Valletta Underground NGO arouses enthusiasm in locals and foreigners

Precisely a year after Valletta Underground’s initial impressive event, the NGO organized its second function last Tuesday, hoping to get more supporters and to preserve their yearly calendar event. The primary purpose of this unique social occasion was to give the opportunity to the public to visit these historical underground spaces, which shed a light on the folkloristic aspect of the past Maltese lifestyle.

The crypt and shelter of St Augustine Church in Valletta appealed to the well informed. The history of these subterranean expanses was highlighted by the interactive lecture given prior to the tour around the church’s labyrinth of valuable geological gems. The discourse was introduced by Edward Said, an “architect by profession”. He gave an excellent introduction about the NGO itself, about his background in subterranean work, and about the evolution of the underground spaces within the city. Mr Said paved the way for Andrei Cachia and Noel Az- zopardi – the two pillars of the organization who have more of a hands-on experience in this field. Their talks gave an insight on their pioneering ventures in the surveying work done in such confined locations. Dennis Darmanin; historical researcher of St Augustine Church, convent and its subterranean features, concluded the presentation by giving a detailed description of his responsibilities.

Throughout the discussion, the three members making up Valletta Underground disclosed their plans for the future. They announced that they intend to publish a second edition of Mr Said’s “Subterranean Valletta”. They also stated that they are seeking monetary assistance to help them map out Valletta’s underground network in 3D.

Any assistance from individuals or entities that can help VU to achieve its mission statement can contact the NGO at vallettaunderground@gmail.com , on Facebook, or by calling 99447075.