Exploring the Real Locations of Jurassic World: Dominion

Jurassic World: Dominion is the latest film in the blockbuster saga that began with Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park in 1993. Filming started in February 2020, and Malta is the featured location as it is where some of the most impactful scenes in the story were shot.

In this installment of the saga, after Isla Nublar was destroyed in the previous film, dinosaurs roam freely around the world, coexisting with humans and either hunting or being used for questionable interests. This leads Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Isabell Sermon to join the original trio from the first movie: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum, to restore order between humans and dinosaurs.

Having a long history as a backdrop in Hollywood movies, this is the first time Malta appears in a film without simulating another city, and the scale of this production was such that for some of the most impressive scenes, they needed up to nine cameras.

Malta's capital, Valletta, hosts the velociraptor chase featuring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. Riding a motorcycle, they attempt to escape through the cobblestone grid of this small city, which the Turks began building in 1566.

Valletta is located on a peninsula on the northeastern coast of Malta and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. It is guarded by Fort Saint Elmo and is distinguished by monuments showcasing the country's diverse origins and its military character.

During the chase, dinosaurs traverse Valletta, passing through Victoria Gate, the main entrance to the city from the Grand Harbor area, built by the British in 1855, and St. George's Square, the heart of Valletta, next to the Grand Master's Palace of the Knights Hospitaller and the Piazza Guard. The reptiles also make their way through the streets of Santa Ursula and San Christopher, as well as the main thoroughfare of the city, Strait Street; renowned for its concentration of restaurants, bars, and cafes, and its historical charm, it is the most famous street in the capital.

Birgu is another charming location in Malta chosen to appear in Jurassic World. Known as 'Città Vittoriosa', named in honor of the Knights of St. John's triumph against the Ottoman Empire's invasion attempt, it surrounds the Grand Harbor of Malta and has a strong personality due to its historic center and maze of narrow, steep streets. The city can be recognized in this installment of the trilogy by the Maritime Museum, which overlooks the harbor and is the largest Maltese museum; by St. Lawrence's Church, a historical building from 1696; and by Sally Port.

The Armed Forces of Malta Shooting Range in Pembroke can also be distinguished in scenes from the film. Located in the northern part of the island, it is considered the newest city in the country. It is surrounded by a coastal area of rocky beaches and previously served as a British military base until 1979.

Finally, the city of Mellieha is another Maltese location selected to film scenes for this epic adventure of Jurassic World. Famous for its green landscapes, winding coastline, and some of the island's most beautiful beaches, this city is a favorite destination for both travelers and locals. Additionally, it features numerous ruins and archaeological relics and becomes very lively during its traditional festivals and celebrations.

Thus, Malta could be the Mediterranean's best-kept secret, with 7,000 years of history and some of the best climates in Europe. The Maltese Islands - Malta, Gozo, and Comino - offer great attractions; from archaeological sites, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage, to countless spots chosen for filming movies like Troy, Gladiator, The Count of Monte Cristo, Vicky the Viking, Agora, or the series Game of Thrones.