Malta: The Jewel of the Med is new to Channel 5. Stream it on My5 .
In this new series we explore one of the world’s most fascinating countries. It’s a haven for Brits, with over one million of us visiting each year.
In this episode, we’ll uncover the wonders of an extraordinary cathedral, gleaming with 24-carat gold, we’ll head to Malta’s rural heartland to harvest the finest local produce on a family-run farm and dive deep into the islands’ azure waters to discover World War II history underwater. There’s also a visit to the “cat village” to meet some of Malta’s well-loved stray felines, plus a sea clean-up to keep its crystal-clear water sparkling.
Three million tourists visit Malta each year, and the country’s delicious cuisine is part of the appeal. Many of Malta’s restaurants are family-run, and one of the best known is Trattoria del Nonno. This traditional restaurant was set up by Grandpa Benny 60 years ago, but now he’s handed over the day-to-day running to his family. When grandson Kane suggests putting a modern twist on Maltese classics, it’s Benny he has to win over. Kane and brother Jake headed to their local family-run farm to harvest the best seasonal ingredients for the new dishes. But will Benny be convinced that the new dishes have a place on the trattoria menu?
The co-cathedral of St John, in the capital Valletta, is one of the great wonders of Malta. Stark and plain on the outside, inside it’s a riot of colour and 24-carat gold leaf – a staggering 11kgs of it. The gold leaf needs constant maintenance from conservator Daniela. There are huge art works to restore too, and the condition of the cathedral’s greatest treasure, the Beheading of St John by Caravaggio, needs to be carefully assessed to ensure it survives the hot and busy summer.
Malta’s strategic position in the middle of the Mediterranean has meant that it’s had to defend itself from invaders for centuries. There are relics of past battles all over the islands, many of them below the sea. One man who knows the secrets of many of these wartime wrecks is Mancunian scuba dive instructor, Neville McLellan. He leads a dive to a World War II wreck to reveal its hidden history.
