Visions of a new-look Valletta (2)

I dreamt of entering Valletta through a magnificent gate, respecting Valletta's past. Coming into the square, no shops were obliterating the view of Saint James Cavalier. The shop owners were busily selling their wares in a new shopping mall within a new cruise liner terminal on the Marsamxett side.

To the left, was Malta's National Theatre, instead of today's apartments. The residents were happily living in up-to-standard new apartments at the southern tip of Valletta, its natural residential area, regenerating the area of St Elmo. The square was embellished with the original Tritons' fountain standing on a smaller basin, happily spouting water, welcoming all inside Valletta. Further down was Malta's Fine Arts Museum on the site of the old theatre ruins. This museum displayed properly Malta's national artistic treasures and provided suitable exhibition space. It was complementing the adjacent Saint James Cultural Centre.

As I strolled down Republic Street, I came up to Great Siege Square. The Law Courts building was not there anymore. Another building in line with Valletta's architecture, as opposed to the present Law Courts, stood in the spot.

This building housed the St John's Co-Cathedral tapestries and was connected to St John's by means of an underground passage beneath Republic Street.

Then, I came to St George's Square which proudly featured a grandiose monument to Grandmaster La Valette, facing the Presidential Palace. The Main Guard building housed Parliament.

Finally, I proceeded to St Elmo, which was totally restored to its former glory. In front of St Elmo I saw the Law Courts instead of the Saint Elmo examination centre.

Unfortunately, the dream ended abruptly. I woke up, and proceeded to Valletta for the day's work. Upon entering the city, I looked up and saw Valletta's main gate adorned with advertising boards. Pity it was just a dream!