Plague tour

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna today is holding a guided tour in English to various heritage sites and monuments connected with the plague in Malta over the centuries. This tour is being held between 1.30 and 5 p.m. This unusual excursion will take participants through the centuries when the Maltese Islands were periodically visited by the dreaded Black Death, which came in three forms.

The bubonic plague was the most common form of the Black Death. The mortality rate was between 30 and 75 per cent.

The pneumonic plague was the second most commonly seen form. Its mortality rate was 90-95 per cent (if treated today the mortality rate would be 5-10 per cent). The pneumonic plague infected the lungs. The septicemic plague was the rarest form of all. The mortality was close to 100 per cent (even today there is no treatment). Sites to be visited are the Lazaretto on Manoel Island, the Barriera Wharf in Valletta, the Infetti Shrine at Birkirkara, the plague monument at Fort St Angelo, the St Roque statue at Vittoriosa, the Cholera cemetery in Fort Ricasoli and the Wied Ghammieq cemetery.

A stop for refreshments will be allowed along the route at Fort Rinella, Kalkara, where a selection of original pamphlets and publications from the archives of FWA and connected with the subject will be made available for special viewing. A running commentary will be provided on the coach along the route.

The tour will leave at 1.30 p.m. from in front of Le Meridien Phoenicia Hotel in Floriana returning at 5 p.m. Participation is strictly by booking. One may book by calling 2180-0992 or 9987-4153 or send an e-mail to info@wirtartna.org. A fee covering transport expenses will be charged as follows - Lm1.75 per adult FWA member (children: Lm1); non-members Lm2.25 (children Lm1.50).