If you love being part of Halloween activities or have never attended and are interested in experiencing it, between today, November 1 and 5, set aside some time and experience the Halloween season with a difference: a pleasant combination of history, science and education is the right recipe for that spooky taste.
Built on history
The building that today serves as the premises of Xjenza Malta has an extraordinary history dating back to the 17th century.
In the 19th century, when the Maltese islands were under British rule, the main villa, which was designed in 1675 by Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà to serve as a private summer residence for the Italian Knight and Prior of Capua, Fra Giovanni Bichi, passed into the hands of the civil government.
In 1827, King George IV granted the Admiralty permission to convert the building into a naval hospital. The foundation stone of Royal Naval Hospital Bighi was laid on March 23, 1830. For years, this hospital provided nursing and medical care to most of the casualties from the Mediterranean during the Crimean Wars, World War I and World War II.
What to expect
Perched on the edge of Kalkara’s Grand Harbour, Esplora is known as Malta’s vibrant interactive science centre, but hidden within its walls lies a rich, centuries-old story waiting to be explored over five days through the themed event Esplora’s Haunted Hospital.
Visitors with a curious mind will be immersed in the building’s story through atmosphere-laden rooms, learn about medical and health sciences through playful workshops and shows, and enjoy hands-on, interactive activities for everyone; age is not a limit!
Event highlights
Science Show
Our Body Under Siege
Step into an interactive science show that reveals how our immune system protects us from invaders like bacteria and viruses.
Packed with lively demonstrations and audience participation, this show makes medical science fun and easy to follow. With its spooky twist, Our Body Under Siege is exciting, educational and perfect for children and families.
Workshops
Trick or Treatment
Learn practical first aid skills in a hands-on workshop designed for young learners. From bandaging to safe handling and emergency basics, this session builds confidence while playfully teaching life skills.
Red Alert!
Discover what makes our blood unique in this colourful and interactive activity. Children will explore the components of blood and the differences between blood types through engaging experiments and teamwork.
Anatomy at War
Set in a World War II field hospital, participants will role-play medical apprentices. The session blends history and science to show organ function under stress.
Guided tour
Step into the darker side of history with a captivating tour through time, where the walls whisper stories of the past. From mysterious carvings left by patients, including the chilling words of Dante’s Inferno, “All hope abandon ye who enter here”, to legends echoing through the former Insanity Ward just across from the burial site of the hospital.
Discover traces of wartime wounds, anecdotes of soldiers who sought refuge during their convalescence, while witnessing the horrible reality of air raids over the Grand Harbour. Did you ever wonder what those stone tubs were really for?
Esplora will be open from November 1 to 5 from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are available from showshappening.com. One can also reach Esplora by sea on board a traditional Maltese luzzu, departing from Valletta and Sliema. Visit https://esplora.org.mt/haunted-hospital-at-esplora/ for more details.
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