Discover the Secrets of Esplora’s Haunted Hospital This November
If you are visiting Malta between 1 and 5 November this year, 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.
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 Gafa 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 23rd, 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 into 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!!
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 WWII field hospital, participants role-play medical apprentices. The session blends history and science to show organ function under stress.
The Haunted Hospital Guided Tour
Step into the darker side of history by opting for 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? A journey blending history, mystery, and science — for those daring enough to explore what lies beneath Esplora’s timeless walls.
Opening Hours and Tickets
Esplora’s Haunted Hospital will be open to visitors from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission prices are €15 for adults and €13 for children aged 3 to 15 years, while infants under 2 years can enter for free. Concession tickets are available at €10. Entry is also free for Individual and Group Members (covering up to four children and/or adults) as well as for holders of the Educators’ Card.
Get your tickets here.
For more information about the event and its activities, visit the Esplora website here!
