Venue, accommodation and activities
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The building of Valletta was an ambitious project set by Knights of Saint John in the 16th century, built both as a fortress to defend Christendom and as a cultural masterpiece. A unique example of the Baroque, Valletta has been designated a World Heritage City. In 2018, Valletta was the nominated European Capital of Culture, allowing great renovation works.
In its day, Valletta was a fine example of modern city planning. Designed on a grid system, now common in the United States, the city was carefully planned to accommodate water and sanitation and to allow for the circulation of air.
Valletta is the southernmost capital of Europe, and at just 0.61 square kilometres: it is the European Union’s smallest capital city.
COURSE VENUE
The Valletta Design Cluster (VDC) is a culture and creativity centre in Valletta, Malta. Inaugurated in March 2021, it is housed in a former slaughterhouse known as the Old Abattoir(Maltese: Il-Biċċerija l-Antika) which was originally built in around the 17th century.
Today, VDC is a community space for cultural and creative practice supported by the Valletta Cultural Agenncy. This hub for arts and cultural professionals offers a teeming network and training possibilities in innovative venue such as:
🌿 Award-Winning Roof Garden;
🔧 Makerspace ✨
🎨 Artist and entrepreneur studios ️✂️
COURSE VENUE
Gzira is a small town in the central region of Malta with a population of over 13.000 people. It is heavily populated and largely comprises of built up areas and narrow streets. Given its prime location (between the capital city of Valletta and Sliema) a bustling seaside town filled with fancy restaurants, shops and nightlife — it has gained popularity for the Maltese and immigrants alike. Its diversity is reflected in the myriad of restaurants and ethnic shops established over the past several years. However, the accelerating urban development has led to diminishing green public space. The increasingly busy city is also struggling with high levels of air and noise pollution, as well as the Heath Island effects. The course will visit the projects’ sites in Rue D’Argens, Triq Sliema and Stella Maris College.
ACCOMMODATION
Bayview Hotel has recently been refurbished and upgraded It is located on the water front of Gzira. Every room comes with a private bathroom, TV, Air Conditioning, free WiFi as well as a balcony.
The Azur Hotel is just behind the corner: The air-conditioned rooms offers a satellite TV and a private bathroom with shower.
Both hotels include breakfast.
ACTIVITIES
The tour given by the locally-based theather actors and guides House of Tours. The tour will start with a brief introduction of the Knights of St. John, and of the capital city of Valletta. During the tour, we will walk past several auberges, museums, historical houses, churches and monuments. But there is more than just architecture! Your guide will be revealing some of Valletta’s hidden secrets, forgotten stories and scandalous secrets.
This activity will mix education with entertainment and performative arts.
