The Msida Bastion Garden in Malta has been ranked by National Geographic as one of the ten most beautiful ancient cemeteries in Europe. Now a botanical garden, its history is linked to the French occupation in 1798. Visiting Malta opens the doors to this peaceful haven located 15 minutes walk from Valletta, the capital of Malta.
Visit Msida Bastion Garden
“Msida Bastion Garden is an esplanade located in Floriana on a line of fortifications built in 1635 to reinforce the military defenses of Valletta. The garden overlooks the bay of Pietra, the port of Marsamxett and offers an incredible panoramic view of Manoel Island.
A haven of peace in Malta, from where one can admire the sailing maneuvers from the ramparts, “Msida bastion Garden” is a relaxing green space, planted with olive trees, palm trees, oleanders, hibiscus, hundred-year-old pines … and flower beds lovingly maintained by volunteers.
Old cemetery (see below), you walk between ancient tombstones, marble or globigerine (Maltese stone), try to decipher names that have sometimes become illegible by the centuries, discover statues, inscriptions in the stone of its walls.
Benches invite you to pause and reflect… Msida Bastion Garden” is indeed an old cemetery but considered as a place of serenity by its visitors…A mixture of harmonious solemnity between history of Malta and a peaceful place for all.
The history of Msida Bastion Garden in Malta
reminder of the period: Napoleon decided to conquer Malta and bombarded the bastions in June 1798: the population of Malta called the British to the rescue and the French surrendered in September 1800. Malta became a British colony and the British decided that the “Msida Bastion Garden” would become a burial place for members of the British Protestant community as early as 1806. But not only, because a famous Maltese: Mikiel Anton Vassalli, known as the father of the Maltese language will be buried there in 1829.
Completely abandoned in the 19th century and then hit by the bombs of the Second World War, the cemetery is no longer maintained. In 1988, the Ministry of Education of Malta declared that the site should be restored and opened as a garden to the public: a perimeter wall was first erected to protect the Msida Bastion Garden. Then research and donations from Great Britain help to preserve the site: the first section of work starts in September 1995….
Msida Bastion Garden today
Twenty years after this first phase of restoration, Msida Bastion Garden is a place loved by Maltese and visitors alike. The garden has undergone a veritable renaissance over the past two decades and now shines with the rhythm of nature and its annual events.
Every April, an open house welcomes hundreds of people for the “spring festival” with the sale of Mediterranean plants, demonstration of Maltese traditions.
Every August, the Msida Bastion Garden organizesthe Mediterranean Literature Festival in Malta during three evenings: Poets and writers from all over the world share their passion for words (free entrance) with the public.
A remarkable place to visit in Malta, the Msida Bastion Garden is maintained and animated by passionate volunteers ( Din L Arthelwa Association) who will be happy to share with you the History of Malta and to inform you during your visit to this extraordinary garden of Malta.
Practical information of ” Msida Bastion Garden “.
Itinerary: on foot from Valletta
Hours: The garden is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9:30 am to 12 pm and every first Sunday of the month.
Useful links for more cultural information
– the garden association : msidabastiongarden
– festival of literature in Malta festival of literature in Malta
