On 9 May 2017, MaltaPost will join other European postal administrations by the release of a philatelic stamp set bearing the theme "Castles".

EUROPA stamps underline cooperation between European postal administrations and seek to promote philately and build awareness of the common goals, roots, culture and history of Europe.

The Malta stamps feature two towers, which served as defence, particularly during the period of the Knights of St John and are based on works by artist Cedric Galea Pirotta.

The €0.59 stamp features the St Agatha Tower, also known as the Red Tower, built in 1647 during the reign of Grand Master Lascaris de Castellar. The Tower commands views over Mellieha Bay, Comino as well as Gozo. The €2.19 stamp depicts the Gourgion Tower in Xewkija, Gozo which was built in 1690 by Giovanni Gourgion the personal secretary of Grand Masters Gregorio Carafa and Adrien de Wignacourt. Unfortunately, it was demolished in 1943 to make way for an airfield that was considered necessary for the Allied invasion of Sicily.

The stamps will be issued in two sheetlets each bearing 11 stamps. Each stamp measures 44mm x 31mm, has a 13.9 x 14.0 (comb.) perforation bearing the Maltese Crosses watermark. The sheetlets measure 158mm x 150mm. The stamps were produced by Printex Ltd in the offset process and the issue consists of 39,600 of the €0.59 stamp and 35,200 of the €2.19 stamp.

This philatelic issue will be available from all Post Offices in Malta and Gozo as from Monday 9 May 2017. Orders may be placed online at www.maltaphilately.com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c. 305, Qormi Road, Marsa, MTP 1001; Telephone: 2596 1740, e-mail: info@maltaphilately.com

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