Tour of major Rabat sites

A cultural tour of the historical sites of Rabat, organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, will be held on Sunday.

It will start with a visit to the main courtyards of the Inquisitor's Palace at Girgenti. From there the group will proceed to Verdala Palace, one of Malta's most beautiful palaces, built by Grand Master Verdalle overlooking Buskett Gardens.

Participants will be shown around the main floors of what is today one of the official residences of the President, as well as the chapel and surrounding gardens. Visitors will watch a historical re-enactment of the legend of the Blue Lady, who is said to roam Verdala Castle.

At Buskett Gardens, the visitors will be entertained to traditional folk music, Maltese food and drink.

The final stop will be the Dominican Convent and adjacent church in Rabat, renowned for Il-Madonna ta' l-Ghar.

Tickets are available from The Malta Council for Culture and The Arts at Lm3.25 for adults and Lm2.90 for children (aged between five and 12) and pensioners. Transport will depart at 8.45 a.m. from Floriana, next to the Independence Monument, and from The Strand in Sliema.

Bookings and payments may be made at The Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, Casa Gaspe, 230, Republic Street, Valletta CMR 02 (during office hours but not later than 3.30 p.m.).

Further information may be had by calling Noel D'Amato or Noel Sammut on tel. 2123 2515.

The tour is organised in collaboration with The Malta Council for Culture and The Arts, the Malta Tourism Authority and Heritage Malta and sponsored by Kinnie and Cisk Lager.