The change of plans was not the result of any time travel, but a consequence of the transformation that the city is undergoing to serve as a filming location for the latest blockbuster to be shot in Malta.

On Monday morning, the film’s crew were adding the finishing touches to a number of streets which have been given a complete makeover for the historical epic “Agora”.

Although access to the area will be restricted while filming is ongoing, visitors to Mdina took the opportunity to have a sneak preview of what they might see once the move is screened in cinemas worldwide.

While the residents were offered alternative accommodation in a hotel for the duration of shooting, some residents opted not to leave their homes and were also casting a curious eye on the proceedings.

Alejandro Amenabar's film – which stars Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz as the real-life Hypatia of Alexandria, who was the Western world's first female astronomer and philosopher – also required the construction of a monumental palace entrance and an open-air hall at Tas-Silg, Marsaxlokk.

(news Item by di-ve.com - Chris Galea)

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