March, 2008

Uncategorized — No Comments
25
Mar 08

Things of Random Coolness features Maison La Vallette

Maison La Vallette gets featured at ThingsOfRandomCoolness

“Hip & stylish accommodation in Malta. If you’re like me and love quirky, hip boutique style hotels and you’re thinking of heading towards Malta anytime soon, you might want to check out the a new luxury self catering accommodation option in Malta called Maison La Vallette. It’s a discreet self catering luxury town house, situated in the old part of Valletta. Decorated in a mix of Maltese style baroque and bespoke designer furniture, it looks like a great setting for a romantic stay, for those looking for a bold, stylish, sophisticated yet affordable option for their travels.

Even if you’re not looking to go there on your travels, it’s worth checking out the website just to pick up some decor style ideas on the virtual tour।”

Thanks to Michael at TORC for the feature.

Uncategorized — 2 Comments
21
Mar 08

Holy Week 2008 in Birgu (Vittoriosa)


I have uploaded a few images of Birgu churches and Holy week statues to my Flickr Valletta Events section.

More information about Holy Week in Malta can be found at www.holyweekmalta.com
This site provides a map with various Malta locations, highlighting Passion of Christ exhibitions.

Uncategorized — No Comments
20
Mar 08

Holy Week in Valletta and Birgu (Vittoriosa)





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 Cottonera area you will find exhibitions of miniature statues. Last Supper displays also attract thousands of visitors, both local and foreign. The ‘Table’ display dates back 200 years. Plates are arranged in a very artistic manner. Religious subjects from renowned works of art which are then reproduced with fine mineral salt, rice and pasta.

The culmination of these activities is Easter Sunday. A procession with a statue of the risen christ moves around the streets close to the church. At the end, the way is cleared and the statue-bearers take a run to carry the Risen Christ triumphantly back into the church.

Easter day is traditionally celebrated with eating of ‘Figolla’ which is an almond-filled pastry, covered in icing. These come in all shapes and forms!

Uncategorized — 1 Comment
20
Mar 08

Spezzo – Fine dining in Valletta


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 variety of stylish and graceful wines complements the array of dishes being served.

Spezzo, At The Civil Service Sports Club – 113, Archbishop Street, Valletta.

Tel: 21228500 E-mail: spezzo@onvol.net

Bar-lounge open 10am-1am

Uncategorized — No Comments
20
Mar 08

Maltese Cross

The Maltese cross is today synonymous with Malta. Its origins go back to the 11th century when some merchants from Amalfi, who traded with Egypt, obtained from the Caliph permission to construct in Jerusalem a church, a residence for themselves and a convent for the monks of the Order of the Benedictines of Monte Cassino.

As many Christian pilgrims flocked to Jerusalem, a hospital was also built. It was then that they adopted the cross of Amalfi and the name of Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem. By 1099, Gerard Tunc, a Frenchman, was master of the hospital and on his request Pope Pascal 11 recognised the community as a religious order in 1113.

Gerard Tunc became the first Grand Master of the Order and it is generally agreed that he introduced the white eight-pointed cross which was worn on the side of the heart on a black robe and a black cloak. According to the Rule, the Knights had to wear the cross on their robes in honour of God and the Holy Cross. It served as a reminder for them to follow the Rule, thus protecting themselves from the snares of the devil. The eight points of the cross symbolised the eight beatitudes and every new knight was reminded of these beatitudes during the ceremony of the profession of vows.

Uncategorized — No Comments
18
Mar 08

Mini Valletta City Travel Guide


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.