Thousands flock to Verdala for open weekend
The majestic Verdala Palace was today swamped with people who took the opportunity of an open weekend to tour the late 16th century palace, the surrounding woods and the frescoes attributed to Filippo Paladini.
The frescoes, which were a major attraction, were restored on the initiative of President Eddie Fenech Adami, with the financial assistance of the Gasan Group, the Malta Financial Services Authority, Polidano Brothers and Tumas Group.
There were also a number of Maltese artists painting scenes in and around the palace. Their work was on sale with a fourth of the proceeds going to the Malta Community Chest Fund.
The Palace remains open until 6 p.m.
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Quentin Tanti
Oct 21st 2008, 15:18
Viewing the Palace and surrounding gardens was such a pleasure indeed and a feast for the eyes, but getting there, parking, queueing and dealing with the traffic jam on the return trip home was an absolute nightmare. I believe that - as others before me have suggested - historical sites/National Heritage sites should be open all year round in order to enable the Maltese to enjoy and absorb the richness of our culture, in their own time and without any lenghty queues and crowds of people pushing you about. I can say that even thought visiting the Verdala Palcae was a very positive experience, half the pleasure was lost for the reasons outlined above.
Quentin Tanti
Madliena
Victor Cilia
Oct 20th 2008, 16:11
Like last year for Girgenti Palace, this year the organizers did not provide public transport. We had to use the hourly bus going to Dingli. This was full-up, and many could not board from bus-stops. Moreover, after we got there, we had to wait for a long time for the bus back and there was a rush when the bus finally arrived.
John Xuereb
Oct 20th 2008, 09:34
I think you'll find that it was actually on Ugo Mifsud Bonnici's initiative to restore the frescoes. Quite a long and tedious job I imagine and probably completed while Eddie Fenech Adami has been President. So all credit should really go to Ugo Mifsud Bonnici.
Robert Piscopo
Oct 20th 2008, 00:47
These castles and palaces are magnificient!!! People want to see them... I think these must be open for the public more frequently. Money generated will go to the foundation or authority which can be used for maintenance of the palaces.. Our Thanks goes to the President of Malta. Well done
ray micallef
Oct 19th 2008, 20:44
When are we going to relize that the People want to see places like these. Is it possible that it is so difficult to organize an open day or weekend similar to this. Do we not have enough policeman to control the traffic flow?
Wilfred L Camilleri
Oct 19th 2008, 18:56
Why isn't the palace open for tours year round? The palace belongs to all the people of Malta and should be available for tours as should many of the other palaces currently being used to house government offices/residences. Windsor Castle and Buckingham palace are open for tours even through they are still in use. It's a shame that Maltese palaces are not open for tours. This would also be a source of revenue that can be used for maintenance of the palaces.