Brad Pitt is in Malta shooting the zombie flick World War Z. Malta, in this case, doubles up as Jerusalem, but is of course much easier, safer, and technologically adept to shoot in than the strife-torn Jerusalem.

Brad Pitt gets driven around in Birgu, Malta on the set of World War Z

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Pitt didn’t exactly look like he was working hard or working up a sweat for that matter, but Brad Pitt appeared to be enjoying the ride as he was driven around whilst shooting scenes for his new movie, World War Z.

Casually dressed in a shirt and scarf, Brad struck a serious pose today in Birgu, Malta as he rode in the passenger side of an old Jeep along with a co-star. As the car zoomed through the streets, onlookers in Birgu stopped to get a glance of Pitt and the film crew.

Brad Pitt in Birgu, Malta that doubles up as Jerusalem

The actor has several taxing scenes in the zombie film and there is a stuntman on hand to help get the job done. The stand-in wore an exact copy of the star’s wardrobe and even replicated his stubble. He was also seen getting a wig fitted for a wig in the same style as Brad’s shoulder-length mane. Brad’s stuntman shares a near identical frame as the movie star, so viewers will likely be unable to tell the difference on the cinema screens.

The superstar actor plays Max Brooks who scours the world collecting the stories and experiences of those who have survived ten years after the human victory over the world wide Zombie epidemic, referred to as World War Z. The film, directed by Marc Foster, also stars Mireille Enos and Matthew Fox. It is scheduled to be released sometime in 2012.

Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have left the United Sates and temporarily moved with their brood of six into a plush pad in Malta.

Brad Pitta and Angelina Jolie in Malta for World War X

According to US magazine, the high-profile couple are renting an $11 million mansion in the southern European island nation while Brad Pitt films the zombie movie “World War Z,” based on the horror novel of World War Z by Max Brooks.

Brad and Angelina’s Maltese home offers plenty of room to move around for their children, twins Knox and Vivienne, 2; sons Pax, 7, and Maddox, 9, and daughters Shiloh, 5, and Zahara, 6. It has six bedrooms, a swimming pool, game rooms, a conservatory and is just a stone’s throw away with a five minute walk from the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea.

Jolie, 36, was photographed on Wednesday tending to her kids, who all were carrying new toys, while leaving a local indoor play center.

The night before, she and Pitt, 47, took some time away and enjoyed a meal at a local restaurant in Valletta.

Covering an area of no more than 316km² (78,052 acres), the Maltese islands are situated in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. About 300km (186 miles) north of Libya and 93km (58 miles) south of Sicily, this island group is made up of three inhabited islands, Malta, Gozo, and Comino and two small uninhabited islets, Cominotto and Filfla.

There is an enormous wealth of history to be explored on these ancient islands. They have been subject to numerous invasions and occupations over the centuries by forces ranging from the Normans to, most recently, the British. From 1530 to 1798 the islands were owned and ruled by the Knights of the Order of St John whose influence can be seen in the architecture and the strong religious tradition among the Maltese.

With more than a third of their national income derived from tourism, these islands have a lot to offer the traveller. Horse-riding, archery, golf, as well as a number of water sports can all be enjoyed here.

With numerous white sand beaches, protected bays and lagoons, fascinating historical architecture and warm, welcoming people, the Maltese islands, truly are, a Mediterranean paradise.

The Maltese islands usually experience their peak season during the summer months, from May until September. However, they offer something to the traveller all the year round. Beyond the summer months so popular with mass tourism, Malta still offers year-round sunny weather, while its rich history and culture go well beyond the trademark island vacation of just sun and sea.

The Maltese archipelago consists of Malta (the mainland island), Gozo (smaller, more rural sister island), Comino (a very small island, possessing a hotel, only used as a holiday resort), Cominotto and Filfa. (See map)

The Maltese archipelago is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, with the largest inhabited island, Malta, lying 93km (58 miles) south of Sicily and 290km (180 miles) from North Africa.

There are five Maltese islands, three of which are inhabited. Malta is the largest of the five with an area of 320km² (122 miles²). Gozo is the second largest (67km²/26 miles²). Next in size is Comino with a size of 3km² (1 mile²). Southwest of Malta lies two islets, Filfla and Gominotto.

The geography of Malta is characterised by limestone plateaus. It is an arid, rocky landscape with no mountains, rivers or lakes. The landscape is characterised by low hills with terraced fields. Malta has no mountains or rivers. Its coastline is indented with harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches and rocky coves. Gozo is connected to Malta by ferry and is more thickly vegetated, with many flat-topped hills and craggy cliffs.

Although a number of excellent beaches can be found scattered along the coastline, it is predominantly rocky. The coastline on the southern side of the island has several natural bays. The subsoil on Gozo is more water-retentive, with the result that it is far greener and more fertile than Malta. Most of the country’s food is produced on this island.

The islands’ soil is generally thin and rocky, yielding very little flora. The main exception is Buskett Gardens, a lush valley of trees and orange groves protected by the imposing Dingli Cliffs on the southwestern coast of Malta.

AREA: 316 sq km (122 sq miles).

POPULATION: 376,513 (1997, excluding non-Maltese). POPULATION DENSITY: 1189.0 per sq km.

CAPITAL: Valletta. Population: 7146 (1997).

TIME: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

ELECTRICITY: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. UK-style 3-pin plug are in use. The electric current is usually 240 volts (650 cycles). Square fitting three pin plugs (British style) are used, so remember to bring an adapter for all two pin appliances.

The climate in Malta is generally warm and temperate. It is an ideal location for breaks from the often long and harsh winters in the Europe and North America.. There are no biting winds, fog, snow, or frost. Rain falls for only short periods and averages about 578 mm in a whole year.

While conditions are perfect between Easter and mid-June, when the weather is pleasantly warm, rainy bouts in winter seldom last more than two days. The hottest months are between July and September, but the heat is tempered by cooling sea breezes.

The temperature averages 14.1° C in winter (November to April) and 32° C in summer (May to October). The sun shines for an average of 6.46 hours each day in winter and 10.11 hours in summer. The hottest period is from mid July to mid September.

As regards clothing, lightweight cottons and linens are worn between March and September, although warmer clothes may occasionally be necessary in spring and autumn and on cooler evenings. A light raincoat is advisable for winter.

The Maltese are an extremely hospitable and proud people who enjoy sharing what they have regardless of their social level or income. In turn visitors should respect the dictates of modest dressing as practiced by a largely Roman Catholic people. This means that when visiting churches and other venues of religious importance, you should wear modest clothes. With regard to other courtesies, when in doubt, behave as you would anywhere else in Europe.

SMOKING
Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in some public buildings, including cinemas.

TIPPING
10% is expected in hotels and restaurants when not included in the bill. Taxi drivers are usually tipped 10% of the fare.

BANKS
Banks are open from 08:30am to 12:30pm from Monday to Friday. Some banks operate a foreign exchange service in the afternoons as well. On Saturdays, banks are open between 08:30 and 11:30. The Airport offers a 24-hour foreign exchange bureau.

SHOPS
Shops are open from 09:00 to 19:00 with a 3 hour siesta taken around the middle of the day. In the tourist areas some shops stay open until around 22:00.

POST OFFICES
Post offices are open from 07:45 to 14:00, Monday to Saturday.

BARS AND PUBS
Pubs and clubs usually stay open until very late; some clubs remain open till 04.00am in peak season.

Folk traditions in music are very strong, with Malta holding a folksong competition every year. Ghana, meaning ‘song’, is the traditional music of Malta. Derived from the Sicilian ballad, the first known study of this form dates back to 1792 during the final years of the rule of the Knights of St John. Initially initiated by peasants, the music has become an all round form of popular entertainment and is strongly evocative of a distant time strongly echoing Malta’s Romantic foundation flavored by an Arabic past.

Romance is a popular theme in these ballads, while another style of ghana is that called ‘Spirtu pront’ (meaning on the spur of the moment), with two or more ghannejja (singers) performing a duet in such a style, often degrading into a rhyming war of words between the two, in typical Mediterranean style.

Besides folk songs, Malta enjoys a vibrant local modern music scene. Nightclubs and discotheques mostly play European music making the charts in the international arena.

Malta constantly qualifies in good standing in the European-wide Eurovision Song contest with locally composed music.

Malta has a thriving film scene. With 4 cinemas spread around the island and another one in Gozo, all sporting the latest Dolby Digital technology, one of which alone has 16 screens, as well as the recent opening of an IMAX screen, Malta competes with the best of Europe and the rest of the world. In fact, Malta boasts the largest screen in Europe, which make for some spectacular viewing.

Malta compares with the rest of Europe for dates of first screening of movies, in some instances, even placing ahead. Ticket Prices are comparable to the rest of Europe and the United States.

Malta has served as location for a number of international films. Starting with Treasure in Malta in the 1960s, followed by Popeye (1983), Midnight Express, Jaws, Christopher Columbus, Cutthroat island, and more recently Gladiator and U-571. Perhaps ironically Malta is best known to the world through the film adaptation of book that isn’t about Malta – Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon, the title of which refers to a statuette of mysterious origin.

Having such rich medieval architecture, Malta is ideal for serving as a location for films, doing away with costly construction of models. Indeed, while touring the Maltese islands, one can recall famous scenes from movies that made the screen. Moreover, Popeye village, the set of the film about the sailor Popeye and his friends, has been made into a major tourist attraction in the North of the island, while one can view the largest water tank in the world at Rinella, where ocean-based parts of movies are shot in miniature.

Pronounced Kemmuna in Maltese and named after the yellow herbal spice plant cumin that once could be found growing freely all over the island, Comino, the smallest of the three inhabited Maltese islands at 2.5 km² (617 acres), is the ultimate getaway. With only two vehicles, one hotel, a chapel and a piggery on the island, you are bound to experience some well earned tranquillity and fabulous country walks. Paths which wind through the unusual rock formations provide the only communication links and the island is ideal for anyone seeking a very quiet holiday.

The natural wonders of this island are many but probably the best known of them is the Blue Lagoon, a secluded bay on the northwest of the island where the sea has a wonderful turquoise colour. There are superb views of Gozo from here and the little island of Cominotto lies just west. Fantastic white sand forms the floor of the lagoon. There are showers on the hill above the bay to wash the salt and the sand off after an idyllic day swimming and basking on the sand. Comino is surrounded by, and the creeks, caves, and grottos are perfect for snorkelling and diving. A favourite pastime in the summer is packing a picnic hamper and making a day out of swimming off the secluded rocks here. It’s paradise.
Comino serves as a bird sanctuary as well and the cliffs house colonies of breeding seabirds. Beeswax honey and grapes are produced on the island.

The only chapel on Comino can be found near St Mary’s Bay. One of the oldest buildings on the archipelago, it was reconsecrated in 1716. The St Mary’s Battery is the most prominent of the buildings, constructed here by the Knights and finished in 1722. It was never used in a defensive capacity though, and functioned mostly as a place of temporary exile for recalcitrant knights.

During the summer months there are several boat trips to Comino from both Malta and Gozo. If you’re coming over for the day, remember to bring your own refreshments as there are no stores on Comino.

At 67km² (16,549 acres) Gozo is the second largest of the Maltese islands and has a population of about 25,000 people. Gozo differs from the island of Malta in that it has successfully retained its rural atmosphere. The landscape consists of flat-topped hills, steep valleys and rugged cliffs and villas that nestle among peach, lemon, olive and orange groves. In spring the island comes ablaze with the flowering hibiscus, oleander, mimosa and bougainvillaea.

Gozo has a distinct character all its own. The countryside is prettier than that of its larger neighbour, the pace is slower and there are far fewer tourists. The island has its share of medieval architecture and prehistoric temples, making it a great place to escape the tourism mill while experiencing the best of what Malta has to offer. The commercial centre of the island, Victoria, has a sleepy 17th-century feel. Some of the local crafts (lace and knitwear) are sold from the doorways of houses and on the street. The view from atop the Citadel, or ‘Gran Costello’, takes in the entire island. The Norman House, on the Citadel’s grounds, houses an interesting folk museum.

Gozo is held to be the island of Ogy’gia in Homer’s epic piece of Greek mythology, Odyssey, where the sea nymph Calypso entertained Odysseus. You can retrace the footsteps of Ulysses at Calypso’s Cave, in the cliffs overlooking Ramla Bay on the northeastern coast. Over the centuries Gozo suffered a lot at the hands of marauding Turkish and Arab pirates. Many of the inhabitants of the islands were slain or abducted to be sold as slaves.Gozitans (as the members of the island’s population are known) are now again watching carefully as Gozo is now starting to suffer from modern day invaders as more holiday accommodation is slowly built on their small piece of paradise. This will surely bring prosperity, but will it mean the end of their simple, unhurried way of life?

The waters surrounding the island are unpolluted and crystal clear. The most important beaches are Il-Qawra (better known as the inland sea, with a secluded pebbly bathing pool, crystal clear water and sheer cliffs), an unspoilt sandy beach known as Ir-Ramla l-Hamra and Xlendi Bay. In summer there are numerous festivals with fireworks and horseracing in the streets.

The economy of this island is largely dependent on agriculture, and it produces most of the agricultural goods consumed on the island group. Its geography is characterised by serene green valleys and hills dotted with pretty small villages. The tranquil, rustic charm here leaves an impression on even the most fleeting visitor.

VICTORIA
Many people still prefer to refer to Victoria, the capital city of Gozo, by its former name of Rabat. The current name came into being in 1897 to mark the jubilee of Queen Victoria of Great Britain. It was built by the Arabs on Castle Hill, which offers the visitor panoramic views of the whole island. It is not only the economic and social heart of the island, it is also located geographically in the centre of it. All roads lead to and from Victoria.

It-Tokk (Main Square)
For hundreds of years this attractive looking square has been the centre of Victoria’s town life. There are stalls here every day of the working week. Anything from fruit, fish, fabrics, clothes and knitwear can be purchased here. There are some interesting shops facing onto the square and the bars serve the excellent Gozitan wine. The bronze statue of Christ set in the square itself was erected as a memorial to the local people who gave their lives in World War II, both civilian and in uniform. Atmosphere-laden medieval alleyways, with their bars and shops, can be explored directly behind the square in the Old Town. Just on the square is the Church of St James and the government offices, housed in the semi-circular Banca Giuratale, which dates back to 1733 and was built by Grand Master de Vilhena.

Triq Ir-Repubblika (Republic Street)
Horse trotting races are staged here on festa days. In fact the street used to be called Racecourse Street. There are some fine houses, featuring adorned hanging balconies, to be seen in this part of Victoria. The Rundle Gardens park is situated at the end of the street. An agricultural show is held here on Assumption day (15th August) which draws very large crowds.

The Citadel (Gran Castello)
Towering above this beautiful medieval city is the Citadel. It was refortified by the Knights and, due to the many Turkish attacks on the island, up until 1637, Gozitans had to sleep in the Citadel for safety. Nowadays, within its walls can be found the cathedral, historic bastions and the remains of old houses. One of these, the Norman House, has been restored and is now a folk museum. There is also a cathedral museum and a museum of archaeology here.

The Cathedral, Cathedral Square
Designed by Lorenzo Gafá, this marvellous cathedral was built between 1697 and 1711. An earlier church here had been destroyed by the catastrophic 1693 earthquake. The original design called for a magnificent dome, but because of a lack of funds, Italian artist Antonio Manuele, was commissioned to paint the very convincing trompe l’oeil ‘domed’ ceiling. The interior of the cathedral stands in marked contrast to its exterior. Apart from the ceiling, the cathedral’s marble floor, which is made from the ornamental tombstones of church dignitaries, gives it a surprisingly opulent feel. Designs vary from a number of different hats to the grinning figure of Death. The cathedral also houses a statue of the Madonna that is adorned with a diamond necklace and a solid gold belt. The statue stands on a base made of pure silver. This was the conventual church on Gozo and twice served as the venue for the investiture of Grand Masters.

Cathedral Museum, Fosse Street
This museum is situated just behind the Cathedral and is dedicated to the history of the churches on the island. There are several interesting exhibits to be seen, such as 1st century Ionic columns and a large number of religious paintings, documents and vestments. The horse-drawn carriage that was used on special occasions in the 19th century by the Bishop of Gozo can also be seen here.

Archaeological Museum Prison Street
Housed in the island’s only surviving private palace, the Palazzo Bondi, the Archaeological Museum has a wide variety of exhibits, ranging from Roman earthenware, to the tombstone of a 12th century Muslim girl called Majmuna. There is also a model of the Ggantija temples and various artefacts excavated from them. The Museum of Archaeology contains Roman remains from a shipwreck on the island and items excavated from the neolithic temple at Ggantija.

St George’s Basilica
Set just behind Gozo’s main square (It-Tokk) and resplendent in its own little square is the Basilica of St George. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘Golden Basilica’ as the interior is wonderfully gilded. A bronze canopy, reminiscent of Bernini’s at St Peter’s in Rome, is the focal point of the interior here. The church was built in 1673 but, like the cathedral, was damaged in the earthquake that shook the islands two decades later.

The Natural History Museum, Quarters Street
This charming little collection resides in an old storehouse that used to belong to the Knights. It has a small but interesting exhibition on the fauna and flora of the island and exhibits of fossils and fish.

Folklore Museum, Bernardo de Opuo Street
Here you’ll find an insight into everyday Gozitan life over the centuries. The museum is housed in three 16th century houses. The architecture here is as interesting as the objects on exhibit.

Knight’s Armoury, Quarters Street
Used by the knights in the 18th century, the armoury is now a modest museum with exhibits of various historic weaponry. The site was employed as a garrison for the British in the 19th century and again during WWII.

XAGHRA
This large hilltop village lies about 3km (1,8 miles) north of Victoria. Attractions here include the Church of our Lady of Victories where, around the 8th of November, the end of the siege of Malta is celebrated every year. This spot also offers a breathtaking view of most of the island. There are alabaster caves at Xaghra, with stalactites and stalagmites. These underground caves are known as Xerri’s Grotto and Ninu’s Grotto. The major attraction at Xaghra is the Ggantija Temples just outside the town.

Ggantija Temples
The major attraction at Xaghra is the Ggantija Temples just outside the town. Consisting of two temples, the South Temple and the North Temple, this complex is the oldest known freestanding stone building in the world, dating back to 3,600-3,000BC. The exceptionally well preserved complex was constructed using very heavy giant stone slabs. It is no wonder they were believed to have been built by giants (‘Ggantija’ means ‘giant’). The legend that grew up over the site was that a female giant transported the stone blocks on her head from Ta’Cenc. You can see artefacts unearthed during the study of the site at Victoria’s Museum of Archaeology.

THE DWEJRA COAST
This stretch of Goza’s coastline, from Wardija Point to San Dimitri Point on the west side of the island offers several stunning attractions.

The Azure Window is a gigantic stone arch, chiselled by the elements over thousands of years, that stretches out into the sea. Like so many other natural wonders in the world this arch is in danger of collapsing, so, get a photo while you can! A few kilometres inland from this arch is the Inland Sea, a small saltwater lake that is connected to the ocean by a natural tunnel through the limestone cliffs.

The Fungus Rock, just offshore of the Azure Window, was highly treasured by the Knights because of the medicinal properties of the fungi growing on its steep sides. They set up a guard around the rock to deter any thieves. Anybody who was discovered trying to get to the treasured fungi was executed. The plant was said to be a cure for haemorrhages and dysentry.

TA’ PINU BASILICA
This is one of the most visited sites on Gozo. Not only is it a favorite tourist site, but many Maltese people come here because of the spiritual significance of Ta’Pinu. It is situated 4km (2.5 miles) northwest of Victoria, Gozo’s capital. In 183, a woman, Carmela Grima, heard voices telling her to say three Ave Marias. Miraculous cures began happening around the area, culminating in Gozo escaping the dreaded plague that struck Malta. Thousands of visitors come to the shrine yearly now, which is established as an official Vatican place of pilgrimage. The original church here was an unassuming 16th century chapel. Following the miracles many devotions and donations were offered to the church. With the money, a new church was constructed, incorporating the chapel. Pope Pius IX raised the new church to the status of a basilica in 1932.

XEWKIJA
Set just 3km (1,8 miles) southeast of Victoria, it is the fourth largest town on the island. Towering above it, and visible from anywhere on the island, is the giant dome of the Xewkija Rotunda. Reportedly one of the largest in the world, it was constructed between 1951 and 1971. The building of this awesome spectacle has been a bone of contention between Gozitans and Maltese for several years, and will probably stay one until they can decide whether the Mosta Dome or the Xewkija Rotunda is largest. Xewkija is a small town with a beautiful new church, built round the old parish Church of St John the Baptist.

XLENDI
Also just 3km (1,8 miles) from Victoria is Xlendli, but this time heading in a westerly direction. The Xlendi Bay sits at the bottom of a deep valley. It is becoming more and more of a tourist destination due to its idyllic setting. Colourful fishing boats lie moored in the bay and the local fishermen can be observed preparing their traps and repairing their nets during the day. The reefs and caves around the bay are excellent for scuba diving and snorkeling. You’ll find several superb restaurants on the seafront offering local fish and giant prawn menus. Also look out for the fantastic hand-made lace sold here at reasonable prices. If you don’t feel like driving catch the number 87 bus from Victoria. If you do take the car there is a good size parking lot near the beach.

MARSALFORN
Marsalforn is a fishing village on the north coast which has become one of Gozo’s most popular seaside resorts. It has a perfect view of the colossal statue of Jesus on top of a towering dormant volcanoe, reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro. The picture on the left shows the farthest point of the bay, known as il-Qbajjar, with several salt pans.