VALLETTA MALTA | Upper Barrakka Gardens Valletta Malta
The Upper Barakka can be found close to Castille Place on the Southeastern part of the city.
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The Upper Barrakka Gardens are a public garden in Valletta, Malta. Along with the Lower Barrakka Gardens in the same city, they offer a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour. The gardens are located on the upper tier of St. Peter & Paul Bastion, which was built in the 1560s.
Walking into Valletta through the main city gates, just keep walking straight ahead, past the modern Parliament Building on your right, take a right turn at the ruins of the Royal Opera House (which is now an open air theatre) at the start of Republic Street.
Then, walk straight ahead (there’s a slight upward walk) until you reach Castille Place (a small square) where you will find the St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity on your right, and Auberge de Castille on your left. Walk past the Auberge de Castille, towards the Malta Stock Exchange (formerly the Garrison Chapel) and here your will find the gates to the gardens.
If you’re looking for the most impressive views the islands have to offer, this place should be on the top of your list! Perched atop the Grand Harbour, these colonnaded gardens were created in 1661, and were actually the private gardens and exercise grounds of the Knights of the langue of Italy, whose auberges lie very close by.
It was only in 1824 that the gardens were opened to the public, and although the place suffered major damages during the second World War, it has now been restored to its full glory, for all those who are willing to visit to enjoy.
The garden terrace promises one of the best views of Malta. An unhindered, panoramic view the only natural harbour in the Mediterranean, with the three cities; Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua as a backdrop. The gardens themselves host a collection of busts, statues and plaques that denote various personalities and other significant events in Maltese history, the most noteworthy being a bronze piece by famous Maltese sculptor, Antonio Sciortino. ‘Les Gavroches‘ depicts three children hurrying forward, with the statue itself signifying the extreme hardships faced by the Maltese population at the turn of the 20th century.
Directly below the main terrace and garden is the Saluting Battery, where a cannon once fired salutes to visiting naval vessels. Nowadays, the battery has been fully restored to its former glory and every day, at 12:00PM and 4:00PM, a cannon is fired with great ceremony. Definitely worth waiting for as it does make for an impressive snapshot of your trip!
The Upper Barrakka Lift is also a noteworthy attraction within the gardens. Newly re-opened in December 2012, this impressive lift links the Grand Harbour to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and Valletta city centre. It is located on the original site where its predecessor, which was dismantled in 1983, operated between 1905 and 1973. This is definitely the quickest way to get into the city from the Valletta Waterfront as the journey up only takes about 25 seconds! The lift itself is 58 metres high and can carry twenty-one people at a time, managing a total of 800 passengers per hour. It is a definite favourite with those visiting the islands via cruise ship though the Valletta Passenger Terminal, as it offers a very practical and quick way of getting into the city. A round trip on the lift costs €1.00 per person, and it’s well worth the cash spent.
If you’re looking for a refreshing drink or a light snack during your visit to the gardens, you could always pop by the Upper Barrakka Kiosk. Here you’ll find some local sweet pastries, an ice cream selection and of course, the famous Maltese pastizzi, as well as cold drinks and coffee/tea. Nothing too fancy of course, but a welcome place of respite, especially on a hot summer’s day.
What are the Opening Hours?
The Upper Barrakka Gardens are open daily from 7:00AM to 10:00PM and are freely accessible to the public.
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