Fr Maurice Eminyan, SJ, Valletta
Use statues of the old Valletta City Gate
While abstaining from any comment on the proposed Piano plan of Valletta's entrance, I wish to make one point which, I am sure, will interest many readers.
The former old City Gate, which was pulled down to make room for the existing City Gate, presented two important statues which, I believe, should be included in the proposed plan of Valletta's entrance.
The first one is the full-size stone statue of Grandmaster de Valette, who was responsible for the building of the city that bears his name. Would it not be appropriate to somehow include this statue, if it still exists, in the Piano model? The other statue is the oversize bronze statue of Pope Pius V, who financed the building of the new city. As many people know, this statue deserves a more suitable location than the present one, in a corner of Great Siege Square on street level.
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Galea. L
Jul 21st 2009, 09:40
Joseph Meli
While agreeing that the statues should be put back where they belong, do we need stereo statues of Pius V? Is one not enough?
Joseph Meli
Jul 20th 2009, 14:44
I quite agree with Fr. Maurice Eminyan, SJ, when he suggested and proposed to place the statue of Jean Parisot de la Valette who was the Grand Master of the Hospitallers, be placed
at the entrance of Valletta City. In fact I would suggest as to place it just opposite the proposed parliament building, or just under the flats / apartments.
Then in the corner, very close to the former Royal Opera House, I would suggest to place the statue of Pope Pius V, reproduced again locally, since this person had financed the building of the new city. Both person were most important and can be found in the history of Valletta.
Then I would also suggest as to start talks with the French Government so that the sword of Jean Parisot de la Valette be returned back to Malta, being our heritage when this was stolen by the French when they occupied Malta, before they flied with our treasures. If the Other countries claimed and obtained back stolen items, these items should be returned back to us to be exhibited in Valletta.
Carmel Attard
Jul 20th 2009, 13:31
Couldn't have said it any better. To Ignore these two great Benefactors of Our city is an insult to us all. Even to those who oppose the Idea ..as they are naive of the fact that there is no time frame that can ignore these great Men's connection in history and their foundations, attributes to our great City.