Commissioned by the Great Master of the Order of the Knights of Malta, Caravaggio's Beheading of St John was made in 1608 for the chapel of the Co-Cathedral of St John in Valletta. It is the largest work the artist ever painted (12 feet x 17 feet) and the only one he ever signed.The painting depicts the moment in Biblical history where St John is beheaded by King Herod to satisfy the blood lust of
Submitted By: Jessica Nielson
Many people would not find walking the streets of Valletta intriguing enough for their holiday to Valletta, but the thing is that the streets are where you learn about the different sections of the city and see how the street evolved over the years. The streets are what make the area so [...]
In 1610 Grand Master Wignacourt initiated a project to bring water to Valletta from a number of natural springs in Rabat. A system of acqueducts were built which bear his name. To celebrate the arrival of water supply system in Valletta a number of fountains were built in the city. These are located in some of the best piazzas of the city.
On Wednesday 16 April at 8pm, Teatru Manoel in collaboration with the German Embassy in Malta proudly presents a Latin Jazz concert entitled Vida Pura.This ensemble, which has toured in Columbia, China and Germany, brings together the world renowned musicians Sebastian Schunke – piano (Berlin); Olvido – vocals (Cuba Berlin); Lukmil Perez – drums (Cuba Paris); Felepe Cabrera – bass (Cuba Paris); El Indio – trumpet (Cuba Berlin). These Grammy award winning artistes fuse the intense energy of their home cultures to create music which merges the boundaries of classical music and Latin rhythms.This evening promises to entice the audience with music that is structured but spontaneous, familiar yet exotic in a Latin Jazz environment.“The jazz element seems to shimmer between the main
Audiences are in for a treat at this year's European Film Festival.Film has long been the medium of the people - a form of entertainment that breaks the barriers of class, social status, gender, race or religion to bridge society's gaps and bring us closer together. And it's for that very reason that the local EU Representation Office has decided to continue its annual European Film Festival for the 10th year running, launching on April 12. The festival is working in conjunction with the St James Cavalier as the centre was appointed as the national coordinating body for the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue."This year the whole of the EU is celebrating intercultural dialogue and we thought that we would use our flagship cultural activity, this film festival, to hone in on those ideol
Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens offer panoramic views of the Grand Harbour in Valletta.The Upper Barrakka is however more centered and at a much higher level giving the best viewing point of Fort St Angelo just across, which is the present seat of the Knights of St John. This upper garden was in fact the gift of an eighteenth-century knight. The Anglican Garrison Church partly intrudes upon its view.The garden is built on top of a demi-bastion.The Lower Barrakka Gardens are part of St Christopher's Bastion and also command a view of the Grand Harbour. At the centre of this garden is a small Greek-style folly built in memory of Governor Sir Alexander Ball, who led the siege against the French in 1800 and subsequently became Britain's first civil commissioner of Malta. The French during the
On the 15th April, at 18.00hrs, St George’s Square, or as it is more popularly known, Palace Square in Valletta, will be transported back in time by 66 years through a faithful re-enactment of the awarding of the George Cross Medal to the people of Malta.“To honour the brave people I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history”This citation, originally issued by King George VI on the 15th April 1942, will ring across the square once again and is sure to send a tingle down the spines of those present, making us stand justifiably proud as a Nation.The George Cross is the highest British medal, which can be awarded to civilians for acts of bravery. Malta is the only country to ever receive this aw
The Floriana Local Council, Malta is organizing the Second Malta Festival of Mechanised Ground Fireworks (locally known as "Nar ta' l-Art") which will be held in Saint Publius Square on Saturday, 5 April 2008, on the eve of the feast of St Publius, Patron Saint of Malta and particular Patron Saint of Floriana. Ground fireworks are a unique Maltese pyrotechnic tradition, and since the festival will be held on the eve of Floriana's Parish Feast, those who attend the festival will also get a taste of the lavish local festivities which are a hallmark of Maltese Festas. The Festival will be held in the largest square in Malta. A total of 16 different firework factories will field two ground firework pieces each, to compete for numerous prizes that will be awarded by an international jury. Entra
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It’s Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards for 2008 and many young starlets made an appearance on the orange carpet. Hayden Panettiere looked cute as a button (as usual) in her little red dress, the sweetheart neckline and mini skirt length suited her down to a tee. She accessorized with a metallic silver clutch and black [...] Related Entries:
Kids’ Choice Awards Hayden PanettiereFor the Kids' Choice Awards I would expect celebs to let their hair down and dress youthful. Hayden's hair is ...Kids’ Choice Awards Round Up: Love It or Hate It?The Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards is one of the less formal and more fun red orange carpet arrivals to watch. ...2008 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards - Worst DressedWorst Dressed/Worst Hair AwardSo much is wrong here, it's hard to dec
Non la si ricorda in molti film Amber Valletta, ma almeno ha il merito di aver fatto la sua strada nello star system dopo la sua relazione con Leonardo di Caprio senza scandali né video porno. Torna a fare la modella (ecco perché stava con Leo: bionda e modella) per Stella McCartney. Che probabilmente [...]
Spend your summer with Stella McCartney's sundresses and you'll never have a dull moment. Why? Because, sharks will be running after you. Like the new Stella McCartney ad that features Amber Valletta, for sure you'll be running for your life.Photo SourceBookmarkz
Holy Week in Malta takes place during the week before Easter and has held an important place in Malta's calender for centuries.The cult of Christ Passion and Resurrection from Lent to Pentecost. This is very similar to procession held in Spain and particularly Seville. Many churches have movable floats depicting images of Christ, the Virgin or scenes of the Passion. Some date back to the Knights of Malta and have been commission from artists in Spain, due to the fact that the Order of St John had the Spanish Language as one of its members in the order.The celebrations make an impressive spectacle that is both a 'festa' and a time of religious devotion. Churches as decorated with flowers and damask wall coverings. In Valletta, as well as in other localities, especially Birgu and the Cottone
Formerly known as the Civil Service Sports Club, Spezzo breathes fresh air into the historical baroque city of Valletta. Close to the majestic Grandmaster’s Palace, Spezzo has managed to create an eloquent balance between baroque and the avant-garde promising to delight patrons with its sophisticated ambience and luscious gastronomy.Every detail has been given much thought and care… The refined romantic atmosphere, the attentive, yet unassuming service, managed by restaurant manager Lisa, and the tastefully decorated dining rooms and intimate bar.Specializing in Mediterranean Cuisine, delicacies such as suckling pig from the rotisserie and fresh shell fish dishes, prepared daily by chef de cuisine Elias, are perennial favourites and special dietary requirements are also catered for.A v
We have just added a new section to the Maison La Vallette website with a brief guide to main events in Valletta, places to dine and cafes.. with contact details. The mini guide can be accessed in the Valletta section of the site.
"Because early spring is just about the best time to be in the Maltese micro-capital.... Time your visit for the 'shoulder' season and you'll get plenty of sunshine without contending with the crowds."Matthew Teller, The ObserverValletta is dotted with small wonderful gardens, beautiful baroque architecture, museums and galleries. One of the best kept gardens is at The Upper Barracca. This is the best time of year to enjoy the sun from this wonderful Belveder. This is undoubtedly the best view of the Grand Harbour. There is of course the Lower Barracca with the beautiful Neo-Classical monument dedicated to Sir Alexander Ball, not to mention the larger than life bronze statue of Eneas. There are other smaller gardens in Valletta. Walking along the Mall you can get to Argotti gardens whic
It is 1045 years since St Paul's visit to Malta, and the majority of Maltese still celebrate his feast which is traditionally held on the 10th of February to mark the day.The apex of celebrations will be held at St. Paul’s Church in Valletta on Thursday at 0900CET. A further mass in English will be held at 1545CET. The procession with the statue of the saint will leave the church at 1730CET. It will pass through St Paul Street, Republic Street, St John's Street, Merchants Street, Melita Street and return to St Paul Street in order to re-renter the church. There will be two fireworks displays at the beginning and end of the procession, close to the Central Bank in Valletta.The Church of St Paul Shipwrecked, has a sumptuous interior containing a fine altar-piece depicting the shipwreck
February is for Carnival 01/02/2008 to 05/02/2008Early springtime on the Islands brings along carnival week, which takes on a traditional pattern; extravagantly coloured floats are perched on lorries ready for the procession day, children running around in fancy dress costumes and Malta’s main nightlife centre, Paceville, catching the late night carnival goers who pile into the clubs and bars, still wearing their outrageous outfits. The heart of the action takes place in Valletta. Freedom Square in Valletta is the main place for watching the open-air comedic and baroque musical performances. The Maltese social set does their thing at the Grand Ball held at the Casino Maltese. Traditionally the centerpiece of the parade, the larger-than-life King Carnival float, a mad grinning figure wi
Every year, during the weeks preceding Christmas, the Friends of the Crib hold an exhibition of works by their members. About one hundred cribs of various shapes and sizes made from different media like papier mache, cork etc, are put together to offer visitors, locals and tourists alike, the true story of Christmas, the birth of Baby Jesus.This exhibition is just a street away from Maison La Vallette ( St Francis Hall, Melita Street Valletta.) It is open from 0900am - 1230pm and from 0400pm - 0700pm admission is free.
There can be few shrines to fallen artists that compare to Ollie's Last Pub. Oliver Reed, star of such films as Women in Love, The Three Musketeers, Oliver! and Castaway, died in 1999 after a drinking session in The Pub in Valetta's Archbishop Street. Admirers of the actor continue to flock from all over the world to pay their respects by sitting where Ollie sat on his last night on earth.The Pub, which has been run by the Cremona family for the past 21 years, became Oliver Reed's favourite drinking spot when he was in Malta on holidays and during the making of his last film, Gladiator. On his last night, Ollie was said to have downed eight pints of lager, some rum and whisky, won an arm-wrestling contest and insisted on paying for the round. In honour of Reed, The Pub subtitled itself "O
Nineteen historical 250 year old sumptuous warehouses, built by Grand Master Pinto at the height of the baroque period in Malta ... stretching along the water’s edge and the historical Quay Wall where the Knights of St John and European merchants used to unload their wares … the impregnable Old Power Station that serves as a testimony to the eclectic and heroic history of the Grand Harbour ... the Forni Stores, dating back to 1626 and constructed by Grand Master de Vilhena ... have now been majestically restored and provide a complete mix of retail, dining and leisure experiences. All this comes with an added bonus – the majestic setting within the Grand Harbour, a natural deep water port, for many thousand of years the epicentre of Malta’s
Christmas street lights in VallettaValletta is a wonderful gateway to the rest of the island where you can spend a peaceful and relaxed Christmas vacations. Your stay in this wonderful city will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time and you will be able to experience the splendor of the Renaissance and Baroque architecture of this world heritage site. Those interested in Christmas shopping, will find the main shopping streets sparkling with festive lights and packed with shoppers. The weather is generally mild and even on the coldest days in winter, the sun usually makes a generous appearance. At the Christmas Market which is open daily you can buy the components for your own nativity scene, as well as sweets, toys and all sorts of Christmas-related ornaments and goodies. Shop
Sunday Morning Market - flea market in VallettaThe Monti, as it is called locally, is a flea market held outside Valletta's city walls, in front of St. James Bastion & St. James Counter Guard at the side of the bus station. This is the largest market in Malta and and interesting to have a look around. Hawkers start putting up their wares early in the morning. Everything is cleared by noon so start early ! During the week there is a daily open air market in Merchant Street near the Palace.Both outdoor markets sell the usual merchandise sold in markets world wide, seconds, antiques, books, fake designer labels. If you are looking for a bargain amongst the brick a brac get there early. Don't forget to polish up your bargaining skills.There is also the old market - better known as Is-S
Valletta is dotted with small restaurants, cafes and interesting bars. All have their own unique character. Maison La Vallette is situated minutes away from the best top eating places from the hip Two-Twenty Two to the Cockney's Bar & Restaurant just down the road next to the ferry.Maltese cuisine is similar to Italian food, with added influences from other Mediterranean countries. However, the surprising local fondness for Sunday roasts has nothing to do with geography and everything to do with Malta’s long period under British control. The island’s cuisine has been heavily influenced by the many cultures that have occupied the island over the centuries. The most influential and not surprising is the very strong Italian , and to a lesser extent North African i
Date: 20 October 2007 - 20 October 2007Time: 11.00hrsThe start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race is from the waters opposite the Royal Malta Yacht Club in Marsamxett Harbour and thousands of people gather on either side of this imposing harbour to enjoy this spectacle of sail.The start line in the Harbour is arguably the most spectacular of any yacht race in the world, but it is narrow and so the race committee phase the fleet into various divisions, starting with the smallest and graduating up to the Maxis.As you approach the Islands' capital city of Valletta, your eyes will fix onto the Grand Harbour, with the reflection of the hearty sun bouncing off crisp breezy waves, while the majestic bastions glance into the depths below.Grand Harbour's reputation as one of the safest natural havens in
Amber Evangeline Valletta (born February 9, 1974) is an American supermodel and actress. She has gone on to act in several films, been on the cover of magazines and in advertisements for Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein and Versace and hosted MTV's House of Style with friend and fellow supermodel Shalom Harlow. Valletta is married to renowned Olympic volleyball player Christian "Chip" McCaw, with whom she has a son, Auden. Before her marriage, she dated Leonardo Dicaprio in early 1998. As of August 24, 2006, her publicist announced that she was going into rehab for non-substance abuse issues related to stress and image problems. (from Wiki)
