Valletta International Baroque Festival 2016
After the great siege of 1565, that’s when the Knights of St John succeeded in defeating the Ottoman Empire, Jean Parisot de Valette laid the foundation stone the new fortified city of Malta, Valletta.
Embellished at the height of the baroque period, Valletta soon became a strong-point of culture at the heart of the Mediterranean. Valletta manages to be a vibrant and modern city while still maintains its historical roots.
Upon entering the city one would immediately immerse himself in the baroque character that only Valletta on the islands of Malta can offer
Inaugurated in 2013, the Valletta International Baroque Festival, has been conceived purposely as a celebration of this baroque character. Most of the events take place at Manuel Theatre, one of Europe’s oldest baroque theatres. The Theatre was built at the time of the Knights Hospitallers and Military Order of St John Malta in 1731 by grand Master Manuel de Vilhena. The theatre is a masterpiece of artisan work having only 600 seats, adorned in gold leaf and a pale blue trompe l’oeil celing.
Other venues where the Valletta International Baroque Festival is being held are , St John’s Co-Cathedral, The Grand Master’s Palace, Jesuits’ Church, Ta Giezu church, St Nicholas Church (all souls), Casino Maltese, Bibliotheca (National Library of Malta) and St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral.
The Valletta International Baroque Festival is held during the shoulder months of tourism in Malta. With the help of the Malta Tourism Authority and various other stake holders, last year we succeeded to attract to the islands of Malta close to three thousand new visitors and year after year, this festival is growing with a fast pace.
The Valletta international baroque festival is held for two weeks between 16th and 30th of January 2016. For more info please follow the link below.
