Jim Hole, a British special effects specialist, and Paul Avellino, a young Maltese construction manager, formulated a plan in 1963 to build the Malta Film Facilities, near Fort Rinella: a shallow-water tank, 300 feet wide and immune from tides and stormy weather. The tank blends with the horizon, hence giving audiences the illusion of action […]
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Saint Rocco Hamlet
The Saint Rocco hamlet takes its name from the chapel of Saint Rocco which was once present near the coast and the Hospitaller coastal entrenchments, nowadays the SmartCity site. Near this chapel the Saint Rocco redoubt was built by the British during the French blockade, while the Saint Rocco battery was built by Maltese men […]
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Kalkara Creek
Kalkara Creek was sometimes also called the ‘English Creek’. It is a well-known sheltered inlet for various fishermen’s and oarsman’s boats, but exposed to the Northeast wind. The shore, sheltered and with remarkable views, was enlarged several times, including the present development done in the 1950s. Other interesting notations The Malta Mediterranean Gas CompanyErnle Bradford’s […]
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The Church of Saint Barbara
Following a dream, Giuseppe Valerio Abela donated a plot of land in Kalkara to the Capuchin Friars to build a Church and Convent. On 18th June 1736 the first stone was blessed by Archbishop Mons. Paul Alphéran de Bussan. Both buildings were designed by Fra Giuseppe, Capuchin, and financed through collections including donations from Grand […]
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Red House
The Red House is an old private villa built in the year 1803 in the hamlet of Saint Rocco, on the eastern part of Kalkara. It is well known for its red apertures and the majestic door. During the years, the surrounding houses took also names associated with other colours, thus painting their apertures respectively.
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