HOST project Fit On Olive Trails

Transcription

1 HOST project Fit On Olive Trails Żejt iż-żejtun Marathon Tourist Package: Itinerary for Foreign Visitors Malta: Żejtun, Valletta and Surrounding Localities malta EXPLORE OUR WORLD Co-funded by the COSME programme of the European Union

2 Ċ IŻ-ŻEJTUN CITTA BELAND: AN INTRODUCTION* *Source of Information Iż-Żejtun Ċitta Beland: An Introduction The town of Żejtun, also known as Ċitta Beland Żejtun, is situated in the south-eastern part of Malta. It covers the top of a hill that dominates the bays of Marsaxlokk, St. Thomas Bay and Marsaskala, today important sites and in the past popular ports of call for all Mediterranean sailors since Phoenician times. They also provided convenient landing beaches for invaders. The origins of Żejtun go back to Phoenician and Roman times. Originally Żejtun, known as Terra Santa Catarina, covered the whole south eastern part of the island extending to the outskirts of the walls protecting Cottonera and included Żabbar, Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk and St. George s Bay. The inhabitants of Żejtun proper till 1680 formed two separate communities huddled in residences protected by narrow streets (which of themselves provided protection) known as Bisqallin referred to till today as the Lower Village (Ir-Raħal t Isfel) and Ħal Ġwann and Ħal Bisbut, known today as the Upper Village (Ir-Raħal ta Fuq). Development during the eighteenth century and the construction of the new parish church in between the two communities formed the present centre and linked the two to form one community. Today, Żejtun is a vibrant community with authentic village life surrounding an active community proud of its roots and rich tangible and intangible heritage. Żejtun has revived its olive production tradition, and is also a leader in matters that promote the south eastern region of the Maltese Islands. Spending time in Żejtun will take you back in time, give you an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the heritage, explore the unspoiled countryside and experience life in an authentic Maltese village. Żejtun is also an ideal location to explore the surrounding localities. 2

3 DAY 1 Breakfast at Żejtun followed by a visit to Valletta Waking up in Żejtun or for that matters, in any of the surrounding villages in the South East of Malta is an experience in itself. The church bells calling their patrons to mass are an innovative wake-up call. A unique breakfast follows, it can consist of a fresh baked warm ftira (flat bread) from one of the local bakers, with local tomatoes, hams and cheeses or Roger s famous pastizzi - a pure delicacy of flakey pastry savoury pockets filled with cheese or peas. Alternatively, if you have a sweet tooth, you can enjoy treats prepared by two renowned local bakers of Żejtun, Barbetta or Ermenia whose apple pie, and sinizza are worth waking up for. Visit to Valletta European Capital of Culture 2018 Valletta is Malta s capital city, a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2018 will be the European Capital of Culture together with Leeuwarden, in Netherlands. Our capital city is a pure example of Maltese Baroque architecture and offers the visitor a glimpse of the richness of high art and culture with monuments designed by the Knights of St. John and Maltese architects and subsequently embellished by the British. The most recent addition to this melting pot of architecture is the Maltese Parliament at Valletta Gate a tribute to Maltese creativity built by Renzo Piano. Valletta is a vibrant city, where the old mixes with the new, where open spaces give the visitor a glimpse of the rich intangible heritage of the Maltese culture; it is a city that is alive with activities mostly during the day. At night you are most welcome to wander around the cool streets, appreciate the local life and feast your senses at the many eateries specialising in Maltese cuisine. Some important sites that you must visit in Valletta include: The Archaeological Museum St. John s Co-Cathedral Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Grand Harbour The Archaeological Museum, situated in Republic Street will give you insight into Malta s Neolithic roots and megalithic heritage. For more information about the archeology of Malta and the museums in Valletta, log on to the website of Heritage Malta Malta s heritage trust on St. John s Co-Cathedral the seat of the Knights of St. John. A pure treasure of Maltese baroque architecture and an art museum in itself. In this site you will be able to appreciate Caravaggio s two famous paintings the beheading of St. John and St. Jerome, the Flemish tapestries, the tessellated tombstones and the various works of art that adorn each of the eight chapels located within the cathedral. For more information about the Cathedral and its treasures, log on to Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Grand Harbour. From Valletta, if you are still willing to explore more of the richness of our islands, you can opt to take a traditional water taxi go down towards the old customs house, using either the lift from the Upper Barrakka Gardens or take the scenic route and ride one of the water taxis that will give you a unique interpretation of Malta s life during the British era by the water taxi driver. Or, take the bus towards Żejtun but stop first at Tarxien to visit one of the World Heritage Sites the Tarxien temples. 3

4 DAY 2 ŻEJTUN, HAS A RICH HISTORY GOING BACK TO ROMAN TIMES. Indeed the locality takes its name from olives. A Roman site of an olive oil production house can still be viewed today. A special permit needs to be obtained from the Girls Secondary School. A tour around the locality of Żejtun will reveal chapels going back to medieval times, baroque architecture, palaces and historic homes. Whilst in the parish square, one can admire the baroque cathedral and the Religious heritage museum. A comprehensive heritage route around the main attractions of Żejtun has been designed and created by Żejtun Local Council. The full comprehensive trail can be downloaded from 4

5 DAY 3 HAVING VISITED ŻEJTUN, WE NOW TAKE A LOOK AT THE SURROUNDING LOCALITIES THAT ARE ALSO LINKED TO THIS TOWN. Tarxien and Paola - For the Neolithic Temples and the Hypogeum (both World Heritage Sites). For more information, please check the Heritage Malta website Please note that for the Hypogeum, advance booking is required. Birżebbuġa a sea side town, popular in the 1970s and 1980s as a tourist resort, today it hosts a sandy beach, a small yacht club, and a quiet sea side restaurant scene. Whilst visiting Birżebbuġa you can also visit the Ghar Dalam caves that take you back to prehistoric times, when Malta was landlocked! Marsaxlokk a still active fishing village with an active fishing community, coloured boats and lots of fresh fish. Marsaxlokk also hosts the old temple of Juno, today no longer visible. Marsaskala a town worth visiting in the afternoon or evening for a good selection of restaurants. Delimara for spectacular countryside views, deep clear seas, traditional sea salt production and the lighthouse. 5

6 EXPLORE OUR WORLD ENJOY YOUR STAY Other Interesting activities in Żejtun: Żejtun houses an active crafts persons community some interesting crafts people in Żejtun include: Silversmiths Traditional Christmas crib makers Il- Manucca kite making Confectioners and Bakers Accommodation in the area abounds. You can find accommodation in traditional houses, town houses, farmhouses and apartments References and Further Information Website of Żejtun researched and hosted by a heritage NGO Wirt Iż-Żejtun. The site contains details of the natural, cultural, environmental, historical, ethnographical and archaeological, tangible and intangible heritage of Żejtun. Website of Żejtun Local Council. malta EXPLORE OUR WORLD Co-funded by the COSME programme of the European Union 6