Winter in Malta is for culture what summer is for beaches. A couple of weekends ago, we went to Fort Rinella; last weekend saw us at the Aviation Museum; and this weekend we went to the festival of traditional Maltese street games in Birgu. Small or not, there’s a whole lot going on in Malta, culture-wise, if you bother to get up and out on Sundays!
If you need some ideas about what to see on Sundays for the next few months, the Malta Council for Culture & the Arts has help at hand. It’s just launched its cultural tours programme, Dec-May 2011.
Get a chance to visit it restored - make a date with Fort Manoel on a cultural tour
And there are some very off-the-beaten-track things on their list. The Mount Carmel Psychiatric Museum and the fort on Comino, for example. So even if you think you’ve been there and done most of what Malta has to offer, join a tour for some insights into the Malta touristy tours don’t usually do. According to the MCCA’s info, past cultural tours have been well received and this season’s programme is eagerly awaited. So don’t delay!
How to join a tour
Applications and more information either in person from the MCCA’s office, 230 Republic Street, Valletta (regular office hours); phone 21232515 or 21245168; or email noel.damato@maltaculture.com. Book not later than the Wednesday before the tour. See also: maltaculture.com
The Programme
Sunday 5th December 2010
The Ħagar Qim Megalithic Temple Complex and the Visitor’s Centre
The Madonna tas-Silġ Church in Marsaxlokk
The Bir Miftuħ Church in Gudja
Palazzo Abela in Tarxien
Sunday 23rd January 2011
The Presidential Palace and Private Gardens in San Anton
Exhibition of mechanized trade, traditions and crafts in miniature
The Mount Carmel Psychiatric Museum and War Shelters
Sunday 13th February 2011
In Guardia- Reenactment from the times of the Knights of Malta held at Fort St Elmo
The new audio visual show ‘The Malta Experience’
The Lower Barrakka Gardens
The refurbished War Museum
Sunday 13th March 2011
The Naxxar Parish Museum
The Augustinian Convent and Casa Bernard in Rabat
The art of Ceramics at the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village
Sunday 3rd April
Fort Manoel including the Chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padova, recently restored by MIDI plc
Selmun Palace
The Chapel dedicated to the Madonna tal-abbandunati in tas-Sultan Castle in Wardija
Sunday 1st May 2011 -Departure at 08.00
Walking tour on the Island of Comino. Visiting the Tower, Gun Battery, Old Hospital and Chapel
Sunday 15th May 2011
Full day cultural tour to Gozo