Commemorating the Great Siege 1565

Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) is delighted to announce that it is organising a series of events throughout the month of May to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the Great Siege of Malta, giving both FAA members and non-members the opportunity to learn more about one of the most notable periods of Malta’s history.

These activities will open on Saturday 16th May with the seminar ‘The Great Siege as seen through the frescoes of Matteo Perez d’Aleccio’ when leading experts in the field - Dr Theresa Vella, Dr Stephen C. Spiteri, Prof. Denis de Lucca, Dr Albert Ganado, Dr Emanuel Buttigieg, Mr Joseph Schirò  and Mr Dane Munro - will discuss aspects of The Great Siege as seen through the frescoes of Matteo Perez d’Aleccio.

For this occasion FAA has written and published The Great Siege of Malta: Art and History, a book specially produced by FAA to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the Great Siege of Malta.

It is through d’Aleccio’s twelve frescoes that we can witness some of the most significant episodes which took place during the Great Siege of 1565. Based on contemporary accounts of the siege, his works reveal a comprehensive visual narrative of the state of the fortifications and other military quarters, the types of armour, weapons and costumes worn, and some tactics which were used during this crucial campaign. During this seminar expert speakers in the field will elaborate on these various themes. 

This event will be followed by an art exhibition ‘Interpretations of the Great Siege’ which will showcase a collection of paintings created by artist Raymond Dominic Agius. These artistic works which depict scenes and personalities related to the Great Siege, will be for sale and will be displayed at Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, 64 Republic Street, Valletta between Tuesday 19th and Friday 29th May 2015.

Another highlight related to the Great Siege will take place on Saturday 23 May 2015 is a walking and boat tour ‘In the steps of the Great Siege’ when participants will cross the Grand Harbour on dgħajjes - traditional Maltese harbour boats - and disembark at the Sally Port in Vittoriosa. The guided tour of this town will visit major sites related to the Great Siege and will include areas which are not usually open to the public. The tour will end with refreshments at the Auberge de France, premises of the Vittoriosa Local Council, and a return boat ride to Valletta.

Since this tour is restricted to FAA members, those interested to participate are invited to join FAA by applying to become a member at www.faa.org.mt/membership/

Booking for all these events can be effected through: https://ticketengine.faa.org.mt/

More information about these activities is available on FAA website http://faa.org.mt/