Castille trees removed - façade fully revealed for the first time in generations

J Fenech

Jan 8th 2009, 21:53

@Lorenzo Vella,
The trees there provided a much needed breath of fresh air in a limestone/concrete jungle. And provided much needed shade in the summer months. The more lacking we are of trees it seems, we have a penchant for removing the few we have.
And last but not least, its not the tourists who make a bordello. The bordello goes on inside the walls. The trees served to shield it from public view!

C.R. Taliana

Jan 8th 2009, 11:28

I must say I prefer it without trees. The facade is beautiful.

Katinka Zahra Lehtonen

Jan 7th 2009, 21:45

Its absolutely horrible! and what's happend to the trees?? they are much better than the same-old buildings we see everywere, 'cause at least the trees are actually beneficial to this much-polluted air that we have! terrible... just absolutely terrible...

Charles Zammit

Jan 7th 2009, 21:44

another case of distracting the faithful minds' attention from the exorbitant energy bills. we have found another petty thing so that the faithful can admire their god's ability to come up with such a brainwave instead of pondering on how to make ends meet and trying to work out the equation enabling a 40 dollars a barrel as against a 120 a dollar one coming up with an astronomical increase instead of a reduction in our electricity bills.
and as a footnote how much did this brainwave cost our pockets?

J. Abela

Jan 7th 2009, 20:01

@Joe Farrugia
You're 100% right.

Furthermore I do not believe that the trees were damaged by the storm. They've been standing there for ages..why now?. Of course I didn't visit castille to verify the fact myself after the storm.Why should these trees be removed as they stood there for generations (as the title suggests).


However this seems to be a naive subject. If you want to clear the trees then go on even though I do not agree with it. Why should we make ado about nothing.

As to greenery vs urban ratio - i am sure that this tiny island lacks greenery compared to other European small countries. We're just a massive big block of limestone!.

Back again to Castille, can't still understand why trees should be removed. Maybe to show the grandeur of Castille palace? I've seen palaces abroad - castille would just come close to the tea house at the back garden - with all the respect. I personally think the trees actually beautify the areas. Anyhow that my humble opinion.

justin borg

Jan 7th 2009, 19:53

And there was I, a dedicated tree hugger looking forlornly at the newly-naked tree-less building.

a attard

Jan 7th 2009, 19:39

@ O. Longo

In another article that Valletta will be greener says that trees in front of Castille where damaged by strong wind and had a touch of disease besides the previous drumming to their doom of how they where damaging the buildings and ruining the beauty of Castille façade brrrrr in other words they were SO scary and such an insult to the cultured individual……..probably they would be chopped up to be placed in the fire places within the aubergue to kill the bugs - hope this helps

Jennifer Soames

Jan 7th 2009, 19:33

What if the removed trees were to be planted at Mater Dei? There aren't enough trees around the hospital.

Dusty William

Jan 7th 2009, 18:47

What's next, palm trees in front of Castille?

Joe Micallef

Jan 7th 2009, 17:18

I really cannot understand those fundamentalists arguing against the removal of trees, from a place to which they certainly don't belong.

The environment is made of buildings as much as it is made up of trees and an ugly building is a bad as an out-of-place tree. The objective is to reach harmony between both and the human being.

Removing trees does not necessarily mean removing greenery - One good example of this harmony would be Pisa' Piazza del Duomo home to the leaning tower.

John Carmel Navarro

Jan 7th 2009, 17:13

As much as I agree about the beauty of Castille as a bare building, I cannot help feeling somewhat ashamed that on an Island like ours where all efforts are being made to plant more trees those precious Jacaranda are removed. One can assume that great care was taken removing them so they could be planted elsewhere, not dissimilar to the ones that were removed from outside the market! Or am I dreaming? In all seriousness were or are these trees being planted elsewhere or have they finished up as firewood! I am sure we are all very interested as to what has happened.

Joe Cassar

Jan 7th 2009, 16:48

@A Zammit

I am no Latin scholar, but every time I have seen that quote used, it was "fecerunt".

And no - I was referring to those who cut down two or three beutiful, maturte trees so that we can admire some more stonework - as if if haven't enough already!

clive borg

Jan 7th 2009, 16:26

@ v.vella
sorry for the inconvinience... ghandek ragun....

Joseph Sciberras

Jan 7th 2009, 16:13

@O Longo & Monica Pace Bonello

I quote from today's Times: "He explained that the decision to remove the trees was taken after one of them was damaged by wind and another was showing symptoms of disease."
Incidentally all you lovers of greenery, no need to despair, 40 new trees will be planted in Valletta, so don't tear your hair out in despair just yet.

As for Manwel Dimech, he certainly merits a place of honour in our capital, but it should not be in front of Castille. He was placed in front of Castille for political reasons, mainly Mintoff had turned him into a sort of socialist icon, something which he would not have been too happy with. La Valette was a foreign artistocrat, fine, but he was the founder and city is named after him. So he deserves to have a statue in this prime position.

v.vella

Jan 7th 2009, 16:01

@ clive borg
I am repeating my post for you in order to give you a second chance at seeing my tongue in my cheek! incredibly you took me seriously. Sir if you didn't realise that I was ojking then you need more than fresh air!

I must agree with Francois Bulteel. this morning I walked past Castille and I nearly suffocated with the lack of fresh air. Birds were falling from the sky and tourists were rolling about on the ground in spasms of breathlessness.I had to run to the upper baracca gardens to get my breath back!

Matthew Borg Cardona

Jan 7th 2009, 16:00

I sincerely hope that the trees in front of St John's will be next.

A Zammit

Jan 7th 2009, 13:37

@ Joe cassar

FECIT not fecerunt Barberini.... only he could talk in the plural for himself..... ;-)

apart from this, i assume you were referring to those who had planted the trees in the first place, right?

Monica Pace Bonello

Jan 7th 2009, 13:30

so...what has happened to the trees? were they placed somewhere else or...the usual???

O. Longo

Jan 7th 2009, 13:13

Remove the trees.... fair enough.

...... but I want to know where they've be relocated please.

Does anybody know ?

Joe Cassar

Jan 7th 2009, 10:55

QUOD NON FECERUNT BARBARI, FECERUNT BARBERINI

C Chircop

Jan 7th 2009, 10:49

@ Christopher Mamo

I agree with you completely, except that we should not forget Nerik Mizzi, who himself was a true patriot respected by everyone (in case people have a short memory, they should read what Dom Mintoff said about him in his Parliamentary speech just after Mizzi's demise).

For some people, Dimech was the Maltese Che Guevara, a personality who was more important to our history than St. Paul himself - otherwise, they would not get so offended if Dimech's statue was put by the side on par with Borg Olivier and others.

And yes, we are proud of La Vallette. If it wasnt due to his foresight and leadership, we would have fallen into Ottoman hands.

Charles J Zammit

Jan 7th 2009, 10:48

I now have been back in my birth place , Malta , for the last 30 years . What has always struck me is no matter what is being discussed or argued divisive politics seem to enter into it every time . How pathetic in this 21st century , that some good arguments and discussions are laid as a lot of garbage when politics are introduced . When will this little island and it's people learn to leave a lot of brainwashing politics aside . I am sure that if this was to be the case a lot more in Malta would be achieved for the better of the Island. I have never understood why any Government of the day is blamed all the time .
Incidentally I agree that Castille looks better now . Greenery is beautiful but in the right place and where its not liable to cause damage . Insinuations ,hints and sarcasm don't hold much water really . Maturity certainly does .

Godfrey A. Grima

Jan 7th 2009, 09:26

Everything in its right place and at the right time. Planting trees in front of such buildings was a mistake in the first place. I am all for greenery and trees but they just do not belong there. This was the right thing to do. They should also clear the trees in front of St. John's. I am sure that the green credentials of this govt are not in question. Never have so many trees been planted as these last recent years. What's next, questioning the removal of shrubs growing out of the fortifications? About time someone started doing the right thing!

Joe Farrugia

Jan 7th 2009, 08:52

Shall we remove Buskett? It is ruining Verdala Castle! lol

R. Azzopardi

Jan 7th 2009, 08:37

@V Battistino

I never mentioned damage to the foundations, did I? In that case, I fully agree that trees must be removed.

@K Serracino
Now THAT's a good suggestion! The roundabout is seriously out of place.

Christopher Mamo

Jan 7th 2009, 08:27

Igalea

Hatred towards Dimech? I never said we should REMOVE the Dimech Statue. My whole point was about symmetry. I will re-quote my own post:

"so we'd have a semi-circle of statues including those of Boffa, Borg Olivier, Dimech, and the 'new one', all facing the piazza and Castille".

When you do, kindly quote me correctly!

And just for the record, I personally would prefer a statue of Girolamo Cassar, whom I mentioned in my earlier post.

Anthony Azzopardi

Jan 7th 2009, 07:16

High handed politicians - But who do they think they are?
They said they wanted to remove the trees - and they DID!
They said they will relocate Parliament to to the old theatre site and they WILL.!
Consultation? My foot! Never mind...we will remember...

Edward Camilleri

Jan 7th 2009, 07:02

Prosit. I doubt if there is anyone in the world better than us to uproot trees!

Joseph Ellul

Jan 7th 2009, 06:53

We are now living in terrorist times. You do not know who is putting a bomb behind a tree or a door. All over the world, places and buidings that require security are being denuded of trees and other objects that could hinder the authorities from protecting them. I am sure that the government has a plan to protect Castille, the Parlament house and Central Bank from crazies. So do not protest about the cutting of these particular trees. What I like to see is a green coridor stretching from Busket down to Girgenti and up to Siggiewi following the valley on both sides and installing small water catchments so that when it rains heavily the torrents of water remain as ponds and can be used to irrigate the greenery. Small , low profile villas, (razzet) can be build surrounding the area and the owners will pay towards the upkeep of this hidden jewel. I am sure that there are many rich conservationists who will jump for such a development which can make them richer.

lgalea

Jan 6th 2009, 21:28

Christopher Mamo
Do you still want to show your hatred towards Manwel Dimech, a patriot, who was exiled and died in exile because he wanted the Maltese people to learn to lead themselves and not be led by others?

And why do you want to put a statue of De Valette when he considered Maltese people as low-down common people with whom the knights should not mix so much so that they had specific areas into which Maltese people were not allowed? They had the collacchio in Vittoriosa, an area reserved for them. That's how they treated the Maltese people and they still find foreigners lackeys till this very day! Unbelievable!

Re trees, how about planting some orange trees and keeping them pruned? They will give some greenery, won't obstruct the building, and provide a nice orange blossom smell when flowering and the fruit can be distributed to old peoples homes, institutes, hospital patients etc.

clive borg

Jan 6th 2009, 20:58

@ v.vella
@ doris varrazzo
Some of you are simply pointless... why change the natural state of Valletta and make it feel like a jungle with trees, you simply go to Valletta to appreciate its architectural status and its narrow streets but not for sure trees.... and i'm sure if you have something you REALLY appreciate you don't put it behind a tree...

You can always try to plant a tree inside your house to breathe good air and appreciate every leaf better!

V Battistino

Jan 6th 2009, 20:35

@R Azzopardi

Is it easier to replant a tree or move the building ? ......and what if someone decided to plant a tree smack in the middle of your (home) facade ?......if you think that the building's foundation enjoy the spreading of the roots, then try it !

I agree with exposing our works of art further...next one should be St.John's....and plant more trees where appropriate.

laurence schembri

Jan 6th 2009, 19:59

why worry about a bit of greenery, haven`t we got it inside the Auberge?

Marvin Mizzi

Jan 6th 2009, 19:52

I am not going into the issue if it is better or not to see the entire facade of auberge de Castille... the point in question was the fact the when the issue was raised last year the rections were quite negative. And the issue stopped there. Now as the election is behind our back our dear Prime Minister just ordered their removal. Might is right what he decides he those-- the word dialogue has been removed from the vocabulary of this government!!!!

D Vella

Jan 6th 2009, 19:13

Don't start that game Mr Chircop.

To remove Manwel Dimech,a patriot would mean moving the statue's of lesser mortals too.

Putting La Vallette in Castille would certainly not please a lot including the writer. He may have built Valletta,but he was a foreigner who treated and thought of the people of these Islands worse than scum. And you wish to give him further honour?. Tell me you are playing the devil's advocate and you are not being serious.

Christopher Mamo

Jan 6th 2009, 18:55

Job well done!

Now how about some cobbling, pedestrianising the immediate area, commissioning a fountain, remove the Dimech statue and relocate it at the side, include yet another statue or two of La Vallette and better yet of a Maltese Personality , such as architect Girolamo Cassar, who would be excellent seeing as he's been so well-involved in the construction of Valletta (so we'd have a semi-circle of statues including those of Boffa, Borg Olivier, Dimech, and the 'new one', all facing the piazza and Castille, with the fountain and a 'shallow garden' (for lack of the proper term) of hedges and turf right there in front? Maybe a couple of benches. One could also host al fresco art exhibitions there in the summer months? Not the usual tombla of course!

Andrew Gatt

Jan 6th 2009, 18:50

What a fuss about the removal of a couple of non-indigenous trees whose roots cause huge damage! Reading some of the comments below, you'd think Buskett or Mizieb have been turned into firewood! And yet thousands of trees are quietly lost to new development each year - carobs (harrub), pines (prinjol) etc. etc. Where were you then??

Good riddance, I say. The facade of Castille looks so different now.....and so much better. If anyone's that concerned, go plant a tree at Foresta 2000 and do your bit for the environment.

Joseph Borg

Jan 6th 2009, 18:16

What a shame!!!!

Is this a GREEN GOVERNMENT or as usaul bla bla bla bla bla...

doris varrazzo

Jan 6th 2009, 18:12

But why 'only in Malta' do we have to suffer without any trees, they looked so nice, at least we
could see some greenery in front of Castille.
Instead of planting more trees, we always try to remove them, and other countries donate us
to improve our country and others remove them.
One day we will have to travel abroad to enjoy greenery.
Please do your best to save trees.!!!!!!!!!!

A. Saliba

Jan 6th 2009, 17:54

Not sure what you're trying to say Mr. Sultana. Malta's "look" is similar to other Meditarranean countries, yes, and that includes the North African countries, but I still don't see what that has anything to do with trees covering the facade of a historical building. Do Europeans cover their facades with trees?

Nowhere in the world are the facades of signifant buildings covered with trees. Take a look at some of the most important buildings in Europe for example:

- Palais Garnier in Paris
- Palace of Westminster
- Arc de Triumph
- St Peter's Basilica
- Palace of Versailles

etc

Victor Dimech

Jan 6th 2009, 17:50

Well done and about time to.Now how about the trees near St John Cathedral before any irreparable damage is done to our national gem.And maybe later on someone will decide to remove the parking from the square in front of the presidential palace and replace it with a small garden I guess that will look much nicer.How about a portable garden with large pots and a fountain in the middle it will only take a couple of hours and some containers to remove and replace if and when the need arises.

Philip Sultana

Jan 6th 2009, 17:35

@ A Saliba

Malta's 'look' and 'feel' is closer to an Arab country, say LIbya, than a European country. Even then, most Arab cities are greener than Malta, including Tripoli. Perhaps Malta would have fitted better in the Arab League than the European Union.

Sean Bonello

Jan 6th 2009, 17:22

Well Done! But how about the roundabout and other trees? Which are covering the Auberge de Castille?

v.vella

Jan 6th 2009, 17:19

I must agree with Francois Bulteel. this morning I walked past Castille and I nearly suffocated with the lack of fresh air. Birds were falling from the sky and tourists were rolling about on the ground in spasms of breathlessness.I had to run to the upper baracca gardens to get my breath back!

Karl Abela

Jan 6th 2009, 17:18

@ Francois Bulteel

Your comments were very uncalled for.

We understand that the French have a fetish of stealing Maltese culture such as swords, church relics, etc. Now you are here complaining about having to see our treasured architecture....if you want to breath fresh air there is plenty of it on the top of the eiffel tower.

C Chircop

Jan 6th 2009, 17:11

@Chris Borg

My suggestion to move (and not remove) the Dimech monument was based on the fact that
he should not be the focal point within Castille Place.

Putting La Vallette would satisfy the population in general. Let us not politicise this. Malta's interests comes first before Socialist and Nationalist interests.

It would be more appropriate to replace the Boffa statue with Dimech's. Enrico Mizzi's bust should be transferred in the area too.

In that way, we would have a Castille place with monuments of worthy patriots (La Valette, Borg Olivier, Dimech, and Mizzi) - excluding those alive of course.

K. Serracino

Jan 6th 2009, 17:05

Now remove the roundabout and make a decent square.

veronica galea

Jan 6th 2009, 17:04

I guess it was a good opportunity to cut some trees down to use as firewood. In my opinon, they did not obscure the facade to any real extent. They were green, provided shade and when you walked past Castille on a breezy day you could hear the wind in the leaves. What a pity is this repeated, loveless approach to anything green.

clive borg

Jan 6th 2009, 16:52

@ Francois Bulteel
i don't think you go to Valletta infront of Auberge de Castille to breath fresh air... there are better places where to breath FRESHER air... its better to appreciate your predicted some stones in their place rather then go for fresh air....
Good decision, nice architecture like the Auberge de Castille can be much more aprreciated now...

Anthony Brincat

Jan 6th 2009, 16:44

If tourists want to find shade they can easily go to the nearby Upper Barracca gardens where they can also enjoy a magnificent view of the Grand Harbour. There are also the Lower Barracca, Hastings , Herbert Ganado and the Argotti gardens and the Mall where they can enjoy trees. I also agree with A. Zammit that the trees in front of St John's Co -Cathedral as also those in front of the Bibliotheca should also be removed. They hide these two facades and the birds nesting in them liiter the squares with their droppings.

Francois Bulteel

Jan 6th 2009, 16:40

I prefer to breathe clean air than to look at some stones. After all the petitions to keep the trees the government has once again done what they wanted.

Kevin Borg

Jan 6th 2009, 16:34

At last. Good sense is prevailing in this country. These trees blocking the magnificent facade were removed from a place they should have never been planted at. Trees are not to be planted in front of a baroque facade blocking all its features and ruining the symmetry.

Well done indeed.

Josette Camilleri

Jan 6th 2009, 16:12

There's no health benefit in admiring architecture, yet there is greatly in having trees. Trees are already lacking in this country and it's about time we start considering what our priorities should be. Trees are being uprooted to be replaced by swimming pools, they are being uprooted to build more rooms and make our houses even bigger. Now they are also being uprooted to fully reveal architectures. I am sure that all those who wanted to admire Castille could have done so by going closer to the building so I must agree that any excuse is good enough to uproot trees on this island!

Vincent Galea

Jan 6th 2009, 15:58

This reminds me of the joke about the lady who constantly complained everyday about everything including her daughter in law who frivolously spends her son's hard earned money. "He has to bring her breakfast in bed and take her out to eat all the time " Yet on the other hand this woman is full of praise for her ' wonderful son-in-law who treats her daughter like a queen and brings her breakfast in bed and takes her out to eat all the time'
It's all a matter of perspective : ))

A. Saliba

Jan 6th 2009, 15:56

@a attard

There are no avenues or large open spaces in Valletta. Maybe we should demolish a few buildings to allow for some tree-planting.

And please name one architecturally-significant building in a European country that has its facade covered with trees.

Joseph Sciberras

Jan 6th 2009, 15:49

It looks much better without the trees, well done. I agree with C Chircop that the statue in the prime position in front of Castille should be that of the City's founder Jean Parisot de Valette. After all he is not a politically divisive figure like Manwel Dimech, who does have historical importance but does not merit this prime position.

a attard

Jan 6th 2009, 15:30

@ Mr. Vincent Pace

When I visit Major European cities all i notice is avenues and open spaces with GIANT trees and magnificent buildings even on the Mediteranean coast with a SIMILAR climate and rainfall, not to mention the lush parks / gardens to compliment. The tree phobia is very evident when hit the roads and towns of Malta.

Marianna Galea Xuereb

Jan 6th 2009, 15:28

So we Maltese and tourists - who if fair skinned are even more prone to suffering health damage caused by strong sunlight - are now expected to carry parasols when going to Castille Square to admire the "splendid façade of the Auberge de Castille in Valletta" during bright sunshine, no?

An adequate number of strategically placed, well selected indigenous trees would enhance the appearance as well as ecological value of Castille Square without hindering the appreciation of the “splendid façade of the Auberge de Castille”. The middle of Castille Square needs trees that afford cool shade and can be pruned to the desired shape and size.

As far as I am concerned, a square, however majestically built, looks barren (and not cosmopolitan) if it lacks adequate trees and other vegetation.

Charles Micallef

Jan 6th 2009, 15:24

These trees were planted in the wrong place............................period

A Zammit

Jan 6th 2009, 15:19

kollox hu sabih... sa kemm ikun f'postu....
j'alla min ha din id-decizjoni japplika l-istess kuragg ghas-sigar li qed johonqu lil San Gwann

E. Azzopardi

Jan 6th 2009, 15:13

Some blogs do not make any sense. ( Example: If trees have been removed, how can you now remove taxes. Some or rather quite a few cannot control themselves when entering blogs!!!!) We are talking about TREES in front of Castille, one of our gems. If you have such a beautiful building you do not want to hide it behind trees. You want to show it off !!! So, yes, this was a good decision.

C.Camilleri

Jan 6th 2009, 15:12

Finally the facade of Castille has been restored to its original splendour. Well done.

R. Azzopardi

Jan 6th 2009, 15:07

In my opinion, this is ultimate stupidity. Any excuse to uproot a tree seems to be good enough on this island. A few years ago I visited the beautiful city of Bath for a lengthy period and got to know it inside out. When Bath was planned, the architects did not want to have trees blocking the views of their magnificent buildings. Today, every nook and cranny of Bath is jam packed with majestic trees and it is so alive and green and beautiful. One must also point out the fact that the area surrounding Bath is virgin countryside, so there is no lack of greenery (as there is in Malta) and yet the people of Bath never insisted that the trees in their city are blocking the views. The Maltese think otherwise though.

VINCENT PACE

Jan 6th 2009, 15:02

The problem with a lot of bloggers is that they do not see beyond their noses. How can you appreciate a building as magnificent as Castille with all those trees around it. Trees play an important part in our environment but definitely not to hide buildings of artisitic value.
So, please think before you start making sweeping statements, do some overseas travelling and observe why buildings abroad can be appreciated in all their glory. And politics have nothing to do with the decision to uproot and transfer the trees..

a attard

Jan 6th 2009, 14:46

Some people in Malta still suffering badly from tree phobia it seems and we find all the excuses in the world to get rid of them from drain damage to attracting mosquitoes and scores of other reasons why one should uproot a tree - so sad. Anyone know where the uprooted trees have been replanted? as I cannot find any info of where they have been transferred to.

Chris Borg

Jan 6th 2009, 14:43

@C. Chircop. Iddahhaqx. Yes sure sure remove the Dimech monument...show how much you respect half the population....

A. Saliba

Jan 6th 2009, 14:42

@Philip Sultana

I'm not sure what to make of the whole Arab state comment...

And the tress weren't only ugly because they were overgrown, but because they were out of place. Trees are fine, but not when they're hiding the baroque detail of an architectural masterpiece, especially one of major historical importance. Trees belong in gardens and piazzas, and along boulevards and promenades.

Charles Sammut

Jan 6th 2009, 14:42

A place for everything and everything in its place.

There are plenty of areas which are simply crying out for afforestation but Castille Square is not one of them.

Can you imagine trees in St Peter's Square in the Vatican or in Trafalgar Square or around the Arc de Triomphe?

Why are some green people so fanatical? Trees are beneficial but that does not mean that they should be planted everywhere without any other considerations.

Albert Buttigieg

Jan 6th 2009, 14:40

Unless action is taken now, the same problem shall arise at Valletta Waterfront. Those small trees shall grow to hide another fine architectural masterpiece, in due time. All we need in these situations, are low lying shrubs which are kept under control. We do need forests in this country, but there is a correct place for them. Fine architecture, such as Castille and Valletta Waterfront, must be left exposed for everyone's enjoyment.

A. Briffa

Jan 6th 2009, 14:30

now what he can do also is remove the taxes. The latter are damaging us a humans :)

Winston Edgoose

Jan 6th 2009, 14:29

What a shame!

Id rather see the trees.... especially when summer comes. This island has become a concrete jungle.

anthony borg

Jan 6th 2009, 14:27

The British didn't plant trees in front of St.Paul's Cathedral.

Philip Sultana

Jan 6th 2009, 14:22

As we say in Maltese, 'nejja jew mahruqa'! This so characterises Malta! The solution to overgrown trees is to remove them? Did anyone consider trimming the trees down? It's not like this country is blessed with greenery! And less green would make us look less like a European country and more like some Arab states.

Marco Spiteri

Jan 6th 2009, 13:57

Great idea well done!..as for the trees they can be planted elsewhere. You can send them over to Attard we will definitely find a suitable place for them.

Joe Cassar

Jan 6th 2009, 13:53

What do you expect from a government that has cosistently packed all the various MEPA Boards with people to whom development and construction come first and foremost and the environment a very poor second?

This wasa an act of pure vandalism. One healthy tree is worth a thousand imposing buildings which only serve to inflate the ego of their occupants.

Kenneth Cauchi

Jan 6th 2009, 13:48

Our environment needs trees and indeed trees in Valletta add zest to a very bare streetscape, however one must admit that the trees in question were simply planted in the wrong place. In this regard one would commend the authorities to seriously consider removing the ones in St John's square and in front of the law courts.

Having said this one may consider going for planting trees in their place that do not grow into the heights that the present ficus trees have reached. I am certain that a balance would possibly make everyone happy.

Edwin Formosa

Jan 6th 2009, 13:47

Yes removing trees "is the best option" and "a plausible act" etc. , if they are in the wrong place.

D.MANGION

Jan 6th 2009, 13:41

The old italian proverb says: "il fiore e' bello, ma non sta bene su tutti".

Even the trees in front of Castille are beautiful, but they do not justify their presence in front of that magnificent baroque facade. Originally the Knights never planned trees in front of Castille. (and neither in front of St. John's co-cathedral). Only the English planted them there, and we all know that if there's something that the english lack, it is aesthetics and style.

They are masters at other things but, definitely not aesthetics. Now justice has been done with the Knights and with Grandmaster Pinto !

Let us just hope that these trees are not destroyed, but planted elsewhere, where they would still regale us with all their majestic beauty....yes I am both a tree lover and a history passionate.

s.bugeja

Jan 6th 2009, 13:30

I think that the removal of the trees in this case was justified. The mistake was made by whoever got the idea to plant trees so close to the building in the first place probably during the British era. I mean they didn't bat an eye at putting up signalling masts on top of the auberge (see clip) I love trees but in this instance I agree with their removal.

A. Saliba

Jan 6th 2009, 13:30

Wow, some people would actually rather look at trees than a wonderful piece of architecture. Now please remove that horrible roundabout and its trees as well.

Carmel Garcia

Jan 6th 2009, 13:28

They should also remove those palm trees from the roundabout infront of Castille Palace. They are ruining the granaries benieth them. And also they are an eyesore infront og the OPM Offices

William Zammit

Jan 6th 2009, 13:14

Trees apart, Castille's facade badly needs restoration. There are bits of missing sculpture as well as deteriorating stonework.

Lorenzo Vella

Jan 6th 2009, 13:10

Prosit for the brilliant idea! Just two words come to mind when you see that facade free from gates and trees - 'Xi Gmiel'!

@ Stephen Florian : Its good that the trees were removed so that tourists cannot just stop there and do a whole bordello in front of Castille. I would go a step further and instruct the Police and the Army not to allow tourists to ride on the cannons in front of Castille and not to stay posing in front of its door and on the stairs. In other countries if you even try to take a photo of a government building they would immediately take your camera or ask you to erase the picture. At least this way that building will get its much deserved respect!

P Debono

Jan 6th 2009, 13:07

Great stuff... finally the government has realised that trees and architectural masterpieces do not go hand in hand. But clearly we need more trees in other parts of Malta.

carmel callus

Jan 6th 2009, 12:53

Trees should never be grown close to historial buildings.

Stephen Florian

Jan 6th 2009, 12:47

Anyone thought of the beloved shade in the summer months, especially for the tourists and their guides....? Baroque facade, baroque government, poor trees and environment ! When do we get to repeat the French Revolution ...???? Happy new year tree lovers !

J.A Grech

Jan 6th 2009, 12:44

The building definitely looks more imposing and majestic without the trees. The building is a monument to our culture and rich history, and exposing its facade for the world to see is an intelligent move. I believe that removing the trees for this purpose was more than justifiable, both environmentally and economically.

D.Galea

Jan 6th 2009, 12:43

A Green government indeed! :)

simon farrugia

Jan 6th 2009, 12:39

You must be kidding me…have we lost our marbles…since when did removing tress become a plausible act…if they were damaged replace them!!!... Who makes these decisions anyway…?

Albert Buttigieg

Jan 6th 2009, 12:28

It would be even better if the trees in the roundabout are removed and replaced by a lower roundabout, with turf and flowers, thus offering an even better view of the fine architecture. Your article points out that this building, which we can all enjoy today, suffered war damage and was restored. There is another building in dire need of restoration not far from this... And even more people could enjoy that, too.

Paul Fenech

Jan 6th 2009, 12:25

Dave, the trees are obviously relocated bahh. The building now looks more imposing, something that a building of its status deserves.

Marius Zulgis

Jan 6th 2009, 12:24

Why on earth were the trees removed? Is this supposed to be an "improvement"? There's already a distinct lack of vegetation in this country without the authorities spending taxpayer's money removing the little we have left.

C Chircop

Jan 6th 2009, 12:17

Excellent work - now what we need is to move Manuel Dimech's statue to another place in Valletta and have a statue of Jean Parisot De la Vallette instead - he is the founder of our capital city after all, and not one statue has been erected in his memory.

Dave Alan Caruana

Jan 6th 2009, 12:12

everything is more beautiful without trees ..
in a country as overgrown as Malta, with hardly any buildings,
removing trees must surely be the best option!