FAA is giving its members the unique opportunity to tour the rock-hewn World War II tunnel that links the Auberge de Castille to the Auberge d’Italie, part of a wartime system of tunnels built by the British in 1941 which served various purposes during the blitz of Malta.
Architect Edward Said, an expert on the underground spaces in Valletta, will be guiding the tour which will start from the 16th-Century undercroft of the Auberge D’Italie in Merchants Street and proceed to the historic vaults of Castille, the Prime Minister’s office.
Sealed for almost six decades since the 1950s the tunnel’s thick rock walls are etched with masons’ marks and graffiti symbols, sketches, dates and messages, while water trickling through the rock has over the years covered the ceilings with tiny stalactites while a few stalagmites can be seen on the stone floors.
Emerging through the 16th century cellars of the Auberge de Castille, the tour will proceed to Casa Rocca Piccola in Republic Street, where Architect Edward Said will give a short talk on Valletta’s underground spaces and tour members will be able to visit Casa Rocca’s wartime shelter.
Tea and home-baked cakes will be served at Casa Rocca Piccola after the tour. This tour is not recommended to those who suffer from claustrophobia.
FAA recommends that participants wear sensible shoes due to slippery floors in certain areas.
The tour is taking place on Saturday, the 15th February, meeting at Auberge d’Italie, Merchants’ Street, Valletta, at 2.00pm. The cost, inclusive of tea and refreshments is 15 Euros.
Due to strong demand and limited places, bookings are being taken on a strictly first-come first-served basis and limited to Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) members, however those who wish to become members of FAA may do so at http://faa.org.mt/membership/ [1].
Bookings can be made through the FAA website www.faa.org.mt [2] or through the office by phone on 2702277.