Valletta Living History

The Letters We Like to Receive!

2011-06-16T12:59:00.000+02:00

It is great to receive such mail in the post!! A big thank you to the teachers and students of St. Edward's College who visited Valletta Living History earlier this week!

Education Minister Visits

2011-06-14T18:39:00.002+02:00

In order to commemorate the 1st anniversary from the launching of Valletta Living History, Education, Employment and Family Minister, the Hon. Dolores Crisitina visited the attraction at the Embassy Complex in Valletta.

Valletta Living History is a 35 minute audiovisual show, filmed and screened in high definition. The show, available in eight languages is a docudrama depicting the history, culture and lifestyle of Malta and the Maltese.

On this occasion students from St. Edward’s Collage and Stella Maris Collage were invited to view the show.

Minister Cristina highlighted the importance of understanding our heritage and appreciating the efforts of our forefathers. The students, when asked of their experience by the Minister, all expressed their fascination at the bravery of the Maltese and their pride of such a rich history. She appealed to them to use the summer wisely and take time to visit and appreciate more the history that surrounds Valletta and the rest of the island.

More information about Valletta Living History can be found on www.maltaattraction.com or by calling 27220071.

Photo: Hon. Dolores Cristina Minister of Education flanked by her Private Secretary, Ms. Michelle Mallia and Mr. Michael Soler, Director of Valletta Living History.

Competition Award

2011-05-05T13:41:00.004+02:00

On the 29^th April 2011, as advised, Ms. Yanica Galea, a lucky fan of the Valletta Living History Facebook Page won €100.00 vouchers thanks to The Embassy Complex in Valletta after being selected in a raffle.

Valletta Living History is a 35 minute audiovisual show, filmed and screened in high definition. It has recently been awarded the Quality Assured seal by the Malta Tourism Authority. The show depicts the history, culture and lifestyle of Malta and the Maltese.

Yanica is a 20 year-old MCAST student from Birzebbuga. She spends her time preparing for gigs and playing the base guitar with her band The OverOuts and is looking forward to achieving her dream of releasing a first album, so look out for them in the future!

Look out for the next Facebook competition on the Valletta Living History page.

Valletta Living History is screened every day at the Embassy Complex in Valletta. More information can be obtained by visiting www.maltaattraction.com.

Win €100.00!

2011-04-28T12:02:00.003+02:00

On the 29^th April 2011 at 12h00 one of the members of the Valletta Living History Fan page on Facebook will be awarded €100.00 worth of shopping vouchers at the Embassy Complex.

Make sure you join the Valletta Living History fan page on Facebook now!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Valletta-Living-History/361400701226

Does Valletta really sleep?

2011-04-22T12:20:00.003+02:00

Valletta is amazing, not only because it is the capital city of Malta, but because it is a living city and is keeping its relevance even after 500 years of existence.

Compared to Malta’s 7000 years of history, Valletta is quite a modern city. Built by the Knights of St. John, to celebrate La Vallette’s victory over Suleiman and him Ottoman soldiers, Valletta established itself as a modern and vibrant 16th Century city, hosting Knights from all over Europe and linking the two main continents, a role it still plays today.

A visit to Valletta will open the doors to over 250 monuments that adorn the streets, all leading to another in a chequered format, as chequered as its past!

Walking through City gate, make sure to walk down Republic Street and stop and Marvel at the Grandmasters Palace in St. George’s Square.

But before seeing any more, go to the Embassy Complex in St Lucy’s Street, just before the Palace, and view Valletta Living History, a 35 minute audio-visual show, that will give you the basics about the city and Malta’s history. http://www.maltaattraction.com.

A visit to St. Johns Co-Cathedral is a must. The entrance is right in front of the Law Courts. Make sure you also visit St. Paul’s Shipwreck Church (free entrance) in St. Paul Street, accessible from Merchants Street, where you can enjoy window shopping and the week day market. Valletta has over 30 churches and most are open during the day.

The afternoon stands still between 13h00 and 16h00, so that is time to stop for a snack in Pjazza Regina, Cordina Coffee Shop a favourite with locals and visitors. You can also spend your siesta time in the Upper or Lower Barrakka Gardens and enjoy the views of the Grand Harbour and the 3 Cities.

Make sure to visit The Archaeology Museum and there is also an interesting Fine Arts Museum in South Street. Casa Rocca Piccola is also a fine example of 16th century nobility lifestyle.

Dinning in the city is also fun. Come the evening look out for the cosy rooms converted into fine restaurants, a favourite is ‘Il-Horza’ in St. Christopher’s Street. Entertainment is also available on weekends especially; check out who will be playing at the Premier in Pjazza Regina.

You can easily spend your day in the city and your evening overlooking the lights from on bastion or another. The day is bustling, but at night, if you look deep, you will find a city that hardly sleeps!

2011-04-21T11:10:00.000+02:00

Valletta Living History - Free Admission for Children

2011-04-21T11:08:00.002+02:00

During the month of April and May, Valletta Living History is offering children under 12 years free admission when accompanied by paying adults. This offer is open to all Maltese Residents and is valid from the 1^st of April 2011 till the 31^st May 2011.

Valletta Living History is a 35 minute audiovisual show, filmed and screened in high definition. It has recently been awarded the Quality Assured seal by the Malta Tourism Authority. The show depicts the history, culture and lifestyle of Malta and the Maltese.

The management of Valletta Living History believes that it is important for our children to grow up with the knowledge of our past and appreciate further the values and wealth of knowledge left by our forefathers.

Screening takes place eight times daily at the Embassy Complex in Valletta. Further information about Valletta Living History can be found on www.maltaattraction.com and on the Facebook fan page under the shows name.

Valletta Living History – Public Debate

2011-04-21T11:06:00.003+02:00

During a public screening and debate of Valletta Living History Manuel Cauchi the main actor in this docudrama gave an account of his experience on set during filming.

The docudrama was well received by the audience who packed the cinema at St. James Cavalier. Justin Camilleri who chaired the discussion after pointed out that production of Valletta Living History was one of the biggest investments ever made for a local production, especially when one compares to the length of the final product

Valletta Living History is a 35 minute audiovisual show, filmed and screened in high definition. It has recently been awarded the Quality Assured seal by the Malta Tourism Authority. The show depicts the history, culture and lifestyle of Malta and the Maltese.

Noel Calleja who was responsible for the composition of all related music in the production emphasized that during filming nothing was spared, the detail and the quality achieved is visible to all. The audience agreed and a few also asked is a sequel was in the pipe line, one over enthusiastic German member of the audience said that is should be proposed that Hollywood invest in such a production.

The panel was also made up of Jean Pierre Gatt who was the director of Photography. Mr. Gatt took the audience through the process of production from the choice of filming locations to the editing process.

Valletta Living History is screened every day at the Embassy Complex in Valletta. More information can be obtained by visiting www.maltaattraction.com or following the show on facebook.

Valletta Living History - free public screening

2011-04-21T11:03:00.002+02:00

Valletta Living History is organising a public screening and discussion on the 30th March at 19h00, at St. James Cavalier in Valletta.

The discussion will be chaired by film buff and researcher Justin Camilleri. The main actor of Valletta Living History, Manuel Cauchi, will talk about his experience in shooting the docudrama and Jean Pierre Gatt and Noel Calleja will reveal their inspirations and methods for the screen production and music composition accordingly.

The making of Valletta Living History has been a very unique experience as the requirements and quality aimed for during production make it second to none. It is therefore a unique opportunity to see the show and hear directly from the protagonists who made it possible.

Valletta Living History is a 35 minute docudrama depicting the history, culture and lifestyle of Malta and the Maltese. Produced and screened in High Definition, the show has in a short period received recognition for its quality, and has recently been awarded a Quality Assured seal by the Malta Tourism Authority.

Valletta Living History shows daily at the Embassy Complex in Valletta. More information can be found on the website www.maltaattraction.com.

Entrance to the event is free; therefore it is recommended that you book your place by calling 27220070 or sending an email to info@maltaattraction.com.

Valletta Living History receives award

2011-04-21T10:56:00.002+02:00

Valletta Living History was awarded the Malta Tourism Authority Quality Seal. This award was presented to Mr. Michael Soler, Director of Valletta Living History, by the Hon. Dr Mario De Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, during an award ceremony held on Friday 4^th February 2011 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

Mr. Soler commented that “it is very encouraging to receive such recognition for our show as we too feel that the quality of our product is what sets it apart from other similar attractions.” Valletta Living History is a 35 minute high definition audiovisual show, depicting the history, lifestyle and culture of Malta and the Maltese.

“The footage and original filming that compiles this docudrama not only make it interesting for tourists, but also instills a sense of pride in us Maltese” said Mr. Soler.

Participation in this scheme is completely voluntary and so far only nine attractions have gained the prestigious Quality Assured seal in Malta, including museums, historic houses, amongst others. Valletta Living History was the only audio visual show in Valletta to be given the quality seal.

In order to obtain the Quality Assured seal the attraction was audited by a specific board which judged numerous quality criteria including the quality of content, the interpretation and the layout. Importance was also given to staff knowledge and training including the standard of customer service given.

Valletta Living History is screened every day at the Embassy Complex in Valletta. For more information you can visit www.maltaattraction.com.

Valletta Living History invests further

2011-04-21T10:49:00.005+02:00

During an event held for group and conference organisers, Mr Michael Soler, Director of Valletta Living History, announced that Valletta Living History will now be available for viewing in different locations to make the show more accessible to clients.

A preview of the show was given during a reception in the main conference hall of Le Meridien St. Julians Hotel and Spa in the presence of the main players of the tourism industry.

Valletta Living History is a 35 minute high definition audiovisual show depicting the history, culture and lifestyle of Malta and the Maltese. The new development now gives further flexibility for the show to be screed during a meeting or conference whilst being held in a hotel or conference centre.

This development was required due to current trends in conference business, with people opting for shorter stays and having more work to complete. Valletta Living History gives a perfect introduction to Malta’s history and at the same time is informative and entertaining.

Valletta Living History is screened daily at the Embassy Complex in Valletta. More information can be found on the website www.maltaattraction.com.

Prime Minister praises Valletta Living History

2010-07-03T15:10:00.002+02:00

The Prime Minister of Malta Dr. Lawrence Gonzi visited Valletta Living History on the 24^th June 2010.

He praised the investors for their choice of coming up with a show that ‘makes us proud to be Maltese’. Both the history of Valletta and Malta and the local talent that went into making Valletta Living History cannot go past without making us proud of our Heritage, History and unique Capital City.

A great way to discover Valletta and Malta!

2010-07-03T14:54:00.000+02:00

Valletta Living History is showing everyday at the Embassy Complex in Valletta. It is proving to be the best place to start off your discovery of the city.

The story takes you on a voyage and together with the character portrayed; you will discover the history and the secrets which made Valletta the city it is today.

The show does not only ponder on the past, but also on the recent events which have shaped Malta and affected the two large continents at either coast.

Valletta is a fascinating place to be at any time of the day as you can live the different season of Malta’s past and present, whiles getting a glimpse of the way it is firmly moving towards the future.

Valletta Living History is showing daily at the Embassy Complex at 09h30, 10h15, 11h00, 11h45, 12h30, 13h15, 14h00 and 14h45. It takes 35 minutes giving you chance to actually go out and feel the vibe and live the lifestyle of the City.

More information can be found at www.maltaattraction.com.

Valletta Living History - A journey through time on the big screen

2010-06-26T16:11:00.000+02:00

Valletta Living History, the new audiovisual attraction in Valletta has hit the big screen this month. The show takes you on a journey through time and history revealing the facts and figures about the capital city of Malta, Valletta.

This innovative Maltese 35-minute show chronicles Valletta’s major milestones, its fruitful, architectural heritage and the life of its population at every stage of its development. With this easy to follow documentary, the audience will learn about the city’s vibrant story; starting from the arrival of the first settlers to its heroic role in World War II right up to present day. Being a vibrant capital, the city’s past can feel quite overpowering, making Valletta Living History the perfect headstart for exploring the city.

“This magical city inspired us for the project. Valletta is rich in history and life, making it an exceptional attraction for visitors. We wanted to offer visitors plenty of insight so that they could enjoy exploring the city at their own pace,” said Mr John Soler, director of the Valletta Living History’s production company, HD Entertainment.

The Valletta Living History show is perfectly located in the centre of Malta’s UNESCO World Heirtage City at the Embassy Complex. This multi-storey complex is conveniently located just around the corner from some of Valletta’s best attractions. Visitors watching the show will have a new insight into the capital city and will appreciate Valletta through completely new eyes!

The documentary is written by acclaimed script writer Jonathan Rich and directed by Vince Briffa, well known local artist and director of MPS-PictureBox, a leading Production and Film Production Company.

“The show’s crew, all local, have worked on major Holywood films, so the show has had quite a start-studded start to life!,” smiles Mr Soler. Manuel Cauchi, the leading actor in Valletta Living History is well known in Malta and has taken part in international films such as Agora, Troy and Revelation.

The show gives the visitor a comprehensive timeline of events that made up Valletta’s destiny as well as the city’s role in the shaping of the Mediterranean and Europe. “Valletta Living History is special because of the investment that went into it, ensuring that only the best and most interesting convert made it to the final cut. The fact that the lateset high definition technology has been implemented can only add to the visual impact this show will have on viewers. It is definitly a great introductory stop on any vistors’ itinerary.”

Vjaġġ matul iż-żmien fuq il-big screen

L-attrazzjoni awdjoviżiva ġdida fil-Belt Valletta, il-Valletta Living History se tibda tintwera minn dan ix-xahar. Ix-show jieħu lill-individwu fuq vjaġġ matul iż-żmien u l-istorja billi jagħtih il-fatti u ċ-ċifri tal-Belt kapitali ta’ Malta, il-Belt Valletta.

Dan ix-show innovattiv Malti ta’ 35 minuta juri l-fażijiet ewlenin tal-Belt Valletta, il-wirt arkitettoniku u l-ħajja tal-popolazzjoni f’kull fażi tal-iżvilupp. B’dan id-dokumentarju ferm faċċli biex tarah l-udjenza titgħallem dwar l-Istorja ta’ din il-Belt mill-isbaħ: mill-wasla tal-ewwel nies, sal-irwol erojku tat-Tieni

Gwerra Dinjija u l-ġurnata tal-lum. Bħala belt mimlija kultura, l-imgħoddi jista’ jinħass li jgħaġġeb lil dak li jkun, u dan jagħmel il-Valletta Living History l-aqwa bidu għall-mawra mal-Belt kapitali.

“Din il-Belt imsaħħra spiratna għal dan il-proġett. Il-Belt Valletta hi sinjura fl-Istorja u l-ħajja u hi attrazzjoni mill-aqwa għal kull min iżurha. Ridna noffru lill-viżitaturi l-għarfien xieraq biex ikunu jistgħu jgawdu l-aqwa mill-Belt Valletta,” qal John Soler id-Direttur tal-kumpanija HD Entertainment li pproduċiet il-Valletta Living History.

Ix-show tal-Valletta Living History jinstab fiċ-ċentru ta’ Malta tal-UNESCO World Heritage City fil-Kumpless tal-Embassy. Dan il-Kumpless kbir hu konvenjenti għax jinstab biss ftit passi l’bogħod mill-isbaħ attrazzjonijiet tal-Belt Valletta. Viżitaturi li jaraw dan ix-show se jaraw u japprezzaw il-Belt Valletta minn lenti differenti!

Id-dokumentarju nkiteb mill-kittieb ta’ fama Jonathan Rich u taħt id-direzzjoni ta’ Vince Briffa, artist magħruf lokalment u direttur ta’ MPS-PictureBox, waħda mill-aqwa kumpaniji tal-produzzjoni tal-films.

“L-atturi huma kollha Maltin u ħadu sehem f’films f’Hollywood allura ix-show kellu bidu mill-aqwa!,” daħak Soler. Manuel Cauchi l-attur prinċipali f’Valletta Living Histo

ry hu famuż f’Malta u ħa sehem f’bosta films barra minn pajjiżna fosthom “Agora”, “Troy” u “Revelation”.

Ix-show jagħti l-viżitatur kronoloġija tal-avvenimenti li għamlu d-destin tal-Belt Valletta, kif ukoll ir-irwol tal-kapitali fil-Mediterran u l-Ewropa. “Valletta Living History hu speċjali minħabba l-investiment li tajna fih, fejn żgurajna li l-aqwa u l-aktar informazzjoni interessanti għamluha sal-final. Il-fatt li l-aħħar teknoloġija tal-high definition intużat iżid mal-impatt viżwali li jagħti dan ix-show. Ix-show hu waqfa introduttiva mill-aqwa għall-kull viżitatur tal-Belt.”

Valletta Living History going live this June

2010-05-24T16:39:00.001+02:00

History, Elegance and Lifestyle... Wrapped Up in One Great Attraction!

If you choose to see one really great attraction in Malta, see Valletta Living History!

An audiovisual spectacular, the show provides great entertainment for all the family, right in the heart of Malta’s capital city Valletta. It provides fantastic insight into the history of the capital, local culture and Maltese society, through a documentary that charts Valletta’s evolution over the centuries.

So sit back in air-conditioned comfort, and enjoy the ideal introduction to your stay in Malta!

The Show

Travel Back Through Time!

Valletta Living History takes you on a journey through time to discover Valletta’s incredible past!

This leading Maltese attraction showcases the city’s major milestones, its rich architectural heritage and the ways of life of its population at every stage of its development. It gives you the chance to familiarise yourself with the city’s story.

You’ll discover the well-known events that shaped the destiny of the Mediterranean and Europe, as well as the intriguing facts and nuances that make Valletta the fascinating and vibrant city that it is today.

Valletta Living History really is the perfect head start before you explore the city yourself!

The Venue

Valletta Live History is fantastically located, smack-bang in the centre of Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage city, and within its shopping and entertainment centre – The Embassy. You’ll enjoy your time spent within our state-of-the-art cinema, relaxing on comfortable seats and in air-conditioned surroundings.

Offering plenty of top-quality entertainment for all the family in Malta, The Embassy combines major high street shopping brands, a restaurant, a welcoming cafe, a multi-screen cinema complex and a games arcade.

The multi-storey complex itself is located just around the corner from some of Valletta’s best-known attractions. These include the historic St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grandmaster’s Palace, as well as Valletta’s prime shopping streets.

Who’s Behind the Show?

Made by entertainers, to entertain you!

Valletta Living History is a show created by some of the best in the business. Locally produced by HD Entertainment, it is backed by professionals in the tourism and leisure industries.

The docudrama was penned by internationally-renowned scriptwriter Jonathan Rich, who has contributed to numerous docudramas and leading historical programmes across his varied career.

Additionally, it was directed by Vince Briffa, a leading industry professional who has spearheaded numerous projects and films, including the Great Siege of Malta documentary for the BBC.

The Souvenir Shop

Take Malta’s favourite attraction home!

If you enjoyed the show, we’ve got a great range of souvenirs and merchandise that will ensure Valletta Living History lives on in your mind for a long time to come!

From film-related products to genuine local items and delicacies, you’re sure to find something to tickle your fancy!

Show Information

Valletta Living History is shown daily from the 25th June 2010 at the following times:

09:30
10:15
11:00
11:45
12:30
13:15
14:00
14:45

It is available in the following languages:

English
French
Italian
German
Russian
Spanish
Swedish
Japanese

Tickets can be booked by calling: +35621222225 or via email on info@maltaattraction.com or by filling in the enquiry form on our website www.maltaattraction.com.

The ticketing Office is open between 09:00 – 14:45 on Level 2 at the Embassy Complex, Valletta.

VALLETTA - A Living City

2010-04-07T10:58:00.000+02:00

Valletta remains the most interesting and visited city in Malta. Rightly so, it is the Capital City and more than that, it has a fascinating story to tell.

Since its construction, Valletta has shaped and directed Malta's destiny and developed the lifestyle of the proud nation it represents so boldly.

When in 1565, the area known as Mount Sciberras, was invaded by the Ottoman Empire, little did they know that they were digging their own grave on what was to become the greatest development of that modern era. Valletta flourished after the Great Siege of 1565 and 399 year after, it was still flourishing as the Maltese flag was hoisted to fly from then on as the governing flag of a proud Independent nation in 1964.

Oh! If Valletta could talk, or just whisper a word, of what has happened in its streets over the past 444 years, from the laying of its first stone. Icons of glory, war and survival mingle with styles and symbols of every epoch.

Valletta has remained as important as its founder intended it to be. Maybe that is why the City had not erected a glorious monument to the founder. His spirit is still very much alive... you can feel him at times and occasionally see his shadow as he walks the streets of his City.

2010-03-10T15:42:00.000+01:00

Until the arrival of the Knights of St. John, Mount Sceberras, on which Valletta stands, lying between two natural harbours, was an arid tongue of land. No building stood on its bare rocks except for a small watch tower, called St. Elmo, to be found at its extreme end.

When the Knights arrived in 1530, they settled in the small village of Birgu on the eastern shores of Grand Harbour which, at that time, had the advantage of being protected by the bulwark of St. Angelo in the main harbour.

As an invasion of the island by the ottomans was considered immenent, the Knights hurriedly reinforced the few defences available, and built a stronger fort at St. Elmo to guard the entrance to the harbour.

The Turkish invaders struck in May 1565. The besieged Knights and the Maltese defenders rose valiantly to the occasion. Their loss of men and property was considerable, but the ottoman invaders suffered so many more deaths and casualties that after four months of assault, they decide to call it a day and return to their land.

Grand Master La Vallette, the gallant hero of the siege, soon realised that if the Order was to maintain its hold on Malta, it had to provide for adequate defences. Therefore he drew up a plan for a new fortified city on the Sceberras peninsula.

Pope Pius V and Philip II of Spain showed interest in the project. They both promised financial aid and the Pope lent the Knights the services of Francesco Laparelli, a military engineer, who drew up the necessary plans for the new city and its defences.

Work started in earnest in March 1566 – first on the bastions and, soon after, on the more important buildings. The new city was to be called Valletta in honour of its founder, Grand Master La Vallette.

La Vallette died in 1568, and his successor, Pietro del Monte continued with the work at the same step. By 1571, enough living-room was completed, and the Knights could transfer their quarters from Birgu to their new capital.

Architect Laparelli left Malta in 1570. He was replaced by his assistant Gerolamo Cassar, who had spent some months in Rome, where he had observed the new style of buildings in that great city.

Cassar designed and supervised most of the early buildings, including the Sacra Infermeria, St. John’s Church, the Magisterial Palace and the seven Auberges, or Inns of Residence of the Knights.

By the time of the 16th century, Valletta had grown to a sizeable city. People from all parts of the island flocked to live within its safe fortifications. Mdina, till then Malta’s capital, lost much of its.

In the ensuing years, the austere mannerist style of Cassar’s structures gave way to the more lavish palaces and churches with graceful facades and rich sculptural motifs.

The new city, with its strong bastions and deep moats, became an impregnable bulwark of great strategic importance. The Knights gained the gratitude of Popes and foreign rulers for their achievement. Grand Master La Vallette christened his city The humble city of Valletta.

World War II brought havoc to Malta. Valletta was badly battered by thousands of bombs, but the city withstood the terrible blow and, within a few years, it rose again.

During the post-war years, Valletta lost many of its citizens who had moved to more modern houses in other areas.

Today, the city has about 9,000 inhabitants. However, Valletta continues to play a major role as a commercial and financial centre, as well as being the capital of the young Republic.