Those opening Castello dei Baroni and bringing this aspect of Maltese history to life had put their money where their mouth was and were showing they had utmost faith in the venture and what Maltese tourism had to offer, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.

Speaking during the opening of the new tourist attraction, Castello dei Baroni in Wardija, Dr Gonzi said that considering Malta's size and the fact it is so densely populated, it could boast of a considerable number of tourists visiting its shores.

Malta offered a unique experience, Dr Gonzi said, as a showcase of history spanning some six to seven thousand years.

2009 was not the best year for tourism, as challenges abounded, but tourism had been a major pillar of the economy in the past, and would hopefully remain to be so in the future, as it was one of the seven pillars of Vision 2015.

The Castello, so far a hidden historical treasure, was built in 1783, during the time of Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc. One of the most exclusive wedding venues in Malta, Castello dei Baroni has opened its grounds, and the castle itself to the public.

A tour of the Castello, as it is affectionately known, will begin with a virtual panoramic history of the Knights of Saint John, who played a major part in Maltese history. After that guests are taken on a guided tour of the Castello, which includes an explanation of its origins and what the Knights may have used it as.

Several rooms have been recreated, including the Grand Masters bedroom and the Supreme Council Chamber, to give visitors a real feel of what it might have been like at the time.

The Castello, which will be open for viewing between Monday and Friday, is set to become one of Malta's foremost tourist attractions, as the first tourist attraction in Malta to offer displays of ancient pastimes and sports, such as falconry.

Dr Gonzi said that any initiative which brought out the beauty of Malta's history deserved the government's full support, and added that notwithstanding the past year Malta was looking to the future with optimism.