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A new pilot project in the capital will try out multi-faceted farming in a built-up setting as a source of food and environmental awareness
The work is already underway from both sides and completion is expected at the end of the decade
The solution which has been progressing to that end for the past several years proves that there can be a circular business model
This move will open green and social public projects to wider investments
The city has launched a 'buy 1 get 1 for free' scheme to lure people back to the local cultural scene
The initiative focuses on building an integration policy from the perspective of small businesses within the community
The Agri-Tech centre in Osnabrück has a lab, workshop and test field all rolled into one
The flying machines will help pinpoint polluted districts much more accurately
Search for health, search for well-being - in any sense and category of these terms
The Agri-Tech centre in Osnabrück has a lab, workshop and test field all rolled into one
It will supply electricity to a population twice the city of Porto
Plzeňský Prazdroj’s new brewery warehouse launched an automated rail system capable of storing more beer and loading it onto trucks much more efficiently
The work is already underway from both sides and completion is expected at the end of the decade
Local authorities say that this is a good way to preserve the 15th-century market building while providing a public service
A new pilot project in the capital will try out multi-faceted farming in a built-up setting as a source of food and environmental awareness
Let your amorous intentions be known throughout the French capital, because if not there, where else?
Let your amorous intentions be known throughout the French capital, because if not there, where else?
The city has launched a 'buy 1 get 1 for free' scheme to lure people back to the local cultural scene
No more blue Mondays in this educational institution
The facility will be located in Hasselt and is set to welcome its first visitors this spring
Search for health, search for well-being - in any sense and category of these terms
No more blue Mondays in this educational institution
Qrendi, European Destination of Excellence, is a must-do detour on any visit to Malta
Few places boast as high a concentration of landmarks of world renown as Qrendi. With an area of less than 5 square km this Maltese village and its 2500 inhabitants boast two Neolithic temples, the spectacular naturally formed Blue Grotto and the even more curious natural sinkhole of Maqluba, overseen by one of the oldest chapels in Malta, dedicated to St Matthew. It is no surprise that the village was designated European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) in 2016. Let’s explore it together.
Qrendi is located in the southwest of Malta, some 13 kilometres and 20 minutes away from Valletta. The village of Qrendi itself is a particularly nice place to see and visiting it represents a wonderful opportunity to get familiar with the culture of Malta. Strolling around its narrow streets, one will discover, for example, that all houses have names. These usually originate from the name of the patron saint of the place of origin of the house’s owner, but it could also be the name of his beloved wife.
Standing in front of the houses or built in the walls, small niches can be seen, carefully protecting statues of saints. They come to testify the strong faith of the locals and their willingness to accept and welcome the sacred as close to their homes as possible.
San Mattew tal-Maqluba - the older chapel on the edge of the sinkhole
Without a doubt, the centre of the social and cultural life of the village, similar to most Maltese localities, is its Chapel. The older chapel of Qrendi, dedicated to St Matthew is likely to have been built before the 15th century. About 100 years later, a larger one was constructed and is used today for official ceremonies, marriages and concerts.
Arguably, the most recognisable tourist landmark and a famous Instagram selfie spot in Qrendi is the Blue grotto (in the main picture). Located a short boat ride from the famous Wied iz-Zurrieq (but also accessible by car or public transport) the Blue Grotto serves as a wonderful illustration of the region's geography, while retaining its own unique natural form. The weather-worn cave with crystal clear blue waters and the stunning image of the open sea have been admired by locals for millennials. What is more, visiting the Blue Grotto is a great opportunity to taste some fresh local fish dishes, or why not try your hand at snorkelling or scuba diving?
Entrance to Mnajdra temples
The second-best thing to see, in our opinion, are the Neolithic temples of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim, part of the UNESCO World Heritage. They bear witness to the earliest presence of human population in Qrendi, which goes as far back as 3,500 BC. The first site still preserves an invaluable testimony to the human spirit – one of the oldest stone calendars in the world, indicating the start of each season through a sun ray reflection on the temple corners. Hagar Qim is no less interesting with its decorations, altars and the great number of statues of fat ladies unearthed – an ancient symbol of fertility.
Inside Maqluba doline
Another contributor to the international reputation of Qrendi and the prestigious EDEN award is the geological formation of Maqluba. This sinkhole was formed naturally around 1343 AD as a result of a cave collapse. However, legend has it that the phenomenon occurred as a God’s punishment for the bad moral behaviour of the inhabitants of the hamlet that was sucked in. Nowadays, the 40 metres deep and 300 metres wide doline is a Natura 2000 site with densely growing evergreen shrubs and rare flora and fauna, including the Maltese national tree - Sandarac Gum Tree.
Much more can be said on Qrendi, but you hardly need further convincing evidence that the village is worth a visit. And if you have more questions or need info about your trip, visit the website of the Local Council of Qrendi and discover the rest.
The subsidy will apply to single women, couples and families
The aim is to have a carbon impact of only 2.5 kg of CO2 per square metre per year
The government has set aside a 150-million-euro pot, which is supposed to replenish once the properties are resold
Search for health, search for well-being - in any sense and category of these terms
The Agri-Tech centre in Osnabrück has a lab, workshop and test field all rolled into one
These officials help seniors to push back the feelings of alienation in a world gone rapidly technological
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Regional authorities have identified 260 roadside areas suitable for solar farms; so they are looking for partners
The aim is to have a carbon impact of only 2.5 kg of CO2 per square metre per year
The subsidy will apply to single women, couples and families
It makes perfect sense, given the vibrant café and fashion cultures in that country
Search for health, search for well-being - in any sense and category of these terms
The new itineraries are part of the DiscoverEU programme, which lets 18-year-olds travel by train between important European sites
The European Commission has published its first progress report charting the achievements of the socio-cultural movement that combines beauty, inclusion and sustainability
The 2023 edition of the creative initiative promises to be bigger, bolder and more inclusive
Veni Markovski’s take on dealing with disinformation in the European Union's poorest country – Bulgaria
A conversation with the mayor of Utrecht on the occasion of her mission to COP27
A conversation with the President of the European Committee of the Regions, about energy, climate change and the underrated importance of cohesion policy
