The Shipwreck: Access Statement

The Shipwreck: Access Statement The tourist attraction The Shipwreck is situated in Ta Paris, Birkirkara. The story of St Paul has been embedded in the Maltese culture and identity since the saint s arrival on the island. This docu-drama is based on the voyage of St Paul s from Jerusalem to Rome. When they set sail the crew got caught in a fierce storm until they were shipwrecked on the island of Malta. This historical event is mentioned in the New Testament, in the Acts of the Apostles Chapters 27 and 28 who traditionally believed to be on the ship with St Paul circa 60 A.D. This docu-drama was entirely shot in Malta and is an in-house production recounting the historical event through flash backs and flash forwards. All scenes were filmed on a virtual set using computer generated image (CGI) in the post-production phase. The docu-drama is available in 6 languages, these being Maltese, English, French, Italian, German and Spanish. Tourists with different language preferences can opt for their preferred language at one seating with the use of headsets. During the docu-drama, visitors can also hear the professional actors dialogue in Latin, thus depicting the reality of the story. Different shots of places where St Paul stayed were taken around Malta, depicting remains of the event that are still visible today. The theatre is equipped with 100 seats all of which are theatre style seating. It is fully airconditioned, has thick sound-proof doors and is fully carpeted. The floor in the foyer and the ~ I ~

reception are tiled. There is also seating in the foyer area with ample space for wheelchair bound tourists. A life-size reproduction of St Paul is available in the foyer, so that tourists can take a photo with the main character of the story. The show welcomes guests of all ages and backgrounds. The docu-drama is projected with the use of high quality new technology, having 3 projectors on a 13x4.5m screen (120 ). It is a new way of involving the viewer in the story so as to be part of it, and not just remaining a passive viewer. Visitors using a hearing-aid are still able to watch and listen to The Shipwreck. The headsets provided have a special hearing aid system installed, thus providing special transmission for these guests. ~ II ~

Since the docu-drama can be experienced through not only visuals but sound, persons who are visually impaired, are still welcome to experience this production through sound. With the help of a high quality sound system and speakers, visually impaired visitors are able to engage and experience this attraction s story. Visitors are welcomed with a huge poster of The Shipwreck situated near the car park area, and a logo sign is installed on the entrance of the building. The Shipwreck is situated on the ground floor of the complex, opposite the Emmaus bookshop and gift shop. Two vending machines are installed in the foyer next to the reception offering coffee and snacks. There is a fire alarm installed for any unexpected fire break out. Emergency exits are visible for visitors showing the way to the fire assembly point. A generator and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) are installed so if there is a power cut the visitors will not be interrupted during the duration of the documentary-drama. Organised group visits take place through tour operators and other religious institutions locally and aboard. School visits are also encouraged. The docu-drama s duration is exactly 33 minutes. The show runs every hour from 10:00 onwards. Last admission is at 15:55. Last show is at 16:00. On Saturday and Sunday the last show is at 14:00. The entire premises are monitored by CCTV Cameras. ~ III ~

The Theatre Special 13x4.5m screen (120 screen) 3 projectors of 7000 ANSI lumens each Panoramic projection screen Dolby 5.1 sound system and speakers Special lighting is used before and after the docu-drama commences Air-conditioning Wireless translators with transmitter for 8 languages, also provided for hearing impaired Headsets available each visitor opting for a multilingual preference language 100 comfortable chairs are set up in a theatre style set up Waiting area with chairs are installed in the foyer for visitors A boat show case for merchandising is set up at the gift shop The Organisation The Shipwreck docu-drama is a modern attraction which was created by ĊAK - "Ċentru Animazzjoni u Komunikazzjoni": Animation and Communication Centre (www.cakmalta.org). The main purpose of the organisation is to provide different communication methods to be used hence improving means of communication. Besides The Shipwreck, the main purpose of our organisation is to deliver religious messages through our publishing services, selling of books, religious souvenirs, organising conferences, having English courses in our 5 classrooms, with a retreat house Rivotorto, under one complex. The centre aims to facilitate communication and to assure the achievement of its professional services. ĊAK is therefore directed by a group of people, namely "the creative team" who study accurately projects and plans for the communicational activities produced by the centre. The Centre has good contact with various people who work in the communication field and who offer their help and professional contribution to the activities carried on by ĊAK. ~ IV ~

Accessibility The entrance contains of five steps and a ramp for wheelchair bound visitors. The door is made of wood with a wide door welcoming visitors to the complex. Furthermore, a purposely made door for wheelchair guests is also available, one can also find chairs installed next to the attraction s door for guests to sit before the docu-drama commences. The complex is fully accessible. Wheelchair bound visitors can easily access the theatre and easily move around the gift shop. Visitors can also park their car in our 22 parking spots available in our garage and use the lift available, which can easily fit a wheelchair to access our attraction. The lift fits 6 persons. Guest restrooms Guest restrooms are situated in the foyer on opposite sides of the gift shop and the theatre. There are two toilet rooms; the ladies toilet is situated on the right hand side of the reception with 3 cubicles, while the gentlemen s and special needs restrooms are situated on the opposite side of the ladies next to the theatre. The gentlemen s restrooms are in a separate door from the special needs toilets, having three cubicles as the ladies toilet room. The special needs restroom is fully equipped for our clients with industry standard hand rails, toilet seat, a wash hand basin and a mixer handle. All restrooms have soap, toilet paper, two hand basins, mirror, disposable napkins and a bin. These restrooms are accessible to all visitors. Emmaus gift shop and bookshop Emmaus is a unique shop on the island, where you can find a wide variety of religious items. It is a religious souvenir and bookshop run by ĊAK of the Conventual Franciscans of Malta. The first shop was opened in Sliema in 2006 and a year later, another shop was opened in Birkirkara, inside the complex of ĊAK. In response to the great demands, in 2008, Birkirkara s outlet was expanded so as to offer a better service and a wider range of products for its esteemed clients. Its aim is to propagate the word of God and the Catholic faith through books, DVDs & CDs, cards, icons, holy images, statues & figurines, rosaries, and even through altar wine, hosts and a large selection of liturgical vessels and paraments. Through our world-wide contacts, we can choose the best suppliers and guarantee to give the best quality possible. The shop in Birkirkara inside the ĊAK complex has an area of 169 square meters and is situated opposite the attraction: The Shipwreck. This shop has a variety of touristic souvenirs about St ~ V ~

Paul, displayed on a ship designed shelf. Emmaus gift shop helps in up selling our merchandise to our visitors. In the year (2013) we launched our online shop: www.emmausmalta.com, in (2015), another Emmaus shop was opened in Victoria, Gozo. Emmaus (Birkirkara) is open from Monday till Friday 09:00 till 19:00 and Saturday from 09:00 till 14:00 Pre-arrival Prices are found on posters, brochures, Facebook, Twitter and our website http://theshipwreckmalta.com/contact-us/. Tickets are purchased from the gift shop (Emmaus). When presenting the receipt, a ticket will be issued with a detailed brochure of places related to St Paul and his connection with Malta. The Shipwreck team are friendly and willing to help visitors, purchasing their tickets and guide them with information requested. The attraction has Wi-Fi service for visitors to utilize. Marketing There are two brochures designed in-house. One of the brochures is distributed around Tourist Information Offices (TIO) around Malta, in hotels and Malta International Airport. These brochures contain a QR code of our location and a map. ~ VI ~

Bus Routes The nearest bus stop is Paris bus stop in Triq Mannarinu (signages of The Shipwreck are installed next to the bus stop), and Sisla bus stop at Triq Dun Karm. Buses towards Birkirkara leave from Valletta terminus, while one leaves from Attard. Route Leaving from Bus Number Duration from Paris Frequency bus stop to the destination on foot Cirkewwa Valletta 41 6 min 30 min Bugibba Valletta 45 6 min 30 min Gharghur Valletta 46 6 min 30 min Attard Valletta 54 6 min 30 min Naxxar Valletta 43 6 min 30 min Armier Valletta 49 6 min 30 min Bugibba Valletta 48 6 min 30 min Rabat Valletta 50 6 min 30 min Dingli Valletta 56 6 min 60 min Round trip 280 6 min 60 min Bugibba - Mater Dei Head west on Triq Mannarino towards Triq Dun Filippu Borg Turn right at Saint Francis Church onto Triq L-Imsida Turn left onto Triq Kalcidon Gatt Arrive at Triq S. Sommier / The Shipwreck is on the left Route Leaving from Bus Number Duration from Frequency Ibghal bus stop to the destination on foot Pembroke P&R Marsa P&R stop at Ibghal 5 min walk Round trip 110 3 min 60 min Head southeast on Triq L-Imsida toward Triq Kalcidon Gatt Arrive at Triq S. Sommier / The Shipwreck is on the left ~ VII ~

Visitors can also use their hired or personal car. They can park in the garage available on Triq Kalcidon Gatt. The underground parking has a lift that transports you to the foyer. The parking is free of charge. Guests with special needs can easily fit their wheelchair in the lift. Around the attraction s area, parking is easily accessible in streets adjacent to the attraction. The pavement around the area is wide enough for wheelchairs to pass from. A ramp is installed for visitors to utilise. Coaches transporting visitors have a reserved parking space on Triq Kalcidon Gatt near our car park. Location The Shipwreck is situated in Malta s largest city by size and with a population of 23,000 residents. Birkirkara makes part of the Northern Harbour district with an area (2.7km²). A 16 th century painting of St Mary s Parish Church, Birkirkara s first parish during the Knights of St John. Church, the first parish church built. ~ VIII ~

Birkirkara has 13 zones these are: Bwieraq Fleur-de-Lys Għar il-ġobon Laqxija Mrieħel Ta' Fuq il-wied Ta' Ganu Ta' Paris Tal-Brieqex Tal-Maħlut Tal-Qattus Tas-Salib Tas-Swatar The Shipwreck is situated in Ta Paris, Birkirkara, hidden in a typical Maltese residential area. It lies between two main roads that join Malta from the Northern District to the Northern Harbour District on two main roads. The surrounding area is in a typical Maltese urban area, close to various places of interest around the locality, these are: The Old Railway Station Garden, (5min on foot, 800m) Basilica of St Helen which hosts Malta s largest bell. (9 min on foot, 700m) The main open air market (9 min on foot, 700m) (Opens on Wednesday and Friday from 06:30 till 13:00) Parish of Saint Mary (The first and oldest parish church in Birkirkara) (10min on foot, 900m) Aqueduct of Wignacourt, built in 1610 and 1614. This mega structure transported a good supply of drinking water from Mdina (Malta s old city) to Valletta. It runs over 15 kilometres. This structure still stands till this day. Sant Anton Gardens (26 min on foot, 6 min away by car, bus 56 from Paris Bus stop to Strickland bus stop) Birkirkara: historical background As a locality, Birkirkara is surrounded by 9 localities, these are Santa Venera, part of il-ħamrun, l-imsida, Tas-Sliema, San Ġiljan, il-gżira, Ħ Attard, Ħal Balzan and Ħal Lija. Since this town became densely populated, 18 towns and villages were formed from Birkirkara. The first parish church was that of St. Mary (Il-knisja l-qadima). When the populations started to increase a new parish was build dedicated to St. Helen of Constantinople. In Birkirkara remains were found which date back to the Roman era, hence the town is of historical importance. ~ IX ~

History of St Paul in Malta St Paul is one of Malta s three patron saints and protectors. His importance is still felt to this day, having a national feast on the 10 th February commemorating the saint s arrival on the island, thus introducing Christianity to the population. This devotion started in Medieval Malta, when pilgrims of St Paul arriving in Malta to visit the grotto in Rabat where Paul lived for three months and requesting to be buried in the crypt in front of St Paul s grotto in Rabat. This devotion gained pace when Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, a devotee of St. Paul, started the Pauline tradition inviting pilgrims from Europe to visit Malta and see where the saint stayed, reincarnating the story as described in the Bible. Future Plans We would like to increase language options to meet a variety of visitors that Malta is attracting. Contact Information Online presence, website and social media: Address: ĊAK (THE SHIPWRECK), Triq S. Sommier, Birkirkara BKR 4611, Malta Telephone: +356 2144 2373 Email: info@theshipwreckmalta.com www.theshipwreckmalta.com https://www.facebook.com/theshipwreckmalta/ https://twitter.com/shipwreckmalta https://www.youtube.com/channel/ucq7ub73xxbjd7o9-gecidkw https://www.tripadvisor.com/attraction_review-g2086651-d7337524-reviews- The_Shipwreck-Birkirkara_Island_of_Malta.html, ~ X ~

Opening hours: Monday till Friday 10:00 till 16:00 (every hour) last admission is at 15:45 Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10:00 till 14:00 (every hour) last admission is at 13:45 The show is closed on 1st January, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day. Prices: Adults 7.50 Children (from 3yrs 12yrs) 5.00 Location of The Shipwreck on Google Maps ~ XI ~