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The Journey within
2
Malta: The Sacred Island
3-4
The Malta Pilgrimage
5-8
A Cultural Itinerary
9 - 11
Malta’s Festas
12
Calendar of Festas
13 -14
Pope’s Quotations
15 - 16
General Information
17
THE SHIPWRECK The soldiers made a plan to kill the prisoners, in order to keep them from swimming ashore and escaping. But the army officer wanted to save Paul, so he stopped them from doing this. Instead, he ordered all the men who could swim to jump overboard first and swim ashore; the rest were to follow holding on to the planks or to some broken pieces of the ship. And this was how we all got safely ashore. When we were safety ashore we learned that the island was called Malta. The natives there were very friendly to us. It had started to rain and was cold, so they built a fire and made us all welcome. Acts of the Apostles, Act. 27,28
Thoughts in a Transit Lounge Let us depart – for a time – from our habitual dwelling-place and remind ourselves that we have no “permanent abode” on earth but are always in search of the city of the future. The roots of our life may have become deeply embedded in a particular soil, but our hearts continue to yearn after “somewhere else”, the site of a less humdrum existence, a foretaste of individual fulfilment and shared happiness. All distant places are different from one’s own, but not all are equally rich sources of renewed life. Not all enable us to rediscover old, but living, roots with the same degree of ease and freedom. In Malta, you can tread in the very footsteps of the Apostle Paul where, after shipwreck, he dis-envenomed the viper, and where his presence carved in street-corner images and in the soul of its inhabitants can still be strongly felt today. You can still descend into the vowels of the earth and visit the temples of the Mother Goddess, our common Ancestor, where, for five thousand years, men and women have come from across the seas, to question oracle and priestess about the secrets of fertility, as they still come to experience the sunlit, baroque splendour of the numerous feasts of Our Lady, human icon of the new Adam’s victory over death and drabness. In Holy week, Malta appears not only as the cultural crossroads, at the centre of the world’s most historic sea, where North meets South and the Western world is wedded to the East, but also as a place – a navel of the earth – where the interface between history and eternity becomes peculiarly manifest.
Rev. Prof. P. Serracino Inglott
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Scholars tend to agree that about five thousand years ago Malta was considered a sacred island. An extraordinary number of temples, associated with the cult of a mother-goddess or ancestral type of figure, were built on the island then. They still exert an enigmatic fascination now. The size and magnificence of these temples suggest that perhaps people from all over the Mediterranean came to worship here in ancient times. One can hardly imagine a more evocative setting for the meditation on the mysteries of life and death. In our age of genetic engineering and nuclear energy, the ritual-spaces of the first inventors of agriculture and the manipulation of the earth’s fertility, still pose questions and invite to peace.
The Temples suggest that perhaps people from all over the Mediterranean came to worship here.
Two thousand years ago, St. Paul brought Christianity to the island and the hospitality of the Maltese was recorded in the Bible. Many sites, traditions, images and celebrations still speak eloquently of the enduring stamp which the apostle left behind and which still enable the visitor to recapture the spirit of his extraordinary impact. Vast underground labyrinths evoke haunting memories of early Christian religious experience. In some places, the very sites of the prehistoric cult of the Mother-Goddess, transformed into the Punic and Roman goddesses of fertility, became centres of Christian devotion to the Virgin Mary. There are some fascinating rock hewn chapels dating back to Byzantine and Medieval times and other architectural and iconographic relics, such as wall-paintings. After the centuries shadowed over by the Muslim occupation of the island, the second most impressive flaring out of the religious spirit of the Maltese occurred. The crusading Order of St. John, the members of which are still known, to this day, as the Knights of Malta, settled on the island. The Knights brought with them the famous image of Our Lady of Damascus, the oldest known representation of the Mother holding the child Jesus with his cheek against hers, “the Virgin of Tenderness”. Following the victory over the besieging forces of Suleiman the Magnificent in 1565, the Knights patronised a most remarkable expression of Baroque religious culture. The Knights came from the most aristocratic families of all Europe. The ancient image of the earth-goddess, expressive of man’s triumph over the inadequate productivity of nature for his needs, through the invention of agriculture, is now outshone by the aerial icon of the Queen of Heaven, the bodily assumption of Mary, in a whirl of clouds and flurry of angels, from our mortal sphere into the world of eternal glory.
The Knights brought with them the famous image of Our Lady of Damascus
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The singular language of Maltese Baroque art is characterised above all by its relative restraint and by the overriding influence of Caravaggio. His masterpiece – the Beheading of John the Baptist – is the awe-inspiring centrepiece of the Co-Cathedral church in Valletta. The most impressive fact is that the religious spirit of this art is still alive. The celebration of the feastdays of the patron-saints of each village, as well as the Good Friday processions, are instances of street-theatre enacted by the actively participating crowds. The Knights patronised a most remarkable expression of Baroque religious culture.
It is not part of the Maltese religious tradition to exclude strangers from participating. On the contrary, interest and observation by fellow human beings to whom the expression of the local culture is alien, is usually most welcome. Indeed, open hospitality is precisely what most Maltese believe religion is about.
The painting of Caravaggio: “The beheading of John the Baptist”.
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(The below is a suggested program. A tailored made program will be drawn up suiting your group’s needs)
Arrival at Malta International Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Time permitting: A meeting with a local priest, nun, layperson, or historian who will give the group an insight into the deep religious roots which influence the daily lives of most Maltese people. Aim:
to provide an overview of an Island-State engulfed in 2000 years of Christian Pilgrimage.
Religious motifs, such as niches and door knockers are commonly found, reflecting the religious roots of the Maltese
Tour of Valletta: Visiting St. John’s Co-Cathedral & Museum; Grand Master’s Palace State Rooms and The Malta Experience. During this tour one can see the master piece by Caravaggio “The beheading of St. John”, and the painting of “Our Lady of Damascus”, reputed to be the oldest painting in the world of “The Virgin of Tenderness”. Aim: Valletta, built by the Knights of St. John as a fortress capital city against Muslim attacks, is a show-piece of Christian Culture, a gem of baroque beauty and a 16th century architectural monument. Religious Experience: PRAYER
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
The tapestries at the Grand Master Palace State Rooms
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Visits to the Temples of Hagar Qim & Mnajdra; Tarxien Neolithic Temple (3000 BC); Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (4000 BC). Aim: -
Prehistoric Malta offers a great opportunity: To create an atmosphere of soul searching To meditate the mysteries of life and death
Religious Experience: MEDITATION: A visit to a place of popular Maltese devotions such as the Shrine of The Redeemer at Senglea.
Carved stone blocks found at Hagar Qim
Hypogeum
A full day tour of the Island of Gozo. After a 20 minute ferry boat crossing we will visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Cittadella; the Basilica of St. George; the Neolithic Temple of Ggantija and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu (visited by His Holiness John Paul II). Aim: The serenity of Gozo, the simple happy way of life of the Gozitans, and the natural beauty of the countryside of this Island evoke a desire to live in peace and harmony with God, nature and humanity. Religious Experience: MARIAN DEVOTION: - The small Island of Gozo has about 60 Marian Shrines. We will be visiting the most important two: The Santa Maria Cathedral and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu.
Shrine to Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu
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Visits to the ancient silent city of Mdina (700 BC); The Cathedral of St. Paul (built on the site of the Palace of St. Publius, the first Bishop of Malta, whose father was miraculously healed by St. Paul); the Cathedral Museum; St. Paul’s Grotto (where St. Paul is reputed to have stayed during his stay on the Island); Catacombs; and the Domvs Romana in Rabat. Also a boat cruise to St. Paul’s Islands (where St. Paul was shipwrecked). Aim: St. Paul’s shipwreck in Malta is recorded in two chapters of The Acts of the Apostles written by St. Luke who was with St. Paul on the same ship. - The biblical Message in Malta is 2000 years NEW - The traditional hospitality of the Maltese recorded even in this Bible episode is a vivid expression of Christian Solidarity. Religious Experience: SACRIFICE: - This memorable tour of St. Paul’s highlights in Malta will be marked with the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass at the chapel linked with St. Paul’s Grotto.
St. Paul’s Grotto
Catacombs
Visit to the characteristic fishing village of Marsaxlokk starting with the Parish Church dedicated to Our Lady of Pompei; visit to Ghar Dalam Cave where remains of Neanderthal man were found; visit the Blue Grotto by boat at Zurrieq; visit Mosta Dome – the 4th largest in Europe – dedicated to Santa Maria. Aim: The Maltese way of life still centres around their religion. The church in every town and village is the centre of the community. Feasts of Patron Saints of the town or village are a socio-religious expression rarely found in other parts of the world. Alternative Itinerary for the Festa Season: Participation in the Festa of the Patron Saint of the town/village. - Band marches - Fireworks - Visits to Clubs, Parish Museum etc. - Procession with the Statue of the Patron Saint. A.von Brockdorff Services Ltd. Airways House, High Street, Sliema SLM1551. MALTA. Tel:+356 2132 3854 / 5 / 6 +356 21 334051 Email: info@vonbrockdorff.com http://vonbrockdorff.com/malta/
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FREE – Shopping and relaxation Departure from Malta International Airport.
Notes: 1. This programme will be modified to suit the group’s requirements. 2. Special programmes are available for: -
The Festa Season;
-
Holy Week especially Good Friday and Easter;
-
Christmas;
-
Marian National Feasts.
3. This programme can also be produced in an abridged form as an add-on to European or other tours.
A.von Brockdorff Services Ltd. Airways House, High Street, Sliema SLM1551. MALTA. Tel:+356 2132 3854 / 5 / 6 +356 21 334051 Email: info@vonbrockdorff.com http://vonbrockdorff.com/malta/
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PREHISTORIC MALTA: The Islands are very rich in archaeological remains and the Maltese can trace their origins to about 4200 BC. According to Professor Colin Renfrew, in his book “Before Civilisation”, “the largest temples of Malta are the world’s most impressive prehistoric temples of the world and they are the oldest stone built monuments on earth.” Moreover the world renowned archaeologist David Trump asserted that “these monuments were the first to be built in the world”. Places of interest: Temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra (2700 BC); Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (4000 BC); Tarxien Neolithic Temple (2100 BC); Ghar Dalam Cave (3900 BC). THE BIBLICAL CONNECTION: Malta is one of the few countries mentioned in the Sacred Bible. The story of how St. Paul was shipwrecked in Malta in AD 60 is described in detail in Chapters 27 and 28 of The Acts of the Apostles written by St. Luke who was with St. Paul on the same ship. St. Paul converted the Maltese to Christianity. They have since remained faithful to this religion. Places of interest: St. Paul’s Islands where The Apostle was shipwrecked; St. Paul’s Grotto where The Apostle is reputed to have stayed during his three month stay on the Island; St. Paul’s Catacombs; St. Agatha’s Catacombs; Domus Romana.
St. Paul’s Islands
MDINA: The ancient city of Mdina dates back to 700 BC. It used to be the Capital of Malta before Valletta was built. Mdina is a gem of architecture and is surrounded by bastions whilst the centre is dominated by the Cathedral now dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. The Cathedral is built on the site of the house of Publius the “first man of Malta” who welcomed Paul after his shipwreck. Places of interest: Cathedral of St. Peter & St. Paul; Cathedral Museum; Palazzo Falson.
Mdina
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THE KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN IN MALTA: The Knights came to Malta in 1530 and remained on the Island for 268 years bequeathing a vast and unique heritage. Valletta, Malta’s capital city is possibly the greatest monument built by the Knights. This fortified city houses the richest monument the Island possesses – the Cathedral of St. John. The Auberges were the headquarters of each of the eight linguistic sections of the Knights. Places of interest: The three cities of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea; The Sacra Infermeria (the former hospital of the Knights).
Sacra Infermeria in Valletta
VALLETTA: Valletta is described as the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen. It was built by Grandmaster Jean de La Valette, after the Great Siege of 1565 was won. Valletta is built on a promontory between the two main harbours and was intended to provide accommodation within an area of land which could be adequately defended. Hence the fortifications of Valletta are a masterpiece.
Places of interest: St. John’s Co-Cathedral & Museum; The Palace State Rooms; The Armoury in the Palace; The Church of our Lady of Victories; The National War Museum; Upper Barrakka Gardens; National Museum of Fine Arts; National Archaeological Museum; Manoel Theatre.
A.von Brockdorff Services Ltd. Airways House, High Street, Sliema SLM1551. MALTA. Tel:+356 2132 3854 / 5 / 6 +356 21 334051 Email: info@vonbrockdorff.com http://vonbrockdorff.com/malta/
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MALTESE CHURCHES: In Malta and Gozo there are over 300 churches and chapels. The dominating feature of every Maltese village is its church, Prof. V. Borg states: “Maltese church baroque architecture was conditioned, both structurally and artistically, by one very important factor: Maltese stone”. Places of interest: St. Paul’s Church, Valletta; St. Publius church, Floriana; the Jesuits Church, Valletta; Santa Maria Church, B’Kara; Mosta Dome; various Parish Churches, The Marian Sanctuary, Mellieha.
GOZO: Gozo is the second largest island of the Maltese Archipelago. Though it is only three miles away from Malta it offers a completely different environment. Gozo enjoys a uniquely serene way of life, rich in tradition and folklore. Places of interest: The Cittadella; St. Mary’s Cathedral; St. George’s Basilica; Dwejra (the inland sea); Fungus Rock; Ggantija temples (BC 2800); Shrine of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu.
Citadel Fortifications
THE BAROQUE ROUTE IN MALTA: Malta was described by Christian de Aldecoa as a “Baroque Pearl”. Bomenico Ronconi, another Council of Europe expert proclaimed (1989) that “Malta is indeed a jewel in the crown of Baroque arts and architecture”.
THE MALTESE WAY OF LIFE: In order to know Malta one has to get close to the Maltese way of life as expressed in various forms. The Maltese are Europeans in the midst of the Mediterranean and have a Semitic based language, with a touch of Romance (English and Italian are widely spoken).
St. Paul was shipwrecked in Malta in AD 60
The Knights came to Malta in 1530 & remained for 268 years
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Maltese Festas In Malta the word “holiday” still retains its original meaning – a holy day, or religious festival. The feasts of the Patron Saint of particular village parishes, together with the other religious festivals observed generally throughout the Island, are the most popular holidays. Each festa is an occasion for religious processions and ceremonies commencing with High Mass and culminating in colourful displays of Fireworks. The churches are hung with red damask and strewn with flowers, the embellished altars, often with priceless ornaments. And the facades, brilliant with thousands of coloured electric lamps, combined with the garlanded illuminated streets, turn each village into a fairyland. In the shadow of the church, stalls and booths run a roaring trade in all kinds of foods. Each festa has its own characteristic. That of St. Peter and St. Paul, for example, includes picnicking at Boschetto and later, in the tradition of ancient Rome, horse racing up the hill to Rabat. Aquatic sports are associated with the festival of St. Julian, while, at Msida, the fest of St. Joseph features a “greasy-pole” event. On All souls Day, the graves of the Addolorata Cemetery are adorned with flowers and illuminated by thousands of tiny lamps. The 8th September celebrations which commemorate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as the raising of the Sieges of 1565 (the Great) and of the Second World War, include boat races in the Grand Harbour. On Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday the church bells are silent, and in many villages people decorate their front windows in theme with the Holy Week. Many people do still fast out of devotion on Good Friday.Solemn High Mass precedes the procession of the Holy Eucharist to the Altar of Repose after which devotees, following the Cross and reciting the Rosary, visit the Seven Sepulchres. On Good Friday there is the usual church function followed by the Adoration of the Cross. Immediately afterwards processions are held in the main towns and villages. These processions are rather long with elaborate and beautifully decorated statue-groups representing the mysteries of the Passion. Some of these processions frequently include masked penitents carrying crosses, dragging chains or walking barefoot. The processions at Qormi, Mosta and Valletta have developed into a moving pageant depicting episodes and personalities from the Bible connected with the Passion of Jesus Christ in which hundreds of people take part. At St. Dominic’s Church, in Valletta, the traditional Last Supper is laid and its thirteen portions are later distributed to the poor. The Washing of the Feet is also enacted at St. Dominic’s and in most parishes. The procession of the statue of the Risen Lord concludes the celebrations of the Holy Week on Easter morning or afternoon. Some of the processions hold a symbolic ceremony when the statue reaches a particularly tilting road. Statue bearers literally run with the statue on their shoulders, symbolising Christ rising to heaven from his tomb. On Christmas Eve, members of the Christian Doctrine Society organise processions with the statue of baby Jesus in some towns and villages. Young children participate in these processions or pageants. The traditional midnight mass is preceded by a sermon delivered by a young child. Cribs and street lighting competitions are also organised.
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10th Feb
Shipwreck of St. Paul
nd
in Valletta
2 Sunday after Easter St. Publius
in Floriana
Sunday after Pentecost Holy Trinity
in Marsa
3rd Sunday after Easter
St. Augustine
in Valletta
th
The Annunciation
in Tarxien
nd
2 Sunday in June
St. Philip
in Zebbug
4th Sunday in June
Christ the King
in Paola
Last Sunday in June
St. Nicholas
in Siggiewi
Last Sunday in June
St. George
in Qormi
Last Sunday in June
St. Venera
in St. Venera
Last Sunday in June
Our Lady of Sorrows
in St. Paul’s Bay
29 June
St. Peter & St. Paul
in Nadur, Gozo
1st Sunday in July
5 Sunday after Easter
th
The Immaculate Conception
in Hamrun
st
St. Andrew
in Luqa
st
1 Sunday in July
Corpus Domini
in Rabat
2nd Sunday in July
1 Sunday in July
The Annunciation
in Balzan
nd
Our Lady of Mount Carmen
in Gzira
nd
2 Sunday in July
St. Joseph
in Kalkara
2nd Sunday in July
Madonna of Pompei
In Marsaxlokk
15th July
2 Sunday in July
Our Lady of Mount Carmen
in Valletta
th
St. Joseph
in Msida
3 Sunday in July
St. George
in Rabat, Gozo
3rd Sunday in July
St. Sebastian
in Qormi
Last Sunday in July
Our Lady of Mount Carmen
in Balluta
1 Sun before 4 Aug
St. Dominic
in Valletta
1st Sunday in August
St. Peter
in B’Bugia
Sunday after 16 July rd
st
th
th
6 August st
The Transfiguration of Our Lord in Lija th
1 Sun after 7 Aug
St. Gaetan
in Hamrun
10th August
St. Lawrence
in Vittoriosa
15 August
Santa Maria
in Attard, Qrendi, Ghaxaq, Gudja, Mqabba, Mosta and Rabat, Gozo
Sunday after 15th Aug
Santa Maria
in Mgarr and Dingli
St. Helen
in Birkirkra
th
th
19 August
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26th August
St. Bartholomew
in Gharghur
Sunday after 18th Aug
Stella Maris
in Sliema
Last Sunday in August
St. Julian
St. Julian’s
Last Sunday in August
Conversion of St. Paul
in Safi
1st Sunday in September St. Gregory
in Sliema
1st Sunday in September St. Catherine
in Zurrieq
8th September
The Nativity of Our Lady
in Senglea, Mellieha, Nazzar and Xaghra, Gozo
Sunday after 6th Sep
Our Lady of Graces
in Zabbar
8th December
The Immaculate Conception
in Cospicua
On Palm Sunday
Good Friday Procession
in Ghargur, Ghaxaq and Rabat, Gozo
On Good Friday
Good Friday Procession
in Valletta, Vittoriosa, Senglea, Qormi, Cospicua, Rabat, Luqa, Mosta, Naxxar, Zebbug, Zejtun, Paola In Gozo in Rabat, Nadur, Xaghra and Zebbug
Easter Sunday
Procession with the Risen Lord early in the morning: in Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Senglea, Ghargur, Gzira, Paola, Zejtun, Naxxar, Rabat & Zebbug In the afternoon: in Valletta, Mosta & Qormi
The processions are rather long with elaborate and beautifully decorated statue-groups
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Pope John Paul II at St. Paul’s Grotto,
Rabat during his visit to Malta in May 1990
“It is fitting that my first words on this visit to Malta should be spoken here in the magnificent Saint John’s Cathedral, an eloquent witness to a part of your history that has made your name throughout the world.” 25.05.90 “… this Island of Malta, the Island of St. Paul’s preaching, and Island of Faith, and Island of heroism and devotion.” 25.05.90 “I also come (to Malta) as a pilgrim, to experience at first hand the vitality of your local churches, to pay homage to the past and present accomplishments of all those who have responded generously to the Gospel, and have brought forth works of faith, hope, and love for the Glory of God and the salvation of the world.” 25.05.90 “Malta is not unaffected by the problems and changes transforming the cultural as well as the political face of Europe and the world. Because of its geographical position and history, Malta presents a marvellous symbiosis of European and Mediterranean cultures and is thus well placed to observe and participate in the present changes of outlook. Being at the crossroads of fruitful exchanges between various civilisations, Malta has remained faithful to her traditions of hospitality, as shown recently by the meeting here between the United States and Soviet Heads of State. The Christian faith that came to you two thousand years ago has deeply imbued your family life, your traditions, and almost every manifestation of your character.” 25.05.90 “Earlier today, at Rabat, I was privileged to spend a few moments in silent prayer at the ancient Grotto venerated as Saint Paul’s dwelling during his stay in Malta. In that holy place, I gave thanks to God for the rich harvest of faith and good works which he has brought forth among you since the Apostle of the Gentiles first proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ to your forebears.” 25.05.90 A.von Brockdorff Services Ltd. Airways House, High Street, Sliema SLM1551. MALTA. Tel:+356 2132 3854 / 5 / 6 +356 21 334051 Email: info@vonbrockdorff.com http://vonbrockdorff.com/malta/
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Pope John Paul II with Archbishop Joseph Mercieca during the Beatification Ceremony on the Granaries in Floriana, Malta - 9th May 2001
"No visitor to Malta could fail to be impressed by the devotion of your people, the vibrant faith manifested in your feastday celebrations, the beauty of your churches and shrines. But that gift needs to be shared with others, it needs to be articulated." 18.04.10
"Here in Malta, you live in a society that is steeped in Christian faith and values. You should be proud that your country both defends the unborn and promotes stable family life by saying no to abortion and divorce. I urge you to maintain this courageous witness to the sanctity of life and the centrality of marriage and family life for a healthy society. 18.04.10 "In Malta and Gozo, families know how to value and care for their elderly and infirm members, and they welcome children as gifts from God. Other nations can learn from your Christian example." 18.04.10 The Pope summed up his message to Malta in four lines in an address at the airport before departure. "Be an example, at home and abroad, of dynamic Christian living. Be proud of your Christian vocation. Cherish your religious and cultural heritage. Look to the future with hope, with profound respect for God's creation, with reverence for human life, and with high esteem for marriage and the integrity of the family. Kunu wlied denji ta' San Pawl." 18.04.10
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The Maltese Archipelago consists of three inhabited islands: Malta – 246 sq. km. area – Population 393,000 Gozo – 67 sq. km. area – Population 27,000 Comino – 3 sq. km. area – Population: few people There are also the uninhabited islands of St. Paul, Cominotto and Filfla. Location: The Islands are situated in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea between Southern Europe and North Africa. It is only 93km (58 miles) away from Sicily and 288km (181 miles) from the nearest point in North Africa. Climate: The climate is warm and generally mild; there is no snow or frost. In summer although it gets quite hot (33 degrees C), the evenings and nights are often tempered by cool sea breezes. Accommodation: Accommodation in Malta is in accordance with international standards and establishments are classified accordingly. “A.von Brockdorff Services Limited” constantly monitors the local accommodation scene and maintains lists of suitable establishments. They will advise clients on particular establishments’ suitability in terms of value for money and clients requirements. History: Due to its strategic position, Malta possesses a wealth of history well out of proportion to its size. In recorded history, the first Maltese were later Stone-Age farmers who immigrated to the Maltese Islands from Sicily some time before 4000BC. The following periods left Malta with a wealth of artifacts, sites and temples. The Phoenicians came to Malta around 750BC and developed its natural harbours into a base for their extensive Mediterranean trade. The Apostle Paul was shipwrecked in Malta in 60 AD and in 395 AD, when the Roman Empire divided, the islands passed into the hands of Byzantium. The Arabs ruled Malta from 870 AD until 1090 AD and they have left an indelible mark on the islands and in the Maltese Language. From 1090 until 1530, the islands were ruled by various European powers and for most of the period it was treated as an adjunct of Sicily. 1530 saw the opening of a major chapter of Maltese history when the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem were granted the Islands by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. This lasted until 1788. The Knights shaped Malta as we know it today. They built Valletta, many impressive churches, auberges and other monuments. They were ousted by Napoleon, and the French ruled the islands until the British assisted the Maltese people in forcing them out. Malta became a full colony of Britain in 1815 and subsequently a major military and naval base. The Second World War saw the islands earn the “George Cross” for outstanding endurance and bravery when they withstood continuous bombardment by the Axis forces. Malta gained Independence in 1964 and was declared a Republic in 1974. In 1990 Malta applied to become a full member of the European Community and subsequently joined the EU on 1 May 2004. A.von Brockdorff Services Ltd. Airways House, High Street, Sliema SLM1551. MALTA. Tel:+356 2132 3854 / 5 / 6 +356 21 334051 Email: info@vonbrockdorff.com http://vonbrockdorff.com/malta/
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