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Four Peaceful Gardens in Malta You’re Surely Ought to Visit!
Four Peaceful Gardens in Malta You’re Surely Ought to Visit!
Whether you are a wanderer at heart or someone who would like to escape from the busy lifestyle and just sit down with a good book in one hand and a coffee in another, serene gardens are always the best way to go. We have compiled a short list of gardens you simply cannot skip if you are a Maltese local or just visiting Malta for a few days.
1. San Anton Gardens
San Anton Gardens
A tad predictable yet absolutely necessary. The main attraction of Attard’s San Anton Palace is undeniably the remarkable San Anton Gardens. The Gardens are embellished with sculptures, ornamental ponds, passageways, and a minute aviary. Trees and other flora from every corner of the world tower the gardens, including an array of palm trees, jacarandas, cypress, and other exotic vegetation. Additionally, the garden also contains an orangery, multiple fountains one of which is decorated with a statue and other architectural designs.
Admiral Sir Alexandar Ball was the first governor in Malta to open this garden to the public in the early 19th century while the General the 1st Marquess of Hastings enriched it in the 1820s. Intriguingly, it has been open ever since, enticing visitors to explore and wander through the San Anton grounds.
2. Upper Barrakka Gardens
Upper Barrakka Gardens
The public garden in Valletta is a tremendously popular landmark in the nation’s capital city. The Upper Barrakka Gardens, or as the Maltese refer to it as ‘Il-Barrakka ta’ Fuq’, provides an extraordinary picturesque view of the Grand Harbor, alongside the Lower Barrakka Gardens. The gardens are situated on the upper tier of the 16th century St. Peter & Paul Bastion. Interestingly, the Italian Knight Fra Flaminio Balbiani constructed the garden’s terraced arches, with additional roofing which was later removed following the rising of the priests in 1775.
Originally, the gardens were instilled for the knights of the Italian langue of the Order of Saint John’s entertainment but were later accessible to the public in 1800. The monuments and memorials of the likes of Gerald Strickland, Sir Winston Churchill, and Sir Thomas Maitland varnish the Garden, enticing locals and tourists from all around the world to visit and wander in peace.
3. Chinese Garden of Serenity
Chinese Garden of Serenity
The public Chinese garden located in Santa Lucija is relatively modern compared to the other gardens listed in this listicle. Construction began in September 1996 as a token of appreciation to Malta from the People’s Republic of China. The former prime minister of Malta, Alfred Sant, inaugurated the garden in July 1997. Rocks and water are the main elements that make up a Chinese garden, formulating the garden’s horticulture and architecture. Interestingly so, Chinese gardens symbolise three major principles, incorporating the reflection of the local environment by introducing natural elements, underlining the yin and the yang of human thoughts, and hinting that while the visuals are breathtaking, the undisclosed is also just as beautiful. In the end, these three principles encourage visitors to glide by their inner thoughts and be a little more introspective than they are inherently used to.
4. Howard Gardens
Howard Gardens
If you’re looking for a serene garden to explore the surroundings of the fortified city of Mdina, the Howard gardens is the place to be. A tourist-favourite, Howard gardens offer a panoramic view of the medieval city while also breaking away from the more crowded city centre. Named after the first Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Howard, the biggest garden in Malta was inaugurated in 1942.
Interestingly, the garden borders both Rabat and Mdina, close to the Roman Villa, highlighting the close proximity of both cities. Upon entering the gardens, an orchard of orange trees welcomes you in, as you make your way through the garden, you may also notice a football ground, a tennis court, benches, and long pathways. The much welcome shade welcomes visitors to not only sit back and destress but the nearby Kiosks also entice them to relish in an iced tea and a delicious pastizz.
