malta. Malta: BDL

faded voices are retrieved and permanently

Publishing.

embedded into the cultural heritage and contemporary memory of Malta.

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY Bradford, E., 1986. Siege: Malta 1940-1943.

London: Leo Cooper.

Holland, J., 2003. Fortress Malta: An island under siege 1940-1943. London: Cassell Military Paperbacks.

Summerfield, P., 1998. Reconstructing women’s wartime lives: Discourse and

Collingham, L., 2011. The taste of war: World

subjectivity in oral histories of the Second

War Two and the battle for food. London:

World War. Manchester: Manchester

Penguin.

University Press.

Creswell, J.W. and Poth, C.N., 2023.

Thompson, P., 2000. The voice of the past. 3rd

Qualitative inquiry and research design:

ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

16 || Futouristic

“

Far from being passive victims, these women demonstrated immense resilience and strength, effectively functioning as the backbone of the city’s wartime survival.

”

S tudent R esearch

Access the full text of the research here The Ladies of Lascaries book is one of the few exploring the role of women in Malta in WWII

Futouristic || 17

The archaeological and historical heritage of Tas-Silġ: From Neolithic to Byzantine times VA LEN T I N A V U ČKOV I Ć H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

T

INTRODUCTORY

ranging from the Italian Mission’s early

Professor Anthony Bonanno, Dr David

he Maltese islands possess

excavations detailed by Ciasca to the

Cardona of Heritage Malta, and Nigel

numerous archaeological sites,

extensive University of Malta campaigns.

Puglisevich, the curator of Tas-Silġ. These

yet Tas-Silġ stands entirely

The review scrutinises studies on different

expert consultations were crucial in clarifying

unique as the only discovered

aspects of human activity, noting that while

structural anomalies, confirming in situ

location to boast continuous occupation

excavation reports provide dense catalogues

remains, and providing an authoritative

by successive civilisations from the Late

of structural and material findings,

understanding of the overlapping occupation

Neolithic period through to Byzantine

they often lack a cohesive synthesis.

layers.

times. This paper focuses on unravelling

Furthermore, the review incorporates works

the complex evolution of the site over

by Grima and Buhagiar to explore the

thousands of years, identifying the varied

geographical and hydrogeological attributes

civilisations that shaped its structures, and

of the landscape, setting the stage for a

understanding their diverse purposes. Most

comprehensive evaluation of why Tas-Silġ

importantly, the research investigates the

was chosen repeatedly across millennia.

specific topographical and environmental

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The discussion section meticulously breaks down the occupation of Tas-Silġ into distinct chronological phases: the Late Neolithic, the Bronze Age, and the subsequent Punic, Roman, and Byzantine eras. The analysis

RESEARCH METHODS

reveals how each civilisation repurposed the

To bridge the gaps between disparate

existing megalithic and sacred geography

excavation reports and complex academic

to suit their own cultural and religious

interpretations, a qualitative methodological

paradigms, adapting the structures for

approach was employed. The research

varied ceremonial and domestic uses.

involved a rigorous synthesis of secondary

A critical component of the analysis

LITERATURE REVIEW

literature combined with primary qualitative

addresses the geographical allure of the site,

The literature review systematically

data gathered through semi-structured

establishing that its strategic connectivity,

examines foundational archaeological

interviews with leading experts. Open-

maritime vantage points, and crucial natural

reports and studies concerning the site,

ended interviews were conducted with

resources, particularly access to the aquifer

factors that made Tas-Silġ an unparalleled focal point for continuous human activity, aiming to consolidate these findings into an educational tour narrative that highlights the site’s monumental legacy.

and freshwater, dictated its continuous relevance. Expert insights clarify debates surrounding the Phoenician and Hellenistic architectural modifications, enriching the narrative of a living, evolving landscape.

RECOMMENDATIONS The long essay highly recommends that upcoming tours leverage the continuous, multi-layered history of Tas-Silġ to provide tourists with a comprehensive timeline of Maltese antiquity in a single location. Due to the complex nature of the overlapping ruins, guides should utilise a chronological storytelling approach, supported by visual aids, to help visitors distinguish between The civilisations that occupied sites in the vicinity of Tas-Silġ

18 || Futouristic

the Bronze Age, Punic, and Byzantine

S tudent R esearch

The Tas-Silġ complex (Image by Zugraga on Wikimedia Commons)

modifications. Furthermore, there is a clear

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cardona, D., 2021. Roman Architecture in

need for future consolidated archaeological

Bonanno, A., 2005. Malta: Phoenician, Punic

Malta. Kalkara: Heritage Malta Publishing.

publications that synthesise the annual

and Roman. Malta: Midsea Books Ltd.

excavation reports into accessible formats

Cazzella, A. and Recchia, G., 2007. Revisiting

Bonanno, A. and Vella, N. C. eds., 2015.

anomalies. New excavations at Tas-Silġ and

Tas-Silġ, Marsaxlokk (Malta) I Archaeological

a comparison with the other megalithic

CONCLUSION

Excavations Conducted by the University

temples in Malta. Accordia Research Papers,

Tas-Silġ represents an extraordinary

of Malta 1996-2005. Leuven: Peeters

10, pp. 61-70 .

timeline of human resilience, spirituality,

Publishers.

for both scholars and heritage practitioners.

and adaptation, serving as a monumental archive of Malta’s successive civilisations.

By identifying the crucial environmental factors and water resources that sustained this continuous occupation, the research effectively contextualises the site’s unparalleled historical significance.

Translating these academic insights into a

Ciasca, A., 1964. Lo scavo. In: Missione

Bonzano, F., 2013. Un intervento edilizio

Archeologica Italiana a Malta: Rapporto

di eta augustea nel santuario di Tas-Silġ a

preliminare della Campagna 1963. Roma:

Malta. Scienze dell’Antichita, pp. 155-167.

Universita di Roma, pp. 53-77.

Bruno, B., 2009. Roman and Byzantine Malta:

Grima, R., 2011. The Prehistoric Islandscape.

Trade and Economy. Santa Venera: Midsea

In: C. Cini and J. C. Borg, eds. The Maritime

Books.

History of Malta. The first millennia. Malta: Salesians of Don Bosco, pp. 10-35 .

structured tour itinerary will undoubtedly

Buhagiar, K., 2018. Hydrogeology and its

enrich the cultural tourism offering of the

influence on the dynamics of settlement and

Trump, D. H., 2008. Malta: prehistory and

islands, allowing visitors to deeply engage

agriculture in the south of Malta: AD 1000 to

temples. 3rd ed. Malta: Midsea Books.

with Malta’s multifaceted heritage.

1600. Iż-Żejtun: Wirt iż-Żejtun, pp. 22-35.

Futouristic || 19

Ex voto at the Frenċ ta’ l-Għarb museum tell the stories of how people believed he had healed them with herbs and divine intervention.

A focus on the secret medicinal plants used by Frenċ tal-Għarb STEPHEN MIFSUD H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

F

INTRODUCTION

to the historical progression of herbal

the vicinity of Wied il-Għasri, to map the

rancis Xavier Mercieca, universally

medicine in Europe and Malta, and a

native flora. This field data was cross-

revered as Frenċ tal-Għarb (1892-

biographical account of Frenċ tal-Għarb’s

referenced with local botanical literature,

1967), was a distinguished folk healer

personal and spiritual life. The review

most notably Lanfranco’s 1985 works on

and spiritual figure from the western

examines historical records surrounding

Maltese medicinal herbs. Furthermore, an

village of Għarb in Gozo. Renowned for his

his phenomenal healings, noting that

observational analysis was conducted at

profound spiritual devotion and extensive

contemporary biographers like Bonnici

the Frenċ tal-Għarb Museum, specifically

knowledge of local botany, Frenċ utilised

(1975) largely focused on whom Frenċ

focusing on the surviving plant specimens

herbal remedies extracted primarily from

cured rather than the specific botanical

displayed within his original medicine

wild flora across Gozo to treat a myriad

components he used. Consequently, the

cabinet, to verify the exact species he

of ailments. His reputation for facilitating

literature review highlights a gap in the

utilised.

seemingly miraculous healings drew

scientific and botanical categorisation of

thousands of individuals seeking physical

his specific herbal remedies, necessitating

and spiritual relief. This research focuses on

further direct investigation into his

exploring the specific medicinal plants he

remaining archives and physical collections.

employed, investigating his methods, and

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The analysis meticulously examines the intersection between Frenċ’s empirical botanical knowledge and his profound

RESEARCH METHODS

spiritual faith. The discussion addresses

To accurately catalogue the plants utilised

the mystery and secrecy surrounding his

by Frenċ, a combined methodological

practice, debating whether his success

approach was adopted. Field surveys were

stemmed purely from the pharmacological

LITERATURE REVIEW

conducted across key Gozitan locations

properties of the plants or from a

The literature review is divided into two

associated with his life, specifically

psychosomatic phenomenon rooted in

main segments: an overarching introduction

Għammar Hill, the Ta’ Pinu Shrine, and

the deep religious faith he instilled in his

proposing ways to integrate his legacy into an alternative, culturally enriching tourist itinerary.

20 || Futouristic

S tudent R esearch

“

Three books about Frenċ ta’ l-Għarb published soon after his death

Additionally, systematic interviews should be conducted with individuals, or their immediate descendants, who directly experienced his healing, to preserve oral histories before they are lost.

CONCLUSION Frenċ tal-Għarb remains a monumental figure in Gozitan cultural and medical folklore. By meticulously documenting the secret medicinal plants he used, this essay demystifies part of his practice while respecting the profound spiritual aura that surrounded his life. Integrating his story, his museum, and the associated natural Some of the herbs used by Frenċ ta’ l-Għarb to heal his patients

patients. A detailed catalogue of the plant species retrieved during the research is presented, linking specific local halophytes and endemic herbs to the ailments they

landscapes of Għarb into a structured cultural tourism itinerary will provide visitors with a deeply authentic and holistic appreciation of Gozo’s historical reliance on

Frenċ operated at a unique nexus of traditional wisdom, deep ecological knowledge of the Gozitan landscape,

faith and nature.

”

were purported to cure. The analysis

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

ultimately suggests that Frenċ operated

Arcos, C., 2025. From Ancient Roots to Modern

at a unique nexus of traditional wisdom,

Remedies: A History of Herbal Medicine in

deep ecological knowledge of the Gozitan

Peintner, U., Poder, R. and Pumpel, T., 1998.

Europe.

The iceman’s fungi. Mycological Research,

landscape, and unyielding Catholic devotion.

Bajjada, M., 2017. Frenc tal-Għarb, 50 sena

102(10), pp. 1153-1162.

RECOMMENDATIONS

mill-Mewt Tiegħu. Il-Mizjura: festa tal-

The study strongly recommends that

Penza, C., 1969. Il-flora Maltija Mediċinali.

Viżitazzjoni Għarb, pp. 6-8.

Progress Press, Malta.

Barnes, J., Anderson, L.A. and Phillipson,

Ranson, F., 1949. British Herbs. Pelican

J.D., 2007. Herbal Medicines. 3rd ed.

Books, UK.

Frenċ tal-Għarb receives greater national and ecclesiastical recognition for his contributions to Gozitan heritage. To enhance the visitor experience, the Frenċ tal-Għarb Museum should be reorganised to be more educationally oriented,

Pharmaceutical Press.

Bonnici, A., 1975. Frenċ tal-Għarb.

Savona-Ventura, C., 1990. Maltese medical folklore: Man and the herpetofauna in Malta: a review.

specifically by cultivating living examples

Lanfranco, E., 1985. Ħxejjex Mediċinali u

of his medicinal plants in pots with

Oħrajn fin-Natura Maltija. Media Centre,

Sumner, J., 2008. The Natural History of

proper botanical and historical labelling.

Malta.

Medicinal Plants. Timber Press.

Futouristic || 21

Building the carriages of the train one segment at a time

ITS pastry lecturer breaks another ‘sweet’ record I N T ERV I EW BY M A RT I N D EBAT T I STA E X ECU TIV E ED ITO R - FU TOU R I STI C

A

ndrew Farrugia, ITS senior

with one of the directors of CAST Alimenti,

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE SCULPTURE

lecturer and triple Guinness

a prominent Italian culinary institution.

ITSELF? WHY A TRAIN, AND WHAT

World Record holder, explains his

They were aware of my two previous

INSPIRED THAT PARTICULAR FORM?

chocolate sculptures, international

Guinness World Records in chocolate work

The train is something of a recurring motif

collaboration, and the logistics of moving

and asked whether I would be interested

for me. My very first chocolate display,

three tonnes of cocoa on four trucks to build a

in collaborating on another project with

long before any Guinness attempt, was a

train. The train is 55.27 metres long, consisting

them. There were two main motivations:

train, albeit a modest one at just 12 feet

of one locomotive and 22 carriages. Made of

the educational dimension — we wanted

(roughly 3 metres). My first official Guinness

edible chocolate of course.

lecturers and students from both

World Record was held at Gare du Midi in

institutions to work together — and the

Brussels, and the second at Dubai Airport,

international exposure that projects of this

where I created a five-storey replica of

scale generate for both ITS and CAST. As for

the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. For this third

Milan, a creation of this size and complexity

record, held at the Regione Lombardia, the

deserves to be displayed in a location with

main administrative building of Lombardy,

high footfall. Milan was simply the ideal

I returned to the train concept. Part of

setting.

the appeal is logistical: a train, while still

THIS IS NOT YOUR FIRST GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR CHOCOLATE SCULPTURE. WHAT PROMPTED THIS THIRD ATTEMPT, AND WHY WAS MILAN CHOSEN AS THE VENUE? This project came about following a meeting

22 || Futouristic

enormously complex, is somewhat more

that is what sets this work apart within the

chocolate manufacturers, who provided

manageable to construct and transport than

world of chocolate artistry.

50,000 euros’ worth of chocolate as a

a towering structure. It also lends itself to extraordinary length, which is precisely what we were aiming to achieve.

BEYOND THE RECORD ITSELF, WHAT GAVE YOU THE GREATEST SATISFACTION FROM

sponsor. The students saw firsthand how all of this comes together.

THIS PROJECT?

After the unveiling in Milan, the sculpture

WHAT WERE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES

Several things. First and foremost, achieving

was displayed for three weeks at Bergamo

INVOLVED IN CREATING A 55-METRE

a Guinness World Record on behalf of ITS

Airport, where it attracted considerable

CHOCOLATE SCULPTURE?

and having Malta’s name inscribed in the

attention, particularly during the Milan–

The logistics were the greatest challenge

record books for the third time is deeply

Cortina Winter Olympics period. The

by far. In previous projects, all the work

gratifying. But the satisfaction goes well

project went viral in several countries: in

was completed here in Malta before being

beyond that.

India alone, photographs received over 1.2

shipped abroad. This time, only around 15 per cent was prepared in Malta by me, ITS students, and colleagues from the pastry

I was able to work alongside pastry chefs

“

from ITS, CAST Alimenti, Brescia, and

department. The remaining 85 per cent was produced over a three-month period in Bergamo, where I worked alongside pastry chefs from Brescia and Bergamo and students from colleges in both cities. I travelled to Italy four times, spending full working weeks there. We had to establish a dedicated, specialist laboratory, source all the necessary equipment, and coordinate a large team across multiple institutions.

Once the sculpture was complete, we faced the daunting task of transporting it. This creation weighed three tonnes and was as delicate as glass — just imagine moving a 55-metre glass sculpture

Bergamo, and to share my methods openly, something that is not always common in

million likes across various platforms, and collectively we reached over two million engagements in countries including Turkey, Canada, China, and Venezuela. It was also featured on Italian television.

This kind of international media reach is, in fact, one of the reasons sponsors invest in projects like this.

Perhaps most unexpectedly,

Students also gained invaluable experience: they learned how to operate on the international stage, how to collaborate with large companies,

the project also brought together Hospice Malta and Hospice Bergamo. We organised fundraising events during the preparation and construction of the sculpture, with all proceeds going to both hospices. This led to a formal collaboration between the two organisations, representatives from Hospice Bergamo visited Malta, and the CEO of Hospice Malta made an official visit to Bergamo. Nurses and doctors

across miles of road. It

from both institutions are now

required four large trucks and

set to work together. That

extraordinary care at every

outcome gave me as much

stage of loading, transit, and

satisfaction as the record

installation.

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE RECORD, IS IT THE LENGTH OF THE SCULPTURE OR THE QUANTITY OF CHOCOLATE USED? The record is for the longest chocolate

our profession, where many chefs guard

itself, if not more. It was a reminder to the

their techniques closely. Watching students

students that our craft, whatever it may be,

from different countries work, learn, and

can genuinely benefit people, especially

enjoy themselves side by side was genuinely

those with particular needs.

moving.

IS THE CHOCOLATE EDIBLE? WHAT

sculpture in the world. Length is the defining

The students also gained invaluable

HAPPENS TO THREE TONNES OF

criterion here. That said, when I undertake

experience: they learned how to operate on

CHOCOLATE ONCE THE DISPLAY IS OVER?

projects of this nature, I always aim to

the international stage, how to collaborate

The chocolate used is top-quality Belgian

create not merely the longest, but the most

with large companies, how to approach

couverture and it is absolutely edible.

detailed. Producing something enormous

sponsorship, and how to manage a project

However, we do not recommend that

and detailed simultaneously is something of

of this complexity from start to finish. We

people eat it. This is a display piece that

a signature approach for me and I believe

worked with one of Europe’s second-largest

has been exposed to the open air for an

Futouristic || 23

“ ITS lecturer Andrew Farrugia proudly showing the Guiness Book of Records certificates next to his record-breaking chocolate traint

A project of this nature demands over a year of preparation, including securing confirmations, obtaining sponsorships, identifying venues, arranging transportation, and coordinating across multiple institutions and countries.

”

extended period, which is reason enough

will be repurposed as animal feed, as the

and countries. It is not something one

for caution. Over time, chocolate also loses

natural cocoa butter and cocoa solids it

simply decides to do on a whim.

its visual appearance and sheen.

contains have significant nutritional value,

That said, the chocolate is never simply

particularly for cattle.

What I would say is that a project like

this is far more than a record attempt.

discarded. Our agreement with the

WILL THERE BE A FOURTH GUINNESS

It is a major international event; it is an

chocolate company, which operates a full

WORLD RECORD?

artistic achievement; it is an exercise in

cocoa traceability programme, tracking

It may be too early to say definitively. A

collaboration and education; and it is a

the product from bean to bar, requires us

project of this nature demands over a

vehicle for media reach and charitable

to account for the chocolate throughout

year of preparation, including securing

impact. All of those elements have to come

its entire life cycle. Part of the sculpture

confirmations, obtaining sponsorships,

together perfectly. Whether there is a fourth

will be used for the training of students

identifying venues, arranging transportation,

chapter remains to be seen but I would

in Italian culinary schools. The remainder

and coordinating across multiple institutions

never rule it out.

24 || Futouristic

“

Andrew Farrugia with his team of Maltese and Italian chefs constructing the train out of edible chocolate.

A project like this is far more than a record attempt. It is a major international event; it is an artistic achievement; it is an exercise in collaboration and education; and it is a vehicle for media reach and charitable impact.

”

Futouristic || 25

The Royal Opera House in the 19th century

Foreign Cultural Influences and Maltese Theatrical Identity in Valletta (1731–1942) T I N G YA N G H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

L

INTRODUCTION

the Manoel Theatre and the Royal Opera

Opera House provided spatial context.

ong before permanent theatres were

House, evaluating foreign influences across

Crucially, interviews were conducted

erected, theatrical activity formed an

five concrete dimensions: theatre space,

with four prominent experts, including

integral component of Maltese local

performance form, stage language, theatre

choreographer Tanya Bayona and historian

entertainment, rooted in outdoor

management, and theatre education. While

Giulia Privitelli, to gather nuanced historical

festivities and private indoor shows. This

historical texts provide valuable materials

insights. John W. Berry’s acculturation theory

essay investigates the dynamic relationship

documenting the dominance of Italian opera

was adopted as the analytical framework,

between profound foreign cultural

and British administrative interventions,

specifically utilising the concepts of

influences, specifically from Italy, France,

the review notes a significant gap in the

‘assimilation’, ‘integration’, and ‘separation’

Britain, and Russia, and the subsequent

literature regarding a systematic, theoretical

to systematically categorise and evaluate

local responses within Valletta’s premier

framework to interpret how local audiences

the Maltese responses to foreign cultural

theatrical institutions: the Manoel Theatre

and practitioners actively responded to

contact.

and the Royal Opera House. Spanning the

these external pressures. The primary

period from 1731 to 1942, the research aims

studies complement each other, but lack

to discern how foreign architectural styles,

a structured approach to defining local

performance genres, and management

theatrical identity.

practices were either absorbed or rejected, ultimately tracing the organic emergence of a distinct Maltese theatrical identity.

RESEARCH METHODS To address this gap, the study employed a mixed-methods approach, relying primarily

LITERATURE REVIEW

on rigorous field observation and semi-

The literature review critically examines

structured interviews. Field visits to the

existing published sources concerning

Manoel Theatre and the ruins of the Royal

26 || Futouristic

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The analysis meticulously unpacks the case studies, revealing that the Maltese absorption of foreign influences varied significantly by origin and discipline.

Applying Berry’s framework, the research identifies two predominant modes of local response: assimilation and separation. For

instance, Italian architectural layouts and

Opera House - 1861-1866. In: P. Xuereb, ed.

operatic forms were heavily assimilated into

The Theatre in Malta. Valletta: Fondazzjoni

local practice, deeply embedding themselves

Patrimonju Malti.

into the cultural fabric. Conversely, attempts by British authorities to impose the English language on the stage were met with distinct separation and resistance, highlighting a defensive preservation of cultural boundaries. The analysis further explores how shared spaces facilitated the claiming of a local identity, demonstrating that Valletta’s theatres were active arenas of cultural negotiation.

RECOMMENDATIONS The study highlights the necessity for wider

Galea, M., 2016. The pantomime other: Building fences in pantomime performance in Malta. Otherness: Essays and Studies, 5(1), pp. 113-130.

Ryzhakov, M., 2020. Fostering RussianMaltese cultural ties. Times of Malta, 29 December.

The Malta Independent, 2011. History of the Maltese theatre: The Royal Opera House (Part II). 23 January.

archival surveys and deeper historical work

Vella Bondin, J., 1990. Nicolo Isouard: the

to continuously test and expand upon these

early years. The Sunday Times, 9 December,

initial findings. Future research should

pp. 44-46.

seek to uncover more primary documents relating to audience reception and amateur theatrical movements, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of the grassroots development of Maltese theatrical identity.

CONCLUSION In conclusion, the development of a

Xuereb, P., 1997. Theatre and theatre-

“

S tudent R esearch

The Maltese absorption of foreign influences varied significantly by origin and discipline.

making in Malta. In: P. Xuereb, ed. The Theatre in Malta. Valletta: Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, pp. 1-12.

Xuereb, P., 2019. Theatre spaces in Baroque Malta. The Journal of Baroque Studies, 2(3), pp. 5-14.

distinctly Maltese theatrical identity in Valletta was not a passive reception of

”

foreign culture, but a complex, active process of acculturation. By selectively assimilating beneficial artistic forms while separating from politically imposing mandates, the local community forged a unique theatrical heritage. The Manoel Theatre and the Royal Opera House stand today as testaments to this vibrant historical synthesis.

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY Berry, J. W., 1997. Immigration, acculturation, and adaptation. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 46(1), pp.

5-68.

Cremona, V. A., 2018. The performance of deeds: discovering theatre in Malta through the notarial archives. In: J. Abela and E.

A comparison of how foreign cultures entered Malta and how the local society responded

Buttigieg, eds. Parallel existences: the Notarial Archives. Birkirkara: Kite Group, pp. 237-247 .

Cremona, V. A. and Galea, M., 2020. The amateur theatre in Malta. Amfiteater: Journal of Performing Arts Theory, 8(1), pp. 197-208.

Ellul, M., 1997. The building of the Royal

Access the full text of the research here

Futouristic || 27

The Rising of the Priests of 1775: Remembering Valletta’s Past for a Dark Tourism Experience

PRISCILLA CIVELLI H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

V

INTRODUCTORY

overexposed conflicts like the Second World

Dark Tourism Spectrum to classify

alletta’s stones carry the dark

War, lesser-known tragedies have been

sites of suffering, evaluating the ethical

memories of hunger, rebellion,

largely ignored. This study aims to translate

tension between commemoration and

and brutal executions. This long

the harrowing history of Grand Master

commercialisation. Historically, late

essay explores the historical

Ximenes and Don Gaetano Mannarino into

eighteenth-century Malta is presented as

episode of the 1775 Rising of the Priests,

an experience that captivates contemporary

a powder keg of economic decline, social

investigating how its dark memories

audiences whilst maintaining rigorous

breakdown, and provocations under the

can be thoughtfully retold today as an

historical integrity.

Knights of St. John, leading to a desperate

immersive dark tourism experience.

Because Malta’s dark tourism landscape is currently fragmented and often reduced to sensationalised ghost stories or

28 || Futouristic

LITERATURE REVIEW The literature review synthesises dark tourism theory with historical accounts of the 1775 Rising. It utilises Stone’s

revolt driven by hunger and anti-clerical measures. The review establishes a significant gap: while historians have documented the Rising, its translation into

S tudent R esearch

Access the full text of the research here

The landward side of Fort St. Elmo, taken by the rebels during the uprising (Image by Diego Delson on Wikimedia Commons)

an engaging, multi-sensory dark tourism

alongside three semi-structured interviews

them emotionally resonant touchstones

product using interpretation strategies

with academic historians. The collected data

for modern visitors. Valletta’s fortifications,

remains unexplored.

was analysed thematically, applying reflexive

specifically St James Cavalier, Fort St

coding until the core narratives underpinning

Elmo, and the Castellania, functioned

the rebellion were solidly established.

as geographical theatres of fear and

RESEARCH METHODS Adopting an interpretivist, socialconstructionist stance, this qualitative

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

study prioritises the social meaning of the

The findings reveal that the Rising offers

events over mere numerical measurement.

potent entry points for a dark tourism

To capture historical depth, the research

narrative, meticulously categorised into

employed bibliographic analysis, including

thematic sections. Food deprivation and

access to the primary Libri dei Carcerati

threatened faith served as the untouchable

manuscripts at the Banca Giuratale,

pillars that sparked the outrage, making

punishment, where rebels’ heads were famously mounted on pikes. Furthermore, the analysis highlights that contested figures like the oppressive Grand Master Ximenes and the ambiguous rebel leader Mannarino provide complex human gateways into the drama. To ethically convey

Futouristic || 29

“

The Rising offers potent entry points for a dark tourism narrative, meticulously categorised into thematic sections.

”

Don Gaetano Mannarino, the leader of the rising of the priests.

this, interpretation must utilise sensory

experience. By grounding the narrative in

Buhagiar, J., 2020. Towards a death and

stimulation and ambiguity to provoke

authenticity, emotional depth, and ethical

darkness: Heritage Malta sites as dark

profound reflection rather than relying on

storytelling, Malta can offer a tour that goes

tourism. Tesserae. Heritage Malta.

shallow spectacle.

far beyond morbid curiosity. It will provide

RECOMMENDATIONS The study strongly recommends that entities like Heritage Malta and VisitMalta collaborate to integrate highly

visitors with a profound understanding of the human costs of oppression, ensuring that the dark whispers of Valletta’s past remain unforgettable.

contextualised dark tours into the broader

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

heritage itineraries of the island. Crucially,

Agapito, D., Valle, P. and Mendes, J.,

guides must be trained to avoid the

2014. The sensory dimension of tourist

Disneyfication of history; costumes and

experiences: Capturing meaningful sensory-

narratives must not trivialise the tragedy.

based themes in Southwest Portugal.

Instead, the experience should connect

Tourism Management, 42, pp. 224-237.

past atrocities with broader human values, such as empathy and the Sustainable Development Goals.

CONCLUSION In conclusion, the 1775 Rising of the Priests possesses all the necessary elements to be developed into a compelling dark tourism

30 || Futouristic

Bonello, G., 2009. Passions and compassions. Histories of Malta, Vol. 10.

Malta: Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti.

Borg-Muscat, D., 2002. Reassessing the September 1775 Rebellion: A Case of Lay Participation of a Rising of the Priests? Melita Historica, 13(3), pp. 239-252.

Foley, M. and Lennon, J.J., 1996. JFK and dark tourism: A fascination with assassination.

International Journal of Heritage Studies, 2(4), pp. 198-211.

Grima, J.F., 2020. The insurrection of the priests in Malta in 1775. Sunday Times of Malta, 6 September, pp. 40-41.

Light, D., 2017. Progress in dark tourism and thanatourism research: An uneasy relationship with heritage tourism. Tourism Management, 61, pp. 275-301.

Stone, P., 2006. A dark tourism spectrum: Towards a typology of death and macabre related tourist sites, attractions and exhibitions. Tourism: An Interdisciplinary International Journal, 52(2), pp. 145-160.

S tudent R esearch

Don Gaetano Mannarino, the leader of the rising of the priests.

Stone, P., Hartmann, R., Seaton, T., Sharpley, R. and White, L. eds., 2018. The Palgrave handbook of dark tourism studies.

Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Tilden, F., 1977. Interpreting our heritage. 3rd ed. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press.

“

Guides must be trained to avoid the Disneyfication of history; costumes and narratives must not trivialise the tragedy.

”

Futouristic || 31

ITS Events Timeline The last few months moved fast. We had big wins and made bold shifts. A few “did-that-really-happen?” moments. This snapshot lays out the beats and the energy that carried the Institute forward since the last issue.

3 FEBRUARY ITS achieves prestigious international accreditation from the International Centre of Excellence in Tourism, Hospitality Education Following a comprehensive institutional review and international audit visit, ITS was officially awarded accreditation by the International Centre of Excellence in Tourism, Hospitality Education. The recognition confirms ITS’s position as Malta’s leading institution for tourism and hospitality education, highlighting its industry integration, innovative programmes, international partnerships, student-centred approach and strong graduate employability outcomes.

26 FEBRUARY ITS and KM Malta Airlines announce cabin crew training pathway and plans for new diploma ITS and KM Malta Airlines signed a strategic cooperation agreement to launch new cabin crew training programmes and develop a Diploma in Aviation Hospitality Services. The partnership connects academic learning with professional aviation practice, offering students hands-on training, recognised qualifications and a structured pathway into Malta’s aviation and hospitality sectors.

13 FEBRUARY

20 MARCH

Career Expo brings industry conversations to campus at ITS ITS hosted its annual Career Expo at the Luqa Campus, bringing together leading employers from hospitality, tourism, food and beverage, culture, manufacturing and aviation. Students engaged directly with recruiters, explored career opportunities and heard from ITS alumni, who shared practical insights on the transition from study to work and the realities of building a career.

ITS opens its doors to prospective students The ITS Luqa Campus welcomed hundreds of prospective students, parents, guardians, teachers and career advisors during its annual Open Doors event. Visitors toured the campus, met academics and students, attended live demonstrations, and gained first-hand insight into ITS programmes, student life and career opportunities in tourism and hospitality.

32 || Futouristic

25 MARCH

7 MAY

Baking Bridges brings ITS students and Mental Health Services patients together ITS and the National Mental Health Services launched Baking Bridges: Nourishing Minds and Hearts, a collaboration through which ITS students prepare seasonal sweets for mental health patients. Starting with traditional figolli for Easter, the initiative combines culinary skills, community engagement and mental health awareness, showing how hospitality can offer care, empathy and support beyond industry settings.

ITS and MPA join forces to support pyrotechnics training and Malta’s festa tradition ITS signed an MoU with the Malta Pyrotechnics Association to develop vocational education and training in pyrotechnics, Maltese village feasts and related safety-focused areas.

The collaboration aims to introduce an Advanced Diploma in Pyrotechnics, combining academic quality with industry expertise while supporting Malta’s festa tradition and cultural heritage.

30 MARCH

12 MAY

15 MAY

Malta and the UK forge landmark partnership to transform inclusive hospitality education ITS, The Malta Trust Foundation and Aurora Foxes Academy announced a landmark collaboration to develop vocational training in catering and hospitality for young people with disabilities. The partnership will support staff exchanges, student placements and pathways to employment through the Ta’ Saura National Empowerment Hub.

ITS Training School partners with FKNK to launch game cookery courses ITS Training School and FKNK launched a collaboration to introduce specialised game cookery courses, bringing a traditional part of Maltese gastronomy into a structured training environment. The initiative aims to preserve and elevate local culinary heritage while equipping chefs and hospitality professionals with distinctive, locally rooted skills.

ITS and International Tourism Academy Austria sign academic progression agreement ITS Malta and the International Tourism Academy Austria signed an academic collaboration agreement, creating a formal progression route for ITA students to continue directly into the third year of an ITS Bachelor’s Degree programme. The agreement strengthens international mobility, academic cooperation and opportunities for students.

Futouristic || 33

Image by Olly on Pexels.com

A Thornycroft double decker, one of the first motor buses in Malta in 1905

The coming of the First Motorized Transport Vehicles for Public Use on the Island of Malta and How it Changed Over the Years LUCA MAISTRE H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

T

INTRODUCTORY

LITERATURE REVIEW

employed, combining document-based

his research stems from a deep

The literature review examines the existing

research with semi-structured interviews.

interest in how the island of

texts concerning Malta’s early transport

Given the niche nature of the topic and the

Malta transformed following

systems. It notes that while the railway

lack of surviving witnesses, quantitative

the arrival of the industrial

has received some scholarly attention,

surveys were deemed inappropriate.

revolution in transport. Specifically, the

the tramway system remains the least

Primary documents, including historical

essay concentrates on the tumultuous

covered topic, leaving significant historical

photographs, official government records,

introduction and evolution of mechanised

voids. Similarly, literature concerning the

and census data, were rigorously analysed.

public land transport, exploring the era

first buses presents conflicting theories

This was complemented by interviews with

between 1905 and 1929 when Malta

regarding their initial importers, oscillating

three distinct subject experts and transport

concurrently operated three major forms

between figures like Mr Spiller and Edward

historians, allowing the researcher to extract

of transport: the railway, the tramway,

Tancred. The review identifies notable

nuanced details regarding the operational

and the motorised buses. By investigating

gaps across all topics regarding the

realities of the early twentieth century.

the routes, provenance, power sources,

socioeconomic impact of these vehicles and

and ownership of these vehicles, the

the origins of their fuel sources, positioning

study uncovers how intense competition

this research as a necessary contribution to

eventually led to the total dominance of

the field.

the bus system, forever altering the island’s infrastructure and connectivity.

34 || Futouristic

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The analysis breaks down the operations of the trains, trams, and buses according to their routes, power sources, and ownership

RESEARCH METHODS

models. The findings reveal that all three

To retrieve the most accurate historical

transport modes fiercely competed for

data, a qualitative methodology was

passengers, often overlapping on crucial

S tudent R esearch routes connecting Valletta to surrounding towns. The railway and trams, heavily reliant on expensive infrastructure and imported coal for steam and electrical power, struggled to adapt to changing passenger demands. Conversely, the early buses, powered by internal combustion engines and imported from Britain, offered unprecedented flexibility and lower operational costs. The analysis shows that local entrepreneurial ownership of buses eventually outmanoeuvred the rigid, government-run or heavily subsidised tram and train networks.

RECOMMENDATIONS The study highlights the necessity of preserving the scarce remaining artefacts from this transformative period. It

The train at the Birkirkara station

recommends increasing public awareness and educational efforts regarding Malta’s early transport history, suggesting that the intricate story of the transition from rail to road offers valuable lessons in infrastructure adaptation and economic competition.

CONCLUSION In conclusion, the shift towards motorised buses was not merely a change in vehicle type, but a profound revolution in public mobility. The flexibility, competitive pricing, and local ownership of the buses allowed them to systematically overcome and replace the railway and tramway systems by 1929. This transition laid the permanent foundation for the modern public transport network that defines the Maltese islands today.

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY Basingstoke Gazette, 2020. World-leading car firm chose Basingstoke: Thornycroft Factory.

29 May. Bonello, G., 2024. In pictures: Malta’s shortlived tram system. Times of Malta, 12 May. Bonnici, J., 2021a. Rise and fall of the Malta Railway after its inaugurations in 1883 and 1892. Times of Malta, 28 February.

Bonnici, J., 2021b. The demise of the Malta Tramways in 1929. Times of Malta, 12 December.

A period map of the tramway lines in Malta (National Archives of Malta)

Bonnici, J. and Cassar, M., 1989. The Malta

National Statistics Office (NSO), 1905. Census

buses. Malta: the authors.

of the Maltese Islands: Chapter L: Railways,

Bonnici, J. and Cassar, M., 1991. The Malta

Tramways and Canals.

Tramway and the Barracca Lift. Malta: Joseph

Stedall, R., 2025. Gozo 100 The 100th

Bonnici and Michael Cassar.

Anniversary of the Gozo Bus Industry, Chapter 1.

Cassar, M., 2014. The story of the Malta buses,

Thompson, K., 2016. Interviews in Social

1931-2014. 3rd ed. San Gwann: BDL.

Research: Advantages and Disadvantages.

ReviseSociology.

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The Revolt of the Maltese against the French on 2nd & 3rd September 1798: A Dark Tour of Rabat & Mdina JEFFREY POWELL H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

B

INTRODUCTION

LITERATURE REVIEW

RESEARCH METHODS

lood once drenched the peaceful

The literature review synthesises traditional

To navigate the historical and emotional

streets of Rabat and Mdina. In

historical scholarship concerning the French

complexities of the 1798 revolt, a qualitative

September 1798, a brutal revolt

occupation with contemporary dark tourism

research methodology was adopted. This

erupted as Maltese citizens,

frameworks. Utilising Stone’s (2006) Dark

interpretivist approach sought to capture

infuriated by anti-clerical policies and

Tourism Spectrum, the review identifies

the nuanced social meanings of the conflict,

economic hardship, massacred French

the violent events of 1798 as belonging to

moving beyond mere historical statistics.

soldiers and initiated an uprising that

the darker end of the scale, necessitating

Primary data collection relied on semi-

altered the nation’s trajectory. This long

careful educational orientation. While

structured interviews with three experts,

essay examines the revolt through the lens

historians like Testa (1997) have detailed

comprising a university academic and two

of dark tourism, proposing that Rabat and

the socio-political vacuum, the dismantling

historians. This conversational method

Mdina can be powerfully conceptualised

of the Catholic Church, and the subsequent

facilitated genuine discovery, bridging the

as “dark conflict sites”. By confronting the

massacres, the review identifies a clear

gap between academic theory and practical

macabre realities of looting and execution,

gap: the lack of intersectional research

tourist guiding. Thematic analysis was

the research outlines how these historic

applying thanatological tourism principles

subsequently applied, generating thirty-nine

locations can be transformed into a visceral,

to the creation of a structured, interpretive

codes that were synthesised into distinct

ethically framed walking tour that provokes

experience in these specific Maltese

core themes.

profound reflection on human tragedy and

localities.

national identity.

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The analysis bridges dark tourism theory with the historical realities of the peasant rebellion, structured around four emergent themes. First, food, religion and taxes are identified as the explosive catalysts for social unrest and perceived betrayal, highlighting the desperation of the populace. Second, Engaging Dark Storytelling is deemed essential; guides must transcend simple facts to weave visceral, contextualised narratives that evoke raw emotion without sliding into exploitation. Third, the research focuses on humanising The Maltese Revolters, portraying them not as a faceless mob but as complex, desperate individuals united by faith. Finally, Ethical Storytelling forms the backbone of the analysis, stressing the imperative of presenting gruesome realities factually and adapting the language to cultivate deep reflection

General Napoleon Bonaparte and his troops disembark to land in the Grand Harbour

36 || Futouristic

rather than cheap shock.

S tudent R esearch French knight during the occupation of Malta.

Msida: Malta U.P.B. Buhagiar, J., 2020. Towards a death & darkness Heritage Malta sites as dark tourism. Tesserae, Heritage Malta.

Foley, M. and Lennon, J.J., 1996. JFK and dark tourism: A fascination with assassination.

International Journal of Heritage Studies, 2(4), pp. 198-211.

Freller, T., 2010. Malta: The Order of St John.

MidSea Books.

Lennon, J.J. and Foley, M., 2000. Dark Tourism. Continuum.

Light, D., 2017. Progress in dark tourism and thanatourism research: An uneasy Members of HRGM re-enacting the uprising of the Maltese against the French in 1798

relationship with heritage tourism. Tourism Management, 61, pp. 275-301.

Sharpley, R. and Stone, P.R., 2009. The Darker side of travel: the theory and practice of dark tourism.

Stone, P.R., 2006. A dark tourism spectrum: Towards a typology of death and macabre related tourist sites, attractions and exhibitions. CLOK, 54(2), pp. 145-160.

Testa, C., 1997. The French in Malta, 1798-

“ 1800. Midsea Books.

Wolf, E.R., 1998. Peasant wars of the twentieth century. University of Oklahoma Press.

The themes about the uprising against the French that emerged from the primary data

RECOMMENDATIONS

CONCLUSION

The long essay recommends that tour

Rabat and Mdina refuse to be only silent

guides open with strong historical context,

witnesses to history; their stones hold the

establishing the pre-existing economic

echo of battle cries and profound betrayal.

and religious grievances so the violence

By reinterpreting these cities as a living

is understood as an accumulation of

museum of the 1798 conflict, dark tourism

desperation rather than an isolated

offers a powerful mechanism for heritage

eruption. A place-based narrative arc should

interpretation. A tour grounded in this

be followed, using the physical streets as

research will invite visitors to look past

primary documents. Furthermore, training

picturesque façades and confront the brutal

programmes for guides must incorporate

realities that forged Maltese resilience and

explicit ethical protocols to handle this

identity.

contested and distressing content with confidence and profound care.

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY Bosredon de Ransijat, J., 2013. Blockade Malta 1798-1800: the diary and memoirs of a

Confront the brutal realities that forged Maltese resilience and identity.

”

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Hidden Histories: Everyday Life in Prehistoric Gozo through Santa Verna, Ta’ Marżiena and L-Imramma AGNIESZKA HAREMZA H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

W

INTRODUCTION

interacted with their changing environment.

an extensive study providing vital evidence

hile Maltese prehistory has

Understanding these ‘hidden histories’

regarding environmental stress, agricultural

traditionally been dominated

provides crucial insights into domestic

practices, and socio-environmental change

by the interpretation of

life, agriculture, and human-landscape

during the Neolithic period. The literature

its monumental temple

relationships, presenting a profound

reveals that while major temple complexes

architecture, this long essay seeks

opportunity to broaden public engagement

receive vast academic and tourist attention,

to shift the focus towards the daily

and create sustainable heritage tourism

sites like Ta’ Marżiena and L-Imramma

practices of the communities that built

experiences.

suffer from severe under-research and lack

them. By investigating the lesser-known archaeological sites of Santa Verna, Ta’ Marżiena, and L-Imramma on the island of Gozo, this long essay aims to reconstruct how prehistoric people lived, moved, and

38 || Futouristic

LITERATURE REVIEW The literature review evaluates the academic

of public interpretation, establishing the essential baseline for this investigation.

sources and excavation reports relevant to

RESEARCH METHODS

Gozo’s prehistoric landscape. A critical focal

To address these gaps, the research

point of the review is the FRAGSUS project,

employed a qualitative, interpretative

S tudent R esearch

“

Access the full text of the research here

Santa Verna archaeological site

methodology. The data collection

interpretative value, particularly when

process combined a rigorous literature

bolstered by FRAGSUS findings, which shift

review with four semi-structured expert

the narrative from isolated architecture

interviews to capture specialist knowledge.

to holistic human-environment resilience.

The interviewees included esteemed

However, physical accessibility remains a

professionals such as Prof. Caroline Malone,

critical issue; experts warn that promoting

Prof. Anthony Bonanno, Dr George

these sites for tourism without strict

Azzopardi, and Daphne Sant Caruana. This

physical protection, such as fencing,

method allowed the researcher to identify

risks irreversible damage to the fragile

convergence and contrasts regarding site

megalithic remains.

significance, conservation challenges, and future interpretive opportunities. Thematic analysis was applied to the collected data.

RECOMMENDATIONS The study recommends a phased approach to heritage management. In

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

the short term, minor interventions

The analysis underscores a strong

should be implemented, including off-site

correlation between the chosen sites

interpretative panels and guided tour

and broader agricultural strategies,

narratives. In the medium to long term,

domestic settlement patterns, and the

the adoption of digital interpretation

environment. The experts highlight that

is strongly advised. Utilising virtual

Ta’ Marżiena and L-Imramma are victims

reconstructions, annotated maps,

of uneven archaeological attention,

and digital storytelling can effectively

remaining largely unexcavated due to

communicate the historical value of these

private ownership and severe fragility.

inaccessible sites without increasing

Despite this, the sites hold immense

physical footfall. Furthermore, stronger

Experts warn that promoting these sites for tourism without strict physical protection, such as fencing, risks irreversible damage to the fragile megalithic remains.

”

Futouristic || 39

Ta’ Marżiena archaeological site

Ta’ L-Imramma archaeological site

40 || Futouristic

S tudent R esearch institutional collaboration is required to link

Cambridge: McDonald Institute for

major hubs like Ġgantija with the broader

Archaeological Research.

prehistoric landscape.

Malone, C., Grima, R., McLaughlin, R.,

CONCLUSION

Parkinson, E.W. and Stoddart, S., 2020.

Lesser-known sites like Santa Verna, Ta’

FRAGSUS. Volume 2: Temple Places.

Marżiena, and L-Imramma are vital for

Cambridge: McDonald Institute.

constructing a balanced and inclusive picture of prehistoric Gozitan life. By shifting the lens from monuments to everyday environmental survival, this research proves that these ‘hidden histories’ hold immense educational value. Implemented sustainably through digital tools and careful conservation, these sites can profoundly enhance the cultural tourism narrative of the island.

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY Ashby, T. and Peet, T.E., 1913. Excavations in Gozo: Santa Verna. Papers of the British School at Rome, pp. 105-115.

Bonanno, A., 1986. An illustrated guide to prehistoric Gozo. Victoria: Gaulitana, pp. 2223; 39-41.

Bonanno, A., 1990. The archaeology of Gozo: from prehistoric to Arab times. In: Gozo: The Roots of an Island, pp. 19-26.

“

French, C., Hunt, C.O., Grima, R., McLaughlin,

Malone, C., Stoddart, S. and Trump, D., 1988.

A house for the temple builders: Recent investigations on Gozo, Malta. Antiquity, 62(235), pp. 297-301.

Poria, Y., Reichel, A. and Biran, A., 2006.

Heritage site management: Motivations and expectations. Annals of Tourism Research, 33(1), pp. 162-178.

Robb, J., 2001. Island identities: Ritual, travel and the creation of difference in Neolithic Malta. European Journal of Archaeology, 4(2), pp. 175-196.

Stoddart, S., Power, R.K., Thompson, J.E., Mercieca-Spiteri, B., McLaughlin, R., Parkinson, E.W., Pace, A. and Malone, C., 2020. FRAGSUS Volume 3: Temple People.

Cambridge: McDonald Institute.

Tilley, C., 1994. A Phenomenology of Landscape: Places, Paths and Monuments.

Oxford: Berg, pp. 10-11.

R., Stoddart, S., Malone, C. and Alberti, G., 2020. FRAGSUS. Volume 1: Temple Landscapes.

Lesser-known sites like Santa Verna, Ta’ Marżiena, and L-Imramma are vital for constructing a balanced and inclusive picture of prehistoric Gozitan life.

”

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Railcarts used to carry the salt

From Knights to Halophytes: A tour at the Salina Saltpans & Salt Museum DOMINIC FRENDO H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

T

INTRODUCTION

LITERATURE REVIEW

RESEARCH METHODS

he Salina Saltpans represent

The literature review traces the origins of

To ensure the retrieval of authentic and

a unique convergence of

the Salini Saltpans back to the Knights of

factual information, the study employed

industrial heritage and ecological

St. John, contextualising the paramount

a qualitative research methodology.

conservation. Originally constructed

importance of the Mediterranean salt trade

Document-based research was heavily

by the Knights of the Order of St. John,

throughout the ages. The review examines

utilised, gathering maps, site plans,

the saltpans served as a crucial economic

historical texts and notary documents to

and historical reports from recognised

asset for centuries. Today, the site has

understand the traditional, manual methods

scholars. Complementing this, primary

been revitalised under the management

of salt harvesting employed at Salina.

data was collected through semi-structured

of BirdLife Malta, functioning as a Natura

However, the review identifies notable

interviews featuring open-ended questions.

2000 protected reserve and an educational

gaps in historical references regarding salt

The interviewees included crucial on-

Salt Museum. This study evaluates the

production during the Roman and Medieval

site personnel: BirdLife Malta’s Reserves

historical development of salt production

eras. Furthermore, the literature assesses

Manager, the Salina Site Manager, and a

at Salina alongside its contemporary role in

the site’s transition from a purely industrial

Reserve Warden. The researcher’s own

safeguarding local and migrating biodiversity,

landscape to a carefully managed ecological

five-year experience as a Nature Warden at

specifically exploring the halophytic flora that

zone.

the site further enriched the data collection

thrives in its unique salt marsh habitats.

42 || Futouristic

process.

S tudent R esearch DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

RECOMMENDATIONS

timeline, from the Old Saltpans and the

The analysis reveals the seamless blending

The long essay recommends that the dual

Ximenes Redoubt to the modern Dinja

of history and nature at Salina. It details

identity of the Salina Saltpans—as both a

Waħda Nature Garden, culminating in a

BirdLife Malta’s management strategies

historical monument of the Knights and a

tasting of the traditional salt. Enhancing

since taking over the site in 2019,

thriving modern nature reserve—be actively

awareness of halophytic habitats will foster

promoted to visitors. Detailed guided tours

greater respect for local conservation

should be developed to take guests through

efforts.

highlighting their efforts to restore the outer walls and safeguard the ecosystem.

The discussion heavily emphasises the ecological importance of the saltpans, examining the specific salt marsh habitats that support halophytes— plants uniquely adapted to high salinity. Interviews with the wardens illustrate how the site functions as a critical sanctuary for migrating birds, the Mediterranean killifish, and endemic reptiles. Finally, the analysis explores the Salt Museum, detailing how exhibits, such as the Archimedes screw and digital microscopes, successfully communicate centuries of human ingenuity.

“

the entire

CONCLUSION In conclusion, the Salina Saltpans stand as a premier example of how industrial

The dual identity of the Salina Saltpans—as both a historical monument of the Knights and a thriving modern nature reserve—be actively promoted to visitors.

heritage can be successfully repurposed for environmental preservation. The site not only preserves the architectural legacy of the Knights of St. John but provides an indispensable refuge for Malta’s biodiversity.

Through effective management and educational tourism, the Salt Museum and nature reserve ensure that the legacy of salt making is remembered while actively protecting the natural world.

Details from the fresco by Mattero Perez D’Aleccio about the Great Siege of 1565 shows the Salina saltpans were already in use at the time

Futouristic || 43

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

Mizzi, P., 2000. The grand masters of Malta:

Bonanno, A., 2005. Malta - Phoenician, Punic,

from the origins to modern times. Malta:

and Roman. Midsea books LTD, pp. 238-243.

Publishers Enterprises Group.

Dingli, P., 2019. Salt Pans in Malta. SKS.

Teuma, E.P., 2003. San Pawl Il-Baħar. San

Dingli, P. and Mercieca, S., 2020. Salina Bay

Pawl il-Bahar Local Council, pp. 95-104.

and Salt Works during the Great Siege of 1565.

Wettinger, G., 2000. Place-names of the

MALTA & GOZO.

Maltese Islands: Ca. 1300-1800. Malta:

Gauci, L., 2024. Morte o Fortuna - Corsairs in

Publishers Enterprises Group.

Malta 1747-1798. 1st ed. Heritage Malta, pp.

Zammit, V., 1992. Il-Gran Mastri. Valletta

121-146.

Publishing & Promotion Co. Ltd.

Lanfranco, G.G., 2002. Xogħol, ġaħġieħ u snajja li spiċċaw. BIEB BIEB - St. Julians, pp.

134-135.

Mercieca, S., 2003. The Production of Salt in Malta during Early Modern Times.

The Salini salt pans as they appear in recent times (Photo by Frank Vincentz on Wikimedia Commons)

44 || Futouristic

Access the full text of the research here

S tudent R esearch

British soldiers in action during the two-day riots known as the Sette Giugno.

The Sette Giugno Riots: A Clash Between the Working Class and the Valletta Millers and Grain Importers.

JA M ES AT TA R D H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

T

NTRODUCTION

exploring the root causes of the working

riots were elevated to a symbol of Maltese

he Sette Giugno riots, which

class’s anger, specifically regarding the rising

patriotism and anti-colonialism, heavily

occurred on the 7th and 8th

cost of living and the perceived exploitation

linked to the National Assembly’s demands

of June 1919, are traditionally

of the poor, the research seeks to provide

for a self-government constitution. However,

commemorated as a pivotal anti-

a comprehensive, objective understanding

historians such as Frendo and Camilleri

colonial and nationalist protest against

of how the right to survival and economic

argue that two distinct movements were

British rule in Malta. However, this extended

justice were the true driving forces behind the

operating simultaneously: the political elite

abstract presents research that moves away

rampant destruction during the Sette Giugno.

pursuing constitutional nationalism, and

from this frequently romanticised political narrative. Instead, it investigates the riots through the lens of a profound social clash within Maltese society itself. The study shifts the focus onto the primary victims of the mob violence: the Maltese grain importers and millers whose properties in Valletta and Ħamrun were targeted and looted. By

LITERATURE REVIEW The literature review systematically examines the evolving historical perceptions of the Sette Giugno. For decades under British rule, the event was largely suppressed or dismissed as mere vandalism by roughs and rioters. Following its fiftieth anniversary, the

the impoverished working class fighting for basic subsistence. The review identifies a significant gap in the literature regarding the social struggle between the working class and the wealthy bourgeois grain importers, who were widely accused of possessing monopolies over the island’s food supply and exacerbating the post-war hunger crisis.

Futouristic || 45

The Maltese remember the innocent victims of the Sette Giugno.

RESEARCH METHODS

crowds to Valletta to support the National

killing two men. Despite the bloodshed, the

To thoroughly investigate this class clash,

Assembly, extreme economic desperation

violence continued on the 8th of June when

the study adopted a qualitative, inductive

triggered the violence. Following the First

crowds looted the residence of Colonel

approach heavily reliant on archival

World War, the price of bread skyrocketed,

Francia, who hid in his cellar with his family,

historical research. The primary source

and unemployment soared, pushing the

resulting in another fatality. That evening,

material was drawn from the extensive

working class to the brink of starvation.

the mob proceeded to Ħamrun, completely

“Minutes of Evidence taken before the

The crowd directed their fury not at British

pillaging and burning Luigi Farrugia’s mill

Commission of Enquiry into the events

administrative buildings, but at the major

while authorities again failed to intervene.

of the 7th and 8th June 1919,” located

Maltese grain importers and millers,

While descendants of the millers argue that

at the National Archives of Malta in

primarily Antonio Cassar Torregiani, Colonel

the price hikes were due to international

Rabat. These transcripts provided critical

John Louis Francia, and Luigi Farrugia. These

post-war shipping and insurance costs

firsthand testimonies from British officials,

men were perceived as the “starvers of

rather than profiteering, the analysis proves

Maltese politicians, and common citizens.

the poor” who were actively manipulating

that the working class definitively targeted

The data was systematically analysed to

wheat prices, hoarding goods, and mixing

these figures as tangible symbols of their

identify recurring themes, allegations,

deleterious substances into the flour while

severe economic suffering and societal

and descriptive narratives surrounding

making enormous profits. This resentment

inequality.

the attacks on the millers. To enhance

was deeply aggravated by the millers’

reliability and offer a balanced perspective,

positions on the government-appointed

the research also incorporated secondary

Wheat Control Board, an arrangement

sources, including recent accounts

viewed by the public as a corrupt monopoly

published by the descendants of the

driven by favouritism and nepotism.

targeted millers, providing an essential

RECOMMENDATIONS The study strongly recommends that future historical research should broaden its scope to investigate other underlying factors contributing to the 1919 tensions.

Witness testimonies indicate the

This includes exploring the documented

attacks were premeditated rather than

grievances of university students, the unrest

spontaneous. On the 7th of June, the mob

and inaction among the Maltese police

violently besieged Cassar Torregiani’s

force, and the wage disparities experienced

house in Valletta, throwing furniture into

by dockyard workers compared to their

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

the streets while Maltese police reportedly

British counterparts. Additionally, tracing the

The extensive analysis of the testimonies

stood by idly. The ensuing chaos resulted

influence of radical ideas spread by figures

confirms that while political motives drew

in British soldiers firing into the crowd,

like Manuel Dimech and British expatriate

counter-narrative to the mob’s allegations.

Furthermore, the findings were practically applied to design a themed walking tour of Valletta.

46 || Futouristic

S tudent R esearch SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY Bartolo, P., 2019. X’Kien Ġara Sew Fis-Sette Giugno. 2nd ed. Malta: Klabb Kotba Maltin.

Bezzina, J., 1988. Church and State in an Island Colony. In: V. Mallia-Milanes, ed. The British Colonial Experience 1800-1964: The Impact on Maltese Society. Malta: Mireva Publications, pp. 47-78.

Borg, T., 2019. Is-Sette Giugno – Mitt Sena Wara. In: R. Mangion, ed. Sette Giugno Ċentinarju, L-Ewwel Pass Lejn Stat Sovran.

Malta: Fondazzjoni Ċelebrazzjonijiet Nazzjonali, pp. 156-164.

Cassar Torregiani, P., 2019. Inqisu s-Sette Giugno. In: R. Mangion, ed. Sette Giugno Ċentinarju, L-Ewwel Pass Lejn Stat Sovran.

Malta: Fondazzjoni Ċelebrazzjonijiet Nazzjonali, pp. 142-148.

Cremona, J. J., 1997. The Maltese Constitution and Constitutional History since 1813. 2nd ed.

Malta: P.E.G. Ltd. Dobie, E., 1967. Malta’s Road to Independence.

Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.

Farrugia, A., 2019. Is-Sette Giugno: Riflessjoni dwar is-simboloġija tal-ġrajjiet. In: R. Mangion, ed. Sette Giugno Ċentinarju, L-Ewwel Pass Lejn Stat Sovran. Malta: Fondazzjoni Ċelebrazzjonijiet Nazzjonali, pp. 4-9.

Fenech, D., 2019. Is-Sebgħa ta’ Ġunju: Tfittxija tat-Tifsira. In: R. Mangion, ed. Sette Giugno Ċentinarju, L-Ewwel Pass Lejn Stat Sovran. Malta: Fondazzjoni Ċelebrazzjonijiet Nazzjonali, pp. 10-23.

Frendo, H., 1970. Ir-Rivoluzzjoni Maltija talThe Malta Taghna newspaper reporting on the death of the Maltese during the previous days.

workers is necessary to understand the

The evidence firmly establishes that the

ideological framing of the riots. Practically,

violence in the streets of Valletta and

the implementation of the proposed walking

Ħamrun was an explosive manifestation

tour in Valletta is recommended to educate

of a class clash. The working class, facing

locals and tourists alike, bringing these

starvation, systematically targeted the

harrowing class-based narratives to life in

wealthy millers and grain importers they

less-visited streets of the capital.

held responsible for their plight. By shifting

CONCLUSION In conclusion, the Sette Giugno riots represent a complex intersection of political aspiration and desperate economic survival.

1919 : Ħarsa mill-qrib lejn il-ġrajjiet storiċi tas”Sette Giugno”. Malta: Empire Press.

National Archives of Malta, 1919. Minutes of Evidence taken before the Commission of enquiry into the events of the 7th and 8th June 1919 and the circumstances which led up to them, GMR 0745.

the historical focus onto these internal socio-economic grievances, this research ensures a more accurate, holistic, and unromanticised understanding of one of Malta’s most significant national events.

Access the full text of the research here

Futouristic || 47

The medieval Church at Bir Miftuħ, Gudja (Image by Continentaleurope on Wikimedia Commons)

Santa Marija of Birmiftuħ and St Mary Parish Church in Gudja: An investigation into the differences in art and architecture and structural changes between 1500 and 1910 MARIJA VELLA H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

T

INTRODUCTION

analysis of their artistic and architectural

LITERATURE REVIEW

he town of Gudja, historically

distinctiveness while charting the substantial

The literature outlines the foundational

translated to “hill” due to its

structural changes they underwent

history of Birmiftuħ, noted as one of the

elevated position, holds a

between 1500 and 1910. Additionally,

ten original parishes established by Bishop

profoundly rich cultural and

the research delves deep into the origins

Senatore De Mello in 1436. Originally,

religious heritage dating back to 1436.

of the profound Marian devotion deeply

Birmiftuħ served multiple surrounding

Central to this heritage are the medieval

ingrained within the Gudja community. By

villages, earning the title of the “mother”

church of Santa Marija of Birmiftuħ

retrieving these faded histories, the study

church, until these communities eventually

and its successor, the baroque St Mary

aims to foster heightened awareness among

separated to form their own independent

Parish Church located in the core of the

locals and tourists, proposing that Gudja

parishes. Seeking better accessibility away

village. This extended abstract presents

possesses strong, untapped potential for

from flood-prone valleys and corsair attacks,

an investigation into these two pivotal

the development of historical and religious

the Gudja villagers successfully petitioned

buildings, creating a comparative

tourism.

to build the new St Mary Parish Church

48 || Futouristic

S tudent R esearch

in the mid-17th century. Architecturally, Birmiftuħ reflects a stark medieval Gothic style, possessing limited windows and notable frescoes like the Last Judgement.

Conversely, the literature describes St Mary Parish Church as a majestic baroque structure featuring works by renowned artists such as Pietro Gagliardi and Francesco Zahra, unique for its blue, starstudded ceiling and its highly unusual three bell towers, including the controversial addition by British architect William Baker.

The review confirms Gudja as one of the earliest seats of Assumption devotion on the islands.

The literature outlines the foundational history of Birmiftuħ, noted as one of the ten original parishes established by Bishop Senatore De Mello in 1436. Originally, Birmiftuħ served multiple surrounding villages, earning the title of the “mother” church, until these communities eventually separated to form their own independent parishes. Seeking better accessibility away from flood-prone valleys and corsair attacks, the Gudja villagers successfully petitioned to build the new St Mary Parish Church in the mid-17th century. Architecturally, Birmiftuħ reflects a stark medieval Gothic style, possessing limited windows and notable frescoes like the Last Judgement.

Conversely, the literature describes St Mary Parish Church as a majestic baroque structure featuring works by renowned artists such as Pietro Gagliardi and Francesco Zahra, unique for its blue, starstudded ceiling and its highly unusual three bell towers, including the controversial addition by British architect William Baker.

The review confirms Gudja as one of the earliest seats of Assumption devotion on the islands.

RESEARCH METHODS To achieve a robust comparative analysis, the research employed a qualitative methodology that relied initially on a comprehensive review of secondary sources, including books, dissertations, and local articles to establish the architectural and artistic timelines. To address notable gaps in the existing literature, particularly concerning the exact fate of transferred

The dome and ceiling of the Church of St. Mary in Gudja

artworks and the social dynamics of village

the structure’s integrity due to its weight,

devotion, primary data was gathered

prompting the construction of an entirely

through three semi-structured, open-

new facade with twin towers in 1908,

ended interviews. The carefully selected

permanently leaving the church with three

participants included a volunteer caretaker

distinct belfries.

from Din L-Art Ħelwa stationed at Birmiftuħ, the current archpriest of the St Mary Parish Church, and a native Gudja researcher heavily involved in local history publications.

This flexible interviewing approach allowed the discovery of crucial nuances regarding parish politics, missing records, and the detailed restoration of historical artefacts.

Artistically, the analysis uncovers that virtually all altars and dedications (including St Catherine, St George, and the Nativity) were transferred from Birmiftuħ to the new parish church to maintain continuity.

However, interview findings reveal that almost all original Birmiftuħ paintings were subsequently discarded or replaced

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

by newer baroque masterpieces, save for

The analysis meticulously unpacks the

the painting of Our Lady of the Rosary,

architectural evolution of both churches.

which still hangs in the new church today.

Initially a simple rectangular structure,

Birmiftuħ currently houses replacement

Birmiftuħ expanded with the addition of

works and its famous medieval frescoes,

five side chapels and later took the shape

which served as powerful visual sermons for

of a Latin cross to accommodate a growing

an illiterate populace.

congregation. However, in a remarkable act of preservation directed by the bishop, when the villagers built the new St Mary Parish Church, they were permitted to dismantle only the newer additions of Birmiftuħ for building materials, effectively returning the medieval church to its original box shape. St Mary Parish Church, initially built by Tumas Dingli with a single belfry, saw dramatic alterations; the William Baker bell tower was added later but threatened

The discussion also illuminates the deepseated Marian devotion of the village. As one of Malta’s first parishes dedicated to the Assumption, Gudja’s religious fabric is complex. Interviews unveiled intense historical rivalries between local confraternities over the privilege of carrying the 1807 Vincenzo Dimech statue of the Assumption. This bitter conflict escalated so severely in the early 20th century that the church was temporarily closed, Futouristic || 49

identity. By integrating detailed historical documents with insightful local testimonies, this research successfully reconstructs the structural transformations and vibrant artistic legacy that continue to define the community, proving the village’s immense value to Malta’s cultural heritage narrative.

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY Busuttil, R., 2017. Il-knisja ta’ Santa Marija ta’ Bir Miftuħ. Festa Madonna tar-Rużarju, Gudja, 2017 Camilleri, C., 2014. Informazzjoni Storika Dwar l-Għaxar Parroċċi li Kienu Diga’ Jeżistu fl-1436. In: B. Portelli, ed. Omm TA’ BOSTA WLIED minn Bir Miftuħ sal-Gudja. Malta: Parroċċa Santa Marija, Il-Gudja, pp. 3-6.

Colerio, M., 2018. Ismijiet Kbar li għandhom Pittura fil-Knisja Parrokkjali tal-Gudja. In: B. Portelli, ed. Omm TA’ BOSTA WLIED 2 minn Bir Miftuħ sal-Gudja. Malta: Kunsill Lokali talGudja, pp. 143-149.

Dalli, C., 2018. Il-Knisja ta’ Birmiftuħ: Importanza Arkittettonika u Storika. In: B. Portelli, ed. Omm TA’ BOSTA WLIED 2 minn Bir Miftuħ sal-Gudja. Malta: Kunsill Lokali talGudja, pp. 123-130.

Farrugia, J., 2018. Ir-Rikorsi marbuta mal-Bini tal-Faċċata l-Ġdida tal-Knisja talGudja:1901-1908. In: B. Portelli, ed. Omm TA’ BOSTA WLIED 2 mInn Bir Miftuħ sal-Gudja.

Malta: Kunsill Lokali tal-Gudja, pp. 29-39.

Inside the Bir Miftuħ Church (Image by RobertGalea on Wikimedia Commons)

Gatt, M., 2014. Minn Bir Miftuħ għall-Gudja‘il fuq minn 575 Sena Parroċċa. In: B. Portelli, ed. Omm TA’ BOSTA WLIED minn Bir Miftuħ

eventually leading to the establishment of

like the three bell towers, and profound

sal-Gudja. Malta: Parroċċa Santa Marija

separate band clubs and secondary feasts to

communal history, local authorities should

Gudja, pp. 23-26.

accommodate the competing factions.

actively promote the village of Gudja as

RECOMMENDATIONS The study recommends that future

a primary destination for religious and historical heritage tourism.

Gravina, M., 2014. Il-Vara ta’ Santa Marija tal-Gudja. In: B. Portelli, ed. Omm TA’ BOSTA WLIED minn Bir Miftuħ sal-Gudja. Malta: Parroċċa Santa Marija Gudja, pp. 53-62.

historical and architectural research should

CONCLUSION

investigate the other seven parishes that

In conclusion, the Birmiftuħ Church and

originally emerged from the Birmiftuħ

the St Mary Parish Church are inextricably

mother church, mapping their artistic

linked, serving as consecutive chapters in

divergences. Furthermore, a direct

the spiritual and architectural history of

comparative study between Birmiftuħ and

Gudja. While they differ vastly in style, from

the Ħal Millieri chapel should be conducted,

the austere, windowless medieval Gothic

as these stand as the two most prominent

arches of Birmiftuħ to the grandiose, star-

surviving medieval chapels of their kind

ceilinged baroque splendour of St Mary,

Wettinger, L., 1991. Ir-raħal tal-Gudja. Festa

on the island. Given the rich tapestry of

their shared dedication to the Assumption

Santa Marija, Gudja, 1991, pp. 9-10.

artworks, unique structural anomalies

forms an unbroken timeline of village

50 || Futouristic

Randon, S. F., 2013. Birmiftuħ. Malta: Din l-Art Ħelwa.

Terribile, T. and Ciantar, P.P., 2000. Dawra mal-knisja tal-Gudja. Festa ta’ Santa Marija, Gudja, 2000, pp. 25, 27, 29.

S tudent R esearch

“Verba Volant, Scripta Manent”: Reliving a dramatic 19th century historical event, through notarial deeds EMMANUEL BONNICI H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

W

INTRODUCTION

chronicle that parallels the mainstream

during this tragedy, notarial acts like the

hile history frequently

historical narrative of a nation transitioning

“Plague Will” emerged, written on wood due

glorifies military conquests

under British colonial rule.

to the belief that the material was immune

and transient acts of heroism, the quieter, less

visible act of recording human experiences has long been marginalised. This research challenges that perspective by highlighting the enduring significance of the written word, specifically through the lens of notarial deeds in Malta. Dating back to at least 1270 CE, the notarial profession became an integral part of Malta’s legal and social fabric, sought after by a largely illiterate society to register binding agreements for posterity. This essay delves deep into the notarial archives to explore the devastating Bubonic Plague of 1813– 1814. By retrieving these documents, the study sheds light on the intimate, human narratives of individuals facing death, managing familial duties, and protecting their legacies, thus revealing a vital social

LITERATURE REVIEW The literature review contextualises the historical development of the Notary Public

to the disease, illustrating the unique adaptations of a highly religious society in extreme distress.

in Malta, known colloquially as “Il Magnifico”,

RESEARCH METHODS

tracing early regulations back to the Norman

To uncover the lived experiences during the

and Aragonese periods, and later laws

plague, this study employed a qualitative

imposed by the Order of St John and the

literature review combined with primary

British government. It examines archival

archival research. The methodology heavily

theory, noting how notarial documents,

relied on retrieving notarial acts from

which encompass the full gamut of human

the Office of the Notary to Government

experience, were historically ignored by

and the Notarial Registers Archives in

researchers and left to deteriorate until

Valletta. A predefined list of Valletta-based

recent restoration efforts. The review also

notaries active during and immediately

addresses the 1813–1814 plague, discussing

after the plague was compiled to pinpoint

its origins via the brigantine San Nicolò,

relevant registers. Due to the intricate

and the strict health measures enforced,

cursive calligraphy, fraying paper, and

including severe penalties, the division of

complex 19th-century Italian terminology,

Valletta into districts, and the disinfection of

a professional transcriber was utilised to

food and money. The literature notes that

ensure the accuracy of the translations. The

Access the full text of the research here

An ex-voto of the 1813-14 plague, depicting a scene at the Valletta ditch, at the Mellieħa Sanctuary

Futouristic || 51

The original Denunzja or Causa Mortis in Italian and the translation into English

research systematically analysed five distinct

The third document, a Sea Protest by

meticulously catalogued their possessions,

notarial documents, supplementing these

Captain Giacomo Marengo, sheds light

which were deposited at the Monte di Pietà

primary sources with secondary academic

on the devastating economic disruption

per health regulations, whilst concurrently

books and journals to provide a robust

caused by the plague. Smuggling grain from

settling outstanding debts and navigating

socio-religious and historical framework.

Gibraltar, Marengo’s cargo was seized by

claims from questionable creditors.

port authorities due to the disease, leaving

Collectively, these documents provide a

him in heavy debt and his ship deteriorating

profound, granular view of social standing,

in Malta’s harbour. The notary’s role as

risk, trust, and survival.

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The core of this research is a meticulous historical analysis of five specific notarial deeds, revealing how individuals navigated the crisis. The first document is the Plague Will of Reverend Dun Filippu Calleja,

an impartial witness to this inter-vivos act highlights the absolute authority of the profession in managing trade disputes.

RECOMMENDATIONS The study recommends significantly enhancing the accessibility and scholarly use

hastily written on a small piece of wood in

Fourth, an Act of Declaration of Power of

of the notarial archives. While digitisation

September 1813. This document highlights

Attorney executed by Alexander Break to his

is progressing, indexing documents with

his intense urgency to make amends

associate in Sicily underscores the necessity

thematic keywords such as maritime disputes,

in extremis, his strong sense of family

of maintaining commerce during the health

epidemics, or natural events is crucial to

obligation, and his community compassion,

crisis. Amidst the risks of the plague and the

streamline research. It is also recommended

notably pardoning a debtor on the condition

tumultuous Napoleonic Wars, Break granted

to integrate compelling archival content into

that a legal case against him be dropped.

sweeping discretionary powers to his

academic curricula to make historical events

attorney, revealing immense personal trust

more relatable to students. Furthermore,

and strategic foresight to ensure business

researchers should be encouraged to follow

continuity.

up on unresolved cases found within these

The second document involves a nomination for a Jus Patronatus, requested

by Michel’Angelo Zammit for vacant church land. This petition vividly illustrates how

Finally, a Denunzja (Declaration Causa

familial ties, social standing, and public

Mortis) made by Vincenzo Costa on behalf

service during the plague were leveraged

of his orphaned minor granddaughter

to secure positions of influence, further

illustrates the critical role of notarial and

demonstrating the complex intertwining

judicial systems in protecting vulnerable

of Church authority and British colonial

citizens. Following the intestate plague

endorsement.

deaths of the child’s parents, Costa

52 || Futouristic

deeds to broaden the understanding of Malta’s legal and economic history. Finally, historical quarantine sites associated with the plague, including the Lazzaretto on Manoel Island, Barriera Wharf, and the statue of St Roque in Valletta, must be rehabilitated and made accessible through educational guided tours.

S tudent R esearch

The plague will at the Notarial Archives Foundation Museum, Valletta.

CONCLUSION

Cassar, P., 1965. The Correspondence of a

This essay successfully demonstrates

Senglea Merchant During the Plague of 1813.

that notarial records are far more than dry legal contracts; they are the raw, unedited narratives of human resilience and vulnerability. Through the exploration of wills, sea protests, and guardianship declarations crafted during the terrifying Plague of 1813–1814, these documents bridge the past and the present, offering an unparalleled social chronicle. Preserving and interpreting these archives is imperative,

Cassar, P. and Ganado, A., 1979. Two more documents of 1813 written on wood during the plague of Malta. Melita Historica, 7(4), pp.

356-362.

Cook, T., 2011. The Archive(s) is a foreign country: historians, archivists, and the changing archival landscape. The American Archivist, 4, pp. 600-632.

as they illuminate the everyday struggles

De Piro, G. M., 1833. Ragguaglio della

of individuals who are often excluded from

epidemia pestilenziale che afflisse l’Isole di

mainstream history, ensuring that their

Malta e Gozo nel 1813.

profound legacy remains an unforgettable part of the Maltese identity.

Fiorini, S., 2005. The history of the notarial profession in Malta. In: J. Abela, ed. Salvate

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

Nos: Saving the Notarial Archives. Malta:

Abela, J., 2020. A brief history of the

Gutenberg Press, pp. 21-35.

collection. In: J. Abela, ed. Salvate Nos: Saving the Notarial Archives. Malta: Gutenberg Press, pp. 37-49.

Abela, J. and Buttigieg, E., 2020. NAV: A Survey of the Past, Present and Future of the Notarial Archives of Valletta, Malta. Nuovi Annali della Scuola Speciale per Archivisti e Bibliotecari, Firenze: Leo S. Olschki.

Peresso, V., 2019. Il-Pesta ft-1813: Testament ta’ Dun Filippu Calleja u xi Prekawzjonijiet f’Ħaż-Żebbuġ. Festa San Filep, Żebbuġ, pp.

169-176.

Refalo, M., 2014. The Maltese NineteenthCentury Notary and His Archives. 1st ed.

Malta: BDL Publishing.

“

Staines, P., 2008. Essays on Governing Malta (1800-1813). Essay 16: The Plague (18131814). Malta: P.E.G Ltd, pp. 562-564.

Collectively, these documents provide a profound, granular view of social standing, risk, trust, and survival.

”

Futouristic || 53

The pillbox in St. Julian’s then and now (period image from National War Museum Archives)

Malta’s WWII Pillboxes - Forgotten Fortresses of Heritage and Tourism JAN STRUSKI H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

T

INTRODUCTION

fortresses can be preserved and repurposed

forces at the beaches and inland stop lines.

he landscape of Malta is globally

as meaningful heritage and tourism sites

The literature further documents the rapid

renowned for its monumental

today.

evolution of pillbox design, transitioning

fortifications and coastal forts; however, alongside these

historical giants lies a network of frequently overlooked and ignored military structures known as pillboxes. Constructed just prior to and during the Second World War, these reinforced concrete bunkers were a direct response to the mounting threat of an Axis invasion. They were designed to disrupt, delay, and channel enemy forces during an amphibious or airborne assault. Despite their critical role in Malta's wartime survival, these structures quickly lost their strategic importance following the war, leading to a legacy of abandonment, demolition, and marginalisation. This extended abstract outlines research aimed at examining the historical context, defensive purpose, and postwar legacy of these structures, ultimately exploring how these forgotten

54 || Futouristic

LITERATURE REVIEW The literature review explores Malta's strategic importance in the Mediterranean, a value amplified by the opening of the Suez Canal, which positioned the island as a vital naval hub for the British Empire. The review details the intense Axis bombardments and the planned, but

from carefully camouflaged, rubble-clad structures meant to blend into the rural landscape, to mass-produced, box-shaped concrete emplacements built for speed and volume as the threat intensified. The review concludes by highlighting a significant gap in secondary literature regarding these structures compared to earlier fortifications.

ultimately aborted, Operation Herkules,

RESEARCH METHODS

which aimed to execute a combined

To thoroughly investigate the role and fate

airborne and amphibious invasion of Malta

of Malta's pillboxes, this study adopted

in 1942. It traces a significant shift in British

a qualitative, document-based research

defensive planning, noting that advances

design combined with onsite observations

in modern warfare and the Blitzkrieg

and historical context analysis. Primary

doctrine rendered monumental fortresses

archival material was extracted from

vulnerable. Consequently, British military

the National Archives in Rabat and the

engineers shifted to a dispersed defensive

National War Museum, including official

network of pillboxes, barbed wire, and

correspondence between the War Office

trenches designed to trap and delay enemy

Headquarters and the Malta Command.

S tudent R esearch

The pillbox in Xgħajra then and now (period image from National War Museum Archives)

These documents traced both the pre-war

structures entirely demolished, leading to a

transformed into traditional museums,

land acquisitions for pillbox construction

complete loss of defensive heritage in the

but rather preserved through low-impact

and the postwar discussions regarding their

area.

conservation and clear interpretation.

demolition. To complement the document analysis, site visits and visual photographic comparisons were conducted, using the localities of St Julian's and Xgħajra as primary case studies. This methodology allowed the researcher to directly observe the current condition of the structures and compare them against wartime archival photographs to determine how different environments impacted their survival. No interviews or focus groups were conducted during this study.

Conversely, the village of Xgħajra followed a markedly different trajectory. Historically an agricultural area with minimal urban pressure, its low-lying shoreline made it an ideal location for an extensive defensive network. An archival photograph from 1943 illustrates a prominent pillbox on the Xgħajra coast, surrounded by barbed wire and overlooking an Allied fleet. Because Xgħajra experienced limited postwar urban expansion, its historical landscape remained largely intact, allowing several pillboxes to

Implementing minimal interventions, such as installing small signs with QR codes and simple diagrams explaining their function, arcs of fire, and historical context, is essential to transforming abandoned concrete into educational wartime evidence.

Furthermore, it is highly recommended to integrate these structures into thematic World War II walking trails, particularly in readable landscapes like Xgħajra, allowing visitors to experience the defence logic firsthand. Finally, the authorities must establish a comprehensive national

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

survive until the present day. This visual and

The discussion and analysis section provides

historical continuity provides Xgħajra with a

a profound comparative evaluation of

strong potential for heritage interpretation,

the pillboxes in St Julian's and Xgħajra,

as the structures can still be understood

demonstrating how divergent postwar

within their original, isolated geographical

environments dictated the fate of these

context. The analysis stresses that the

CONCLUSION

wartime structures. Archival photographs

marginalisation of pillboxes stems from a lack

In conclusion, Malta's World War II

from 1943 to 1948 show that pillboxes in

of legal protection; they were surrendered

pillboxes were vital, practical components

St Julian's were carefully positioned along

to the civilian government merely as land

of a modern defensive strategy designed

the waterfront to defend vulnerable bays.

parcels rather than protected monuments,

to prevent an Axis invasion. Far from

However, as St Julian's rapidly developed

making their survival entirely dependent on

being random concrete remnants, they

into a densely populated commercial and

local development pressures. The research

represented a coordinated, island-wide

tourist hub, these concrete structures

underscores that the true heritage value of

network of resistance. The research

were increasingly viewed as obstacles and

these pillboxes lies in their non-monumental

successfully highlights that the postwar

nuisances. Archival correspondence from

simplicity and their collective function as an

period inflicted the most damage on these

1948 reveals a negative public perception,

interlocking grid of defence.

structures, driven by urban expansion and

describing the abandoned pillboxes as sites of misuse and an offence to public morality and hygiene. Consequently, the authorities ordered their entrances blocked or the

RECOMMENDATIONS The study recommends that pillboxes should not be heavily restored or

inventory to actively monitor the structural stability, ownership, and threat levels of surviving pillboxes to prevent further accidental destruction.

a lack of heritage appreciation. By officially recognising their historical significance and applying sustainable, interpretationled tourism strategies, Malta can ensure

Futouristic || 55

The proliferation of defensive pill boxes from 1939 onwards (from Spiteri, 1996)

that these modest yet deeply meaningful

Pakenham, T., 1993. The Boer War. London:

fortresses are preserved as enduring

Weidenfeld and Nicolson.

symbols of the island's wartime resilience.

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY Debono, C., 2017. Malta during World War II: The strategic role of the island. Malta: BDL. Liberation Route Europe, 2026. Hiking the Festung - A jewel in the Atlantic Wall.

National Archives Rabat, 1938. File 26349/C.E. Document exchanges regarding acquisition of land for defence purposes.

National Archives Rabat, 1938. File P.W. 1311/38. Public Works Department files relating to pillbox construction.

National Archives Rabat, 1948. File P.W. 240/48. Removal and blocking of wartime pillboxes in coastal areas.

National Archives Rabat, 1948. File P.W. 290/48. Postwar treatment of defence structures.

56 || Futouristic

“

Spiteri, S. C., 1996. British military architecture in Malta. Malta: Progress Press.

Spooner, T., 1996. Supreme gallantry - Malta’s role in the Allied victory, 1939–1945. London: John Murray.

Stumpf, R., 2001. The battle of Malta December 1941–21 May 1942. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

British military engineers shifted to a dispersed defensive network of pillboxes, barbed wire, and trenches designed to trap and delay enemy forces at the beaches and inland stop lines.

S tudent R esearch

Mannequins adorn the reconstructed Spezieria at the Sacra Infermeria (Image by Szilas on Wikimedia Commons).

The medical practices organised by the Knights of Malta in the Sacra Infermeria LUKASZ KWASNIAK H I G H E R N AT I O N A L D I P LO M A I N TO U R I ST G U I D I N G

T

INTRODUCTION he Knights of St John, commonly recognised as a formidable military order responsible for the defence of the Christian faith and the

Mediterranean region, originally held the fundamental purpose of caring for the sick and the poor, a moral and religious duty known as the hospitaller vow or Obsequium Pauperum. Following their arrival in Malta in 1530 and the subsequent devastation of the Great Siege of 1565, the Order initiated the construction of the new capital city, Valletta, which necessitated modern administrative, religious, and healthcare infrastructure.

Consequently, the Sacra Infermeria was

the spheres of pharmacy, administration,

erected in 1574. This research investigates

and medical education. Ultimately,

whether this monumental hospital,

it highlights how profound religious

renowned for its colossal architectural

devotion acted as a powerful catalyst

scale and the luxurious usage of pure silver

for the establishment of a pioneering,

plates for patients, was merely a grandiose

universal public health infrastructure in the

display of the Order's extreme wealth

Mediterranean.

and aristocratic vanity, or an advanced, scientifically based medical facility. By examining the institution's transition from providing basic medieval charitable hospice care to establishing a professionalised, evidence-based healthcare system, the study deeply explores the innovative advancements introduced by the Knights in

LITERATURE REVIEW The literature review systematically synthesises the historical evaluations of the Sacra Infermeria, firmly establishing it as a highly developed, modern, and holistic institution relative to its era. Paul Cassar provides a foundational understanding

Futouristic || 57

miasmas, while its position on the outskirts of the city allowed for effective isolation during contagious outbreaks. In a stark departure from European norms of the era, such as the Hôtel-Dieu de Paris where multiple patients shared a single bed, the Sacra Infermeria provided individual beds, significantly reducing cross-infection and mortality rates. Furthermore, the use of pure silver plates was not merely a display of aristocratic vanity; silver's antimicrobial and bacteriostatic properties served as a

Sacra Infermeria versus Hôtel-Dieu de Paris (Buttigieg, 2013)

crucial quality control measure, effectively limiting gastrointestinal infections long before the scientific discovery of bacteria.

of the hospital's pragmatic architectural

research relied heavily on the critical

evolution, detailing its transformation

analysis of historical documents originating

The Spezieria, or pharmacy, represents

into a massive complex with specialised

from the period the Order operated the

the Order's most significant shift towards

wards and an underground pharmacy,

hospital, specifically spanning from 1530

evidence-based medicine. It functioned as

which collectively set an exceptionally

to 1798. Primary data sources evaluated

an advanced laboratory producing over

high standard for hygiene in medical

by modern historians included legal

four hundred standardised medications,

infrastructure. George Gregory Buttigieg

records such as the Statutes of the Order,

moving away from dogmatic traditional

introduces a crucial perspective that

medical ordinances regulating patient

remedies to empirically proven science. The

challenges traditional Eurocentric views;

care, architectural blueprints detailing

Knights leveraged an extensive international

he argues that the Knights introduced

the hospital's layout, and pharmaceutical

supply chain, importing ingredients like

comprehensive socio-medical programmes

inventory lists from the Spezieria. These

Cinchona bark from the Americas to treat

that were heavily influenced by cross-

were triangulated with secondary data from

malaria. They also fiercely protected

cultural trade, particularly drawing on

prominent medical historians like Cassar,

local resources, such as the Maltese

Byzantine and Islamic medical practices.

Savona-Ventura, and Buttigieg to ensure

Mushroom (Cynomorium Coccineum) found

This separated their practices from other

academic credibility. The methodological

on Fungus Rock in Gozo. This parasitic

European models, which were often densely

evaluation focused primarily on three

plant was systematically processed into

packed and unhygienic. Furthermore,

main pillars: the medical school, the staff

standardised dosages to treat dysentery and

Charles Savona-Ventura highlights the

hierarchy, and the pharmacy. The study

haemorrhages, and access to it was guarded

strict professional hierarchy of the medical

acknowledges certain limitations, notably

by a permanent military garrison. Quality

staff and the critical role of the Spezieria,

the language barriers associated with

control within the pharmacy was maintained

the hospital's advanced pharmacy, which

translating medieval Italian documents, the

through the use of Majolica ceramic jars,

supplied not only the hospital but the

potential biases in the Knights' self-glorifying

which prevented chemical corruption,

navy and local civilian population with

records which may have omitted failures like

while rigorous inventory and prescription

meticulously regulated medications. The

hospital-acquired infections, and periods

records were kept by dedicated clerks to

review also incorporates the works of

of incomplete documentation, particularly

monitor patient outcomes and eliminate the

Blouet, Vann, and Ellul to contextualise the

during the seventeenth century when the

influence of inefficient traditional healers.

broader historical background, including the

facility suffered from staffing shortages.

diverse hospital population and the eventual

Education and administration were

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

similarly advanced. The establishment

The analysis reveals that the Sacra

of the School of Anatomy and Surgery in

Infermeria was meticulously designed

1676 by Grand Master Nicolas Cotoner

with medical efficacy as its paramount

formalised medical training. Shifting

objective. Architecturally, the building

away from basic apprenticeships, the

RESEARCH METHODS

featured a colossal 155-metre Great Ward

curriculum mandated empirical learning

Given the retrospective nature of the topic,

that explicitly prioritised patient space,

through human dissection in a dedicated

the study adopted a qualitative historical

privacy, and vital ventilation. Its strategic

room, specialised surgical training, and a

research methodology, as quantitative

location near the Grand Harbour facilitated

strict validation process. Administratively,

approaches and ethnographic interviews

the rapid transport of injured sailors and

the hospital operated under a rigid,

with eyewitnesses were not viable. The

provided fresh sea breezes to dispel foul

military-style hierarchy led by the Grand

deterioration of the hospital's state-of-theart status towards the end of the eighteenth century due to diminishing funds and political instability.

58 || Futouristic

S tudent R esearch

Access the full text of the research here

A reconstruction of the activity in the main hall of the Sacra Infermeria during the times of the Order of St. John.

Hospitaller. Clinical authority was held by

of archival records from the transition

the Protomedicus, who centralised physician

periods under French and subsequent

licensing and enforced strict bedside

British rule is highly recommended. Such

protocols, requiring doctors to visit patients

research would clarify whether the state-

twice daily and record observations in

of-the-art standards established by the

Buttigieg, G. G., 2013. Hospital Practice

ledger books that served as early medical

Order were maintained, adapted, or entirely

and Socio-Medical Administration under the

charts. This rigorous structure ensured

dismantled by the new governing powers,

Knights of St John in Rhodes (1310-1527) and

that the religious duty of serving the sick

thereby providing a more comprehensive

Malta (1530-1798).

and poor translated into universal, holistic,

understanding of the continuous evolution

and free healthcare tailored to individual

of healthcare in Malta.

dietary and medical needs, irrespective of social status or religion. The Order also implemented proactive epidemiological measures through the Sanitatis Domini, utilising quarantine islands (Lazarettos) to enforce maritime health certificates and protect the island from plague outbreaks.

However, the analysis also notes that by the 1790s, diminishing wealth, overcrowding, and the breakdown of strict hierarchies led to a decline in these exceptional standards, a deterioration that was firmly cemented by the expulsion of the Order in 1798.

CONCLUSION The medical practices organised by the Knights of Malta at the Sacra Infermeria represent a remarkable convergence of religious devotion, immense wealth, and empirical science. Far from being a mere display of aristocratic opulence, the hospital was a pioneering institution

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY Blouet, B., 2024. Story of Malta. BDL publishing.

Cassar, P., 1994. The Holy Infirmary of the Knights of St John, La Sacra Infermeria.

Editorial Board of the Sacra Infermeria.

Cassar, P., 2005. Medical History of Malta.

Malta: Miller Publications.

Ellul, M., 1989. The Sacra Infermeria since 1800: a historical survey. Maltese Medical Journal, 1(3), pp. 20-29.

in universal healthcare. Through the

Savona-Ventura, C., 2004. Knight Hospitaller

implementation of strict hygiene protocols,

Medicine in Malta. Malta: PEG Publications.

a scientifically driven pharmacy, rigorous medical education, and centralised clinical administration, the Order successfully

Savona-Ventura, C., 2018. Valletta 2018: Medical Heritage. Malta: University of Malta.

RECOMMENDATIONS

transitioned from providing basic medieval

Sire, H. J. A., 1994. The Knights of Malta. New

The study recommends that future

charity to delivering an advanced, evidence-

Haven: Yale University Press.

historical research should focus on the

based medical system. The Sacra Infermeria

broader socio-economic impact of the

stands as a profound testament to an era

Vann, T. M., 2007. The archives and library

Knights' medical practices on the Maltese

where the Knights of St John established

of the Sacra Infermeria, Malta. In: Bowers,

population, specifically investigating

revolutionary public health standards that

B. S. ed. The medieval hospital and medical

whether the advanced treatments of the

bridged cultures and were centuries ahead

practice. Ashgate Publishing Ltd, pp. 19-40.

Obsequium Pauperum extended beyond

of their time.

the urban elite to rural civilians across the island. Additionally, a detailed examination

Futouristic || 59

Dark Mdina and Rabat

R AY M O N D J . VA S S A L LO ITS VISITING LECTURER

T

he tendency to visit places

This sensation creates a demand in

Tourism into the “darkest-lightest” degree

with a dark past or mysterious

leisure-related travel trends that is

or “shades” of darkness that are assigned to

background mainly comes from an

alternately referred to as “thanatourism”

a particular type of Dark Tourism supplier.

inquisitive curiosity, which arouses

from the Greek Thanatos, the mythological

Some sites and events may be “darker” than

in people a profound sense of awe, fear or

personification of death. This relatively

others depending “upon various defining

disbelief. The tourist is inspired to visit ‘dark’

new phenomenon involving visits to real

characteristics, perceptions and product traits”.

sites such as graves, crypts and catacombs;

and recreated places associated with death,

(Stone, 2006, p. 145).

as well as the sites of macabre events that

suffering, misfortune and the seemingly

tend to linger in our imagination to a greater

macabre is also termed “Dark Tourism”.

extent than others.

Philip R. Stone classifies various types of Dark

60 || Futouristic

Stone further breaks down his darkestlighter spectrum into “seven dark suppliers” of morbid tourism ranging from resting

Two adjoining towns which are a favourite

highly ornate marble lapidae similar to those

with foreign travellers in general are

at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. The

Rabat and Mdina. Both localities contain

cathedral classifies as a Dark Resting Place

primordial historical sites and events

since “The remains of several bishops and

that have been visited and propagated

canons, as well as laymen from noble families,

throughout the years. The most commonly

are buried in the cathedral” (Deguara, 2008).

frequented are those offering grandeur and

The crypt of the cathedral is open for the

splendour but the other side of the coin, is

public in November during the All Souls day

also on offer, namely the dark and austere.

celebrations.

VILHENA PALACE

PALAZZO FALSON AND THE CARMELITE

Near the entrance to the old capital of

CHURCH

Mdina, and falling under the ‘darkest’

In the ‘lightest’ category are Palazzo Falson

category, stands Vilhena Palace which today

and the Carmelite Church in Mdina. Palazzo

houses the National Museum of Natural

Falson, a thirteenth century palace in

History. The Palace was built in 1726 by

Cathedral Square popularly known as the

Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena.

Norman House, has an intriguing history

Although it portrays architectural grandeur,

due to the infamous Matteo Falsone who

it was originally built as the Magisterial

in 1574 fled to Sicily after being tried by the

Palace of Justice, and offers fascinating

Inquisition for his interest in the Lutheran

displays inside the museum today, it has a

religion considered at that time as a

macabre history of suffering and agony.

heretical sin against the Catholic Faith. The

The Palace was a symbol of the pain and sorrow both when it served as a court of law and as a temporary hospital for the cure of cholera in 1837. Later in 1909, the palace opened to serve as a sanatorium for patients with tuberculosis until the early 20th century.

MDINA DUNGEONS Beneath the palace are the Mdina Dungeons, an exhibition recreated for The Carmelite Church in Mdina. When on the 2nd September 1798 the French rulers of Malta tried to auction its valuables the Maltese revolted and started the two-year blockade (Image by Frank Vincentz on Wikimedia Commons)

entertainment purposes and which thus may be classified as ‘lightest’. This form of entertainment is not considered best practice in dark heritage interpretation.

According to Farrugia (2008, p. 33) “Mdina dungeons tend to concentrate on the sense

places to sites of entertainment orientation.

A few examples from Maltese history and culture are provided in this essay.

The demand creates the supply and the supply of Dark Tourism is quite abundant in Malta. A number of publications on mysterious and bizarre happenings have been released with stories and legends that have been handed down through generations. Some tales might be genuine historical facts, but others may have been amplified and elaborated with a possible intent of commercialising this particular tourism market.

house was eventually purchased by Captain Olaf Gollcher in 1927 who proceeded to collect a hoard of unusual artefacts. This seventeen-room palace is presently open to the public as a house-museum of historic collections.

Just off the Cathedral Square one finds the Church of the Annunciation better known as The Carmelite Church. Part of this temple’s past is written down in dark history when during the French occupation, the church’s gold, silver and damask were earmarked for auction on orders by Napoleon. The event was abandoned but the story continues in the next visit of one ‘darkest’ historic-centric episode in Rabat.

of terror related to the imaginative methods

Following the rule of the Maltese islands

of torture inflicted on their denizens. This

by the Knights of St John, Malta fell into

class of site would, therefore, better be

the hands of the French in June 1798. At

served locally by a less commercialised

first, the Maltese were pleased to get rid of

venture, unencumbered by so-called ‘eerie’

the Order and displayed sympathy for the

effects such as wailing and grotesque

French. This attitude was reversed when

figures”.

the French began to loot silver and gold

MDINA CATHEDRAL One other ‘supplier’ which falls under the history-centric and burial site category is the Mdina Cathedral. Dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, it was reconstructed after its demolition by an earthquake in 1693. What is most noteworthy in the interior of the cathedral is the floor made of

from churches to fund Napoleon’s wars while they introduced new taxes. Only three months into French rule the Maltese had had enough of their arrogance and predominance. On 2nd September 1798, gold, silver and other valuables were scheduled for sale by auction from churches and convents in Rabat and Mdina which had

Futouristic || 61

Beautifully restored, today it is a prime tourist attraction but also a thanatouristic site: the Arabs who succeeded the Romans in Malta converted the site into an extensive Islamic cemetery. 245 burial sites in limestone tombstones were found overlying the remains of the villa. Many Koranic Kufic inscriptions were unearthed during excavations of the cemetery. A silver signet ring found on the hand of a skeleton, a sarcophagus and a few limestone tombstones are on display at the museum of the Domus Romana. Regrettably, the graves were covered up for conservation purposes (Heritage Malta, 2021).

THE CATACOMBS Malta boasts its own mysterious places of repose in the form of the catacombs, The grounds of the Domus Romana were turned into a cemetary by the Arabs (Image by Sudika on Wikimedia Commons

which are found dotted around various parts of the island. St Paul’s and St Agatha’s

been closed following orders by Napoleon.

threw him to the street below. It is said

The first church earmarked was the Church

that the ghost of Masson roamed around

of the Nativity of Our Lady (better known

the house which was demolished to make

as Ta’ Gieżu) run by the Franciscan Friars

space for new buildings. This momentous

Minors which is located on the Rabat side

event is considered as an important episode

across Mdina. Through the intervention of

in ‘Malta’s struggle for national liberation”

an angry and vociferous crowd the auction

(Testa, 1997, pgs 259-261).

was abandoned, and the valuables taken to safety. The auctioneers escaped and proceeded unnoticed to Mdina to conduct a similar auction at the Carmelite Church.

They found another crowd protesting outside after a boy rang the church bells for help from surrounding villages. The Notary and auctioneers fled after being pelted with stones and the crowd dispersed.

Later that day, the French Commander of Mdina, Lazare Masson together with two French officers went to Rabat to investigate.

The people gathered in Rabat’s narrow streets and accosted Masson who had started waving his unsheathed sword in a menacing manner. The three Frenchmen fled for safety across the small square by the Franciscan church where they took shelter inside the house of Notary Pietro Antonio Bezzina. The furious crowd gave chase and broke down the door. Masson put his sword down and tried to smoothtalk the angry Maltese but one of those present hit him on the back of his head with a stone. They then kicked and beat him to death, carried him to a balcony and

62 || Futouristic

“darkest” of sites in the Maltese islands.

The Romans continued the Punic tradition of hewing underground tombs, a practice which still survived in the 4th century AD in the shape of Christian hypogea although Roman paganism and Imperial worship had previously been the officially recognized

TA’ ĠIEŻU CHURCH Ta’ Gieżu Church features in the ‘light’ category in an earlier period soon after the arrival of the Knights of St John in 1530. The Church has an adjoining Franciscan convent where the first Grandmaster Philippe Villiers de L’Isle Adam had a room and died there in 1534. The room still exists and on rare occasions it is open for public viewing.

According to local tradition, L’Isle Adam’s heart is preserved as a sacred relic at the Annunciation Church situated in Ix-Xagħra tal-Lunzjata between Rabat and Dingli.

religion. Many such burial places, about 372 in total, were discovered outside the Mdina bastions and in the suburb of Rabat. St Paul’s Catacombs stand out as the foremost and largest example in Rabat and provides the earliest evidence of the Christian faith in Malta.

The catacombs cover over 2000 square metres, 420 burials, 23 separate entrances, and 1025 tombs in various types: hewn in the wall, in the ground, or in a burial chamber surmounted by a four-arched canopy. Amulets were buried with the

DOMUS ROMANA The Domus Romana on the outskirts of Mdina, an early Roman dwelling believed to have been built in the 1 century, classifies st

in the ‘darkest’ category. Built by a Roman aristocrat and richly decorated, it was accidentally discovered in 1881 and opened to the public the following year. It was considered a pioneering endeavour as the first building in Malta to open as a museum (Bonanno, 2005).

Catacombs in Rabat are considered the

bodies. These were believed to provide protection in the afterlife, warding off evil spirits; or as revenge on an enemy (as per an inscription on a Phoenician papyrus enclosed in a 6th century amulet found at Tal-Virtu in 1968). The catacombs include various symbols of graves possibly for members of particular guilds, as well as carving of a Jewish menorah. Twenty of St Paul’s catacombs are open to visitors. The best feature inside the catacombs are the

(2006) emphasises that the experiences of visitors at Dark Tourism sites should be further studied as they are important for contemporary society and culture.

Nonetheless, the sites mentioned in this work relate mainly to periods in the distant past. It then depends on the way they are interpreted and documented as the past is not inanimate or inert. Dark Tourism, in all its forms and with all its complexities, demonstrates a novel path to unlock some of Malta’s best kept secrets, or, alternatively, re-experience some of its most renowned historical occasions. Finally, the publicising of these alternative locations within the popular culture market should be further encouraged, as these have proved extremely successful abroad in countries which cannot even offer a fraction of Malta’s richly embroidered historical and cultural The Mdina Dungeons (Image by mdinadungeons.com)

spectrum.

REFERENCES

Agape tables hewn out of rock indicating

name. During the reign of Grandmaster

that during Roman times burials had a very

Manuel Pinto de Fonseca (1741-1773) seven

social background element to celebrate

people were executed on these gallows.

the parting of a relative. (Bonanno, Malta -

Two of the condemned were also beheaded

Bonanno, A. 2005. Malta - Phoenician, Punic

Phoenician, Punic and Roman, 2005)

after the execution and their heads placed

and Roman. Valletta: Midsea Books Ltd, pp.

on a column at the village centre. The

308-317.

The catacombs were also used as a quarry, as places of worship and as water cisterns.

In more recent times, people used them as refuge from air-raids during World War II. Just a short distance away, St. Agatha’s Catacombs also offer several underground corridors and over five hundred different kinds of graves. These catacombs contain unique Siculo-Byzantine and GraecoRoman style frescoes dating back to early Christianity (Bonanno, 2005).

Webinar. https://heritagemalta.org

practice of hanging continued under British rule and in 1802 an eventful execution took

Bonello, G. 2018. Foreword. In Fiona Vella,

place at this site. Francesco Mariano, a

Bizarre Malta. BDL Publishing.

Neapolitan was awaiting trial for stealing from St Publius Church in Floriana. He had been promised that he would be freed

Deguara, A. 2008. The Metropolitan Cathedral - Mdina. Santa Venera: Heritage Books.

if he acted as an executioner since there

Farrugia, F. 2008. Dark Tourism - An

was no one to do the job at the time. The

Exploration and its Potential for the Maltese

condemned man was Salvu Farrugia who

Islands. Welcome - Journal of the Institute of

had killed another man in a fight. It was the

Tourism Studies, p. 33.

custom that an army officer would shoot the executed man in the head to ensure that he

In both the above-mentioned underground

was dead. On that day, it so happened that

necropolis, one shivers at the spooky

while the officer was pulling out his pistol,

atmosphere in an otherwise spectacular and

the weapon accidentally went off and the

macabre environment, but they should also

bullet hit Mariano who died on the spot.

be experienced bearing in mind the cultural

It was a freak accident which, according

context especially the then prevalent belief

to the people, was justified as Mariano

system of ancient people.

still received the punishment he deserved

GALLOWS SQUARE

Balzan, M. 2021, April 13th. Il-Forka.

(Balzan, 2021).

In the ‘darkest’ category is also a visit to

There is much to learn from the above visits.

Gallows Square in Rabat. During the rule of

One can reflect upon the difficult social and

the Knights of St John serious crimes were

human experiences of the people of each

punishable by hanging and executions took

era and engage in critical thinking about the

place in this square which still bears that

political, social and religious aspects. Stone

Heritage Malta. 2021. Retrieved from https:// heritagemalta.org/domvs-romana: https:// heritagemalta.org/domvs-romana Stone, P. 2006. A dark tourism spectrum: Towards a typology of death and macabre related tourist sites, attractions and exhibitions. In Tourism: An Interdisciplinary International Journal Vol. 54 (2) pp.145-160.

Testa, C. 1997. The French in Malta 17981800. Valletta: Midsea Books Ltd.

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