The first of Din l-Art Ħelwa’s cultural presentations for 2018 will be on the historic Villa St Ignatius in Balluta.

Architect Edward Said, who specialises in heritage buildings, will explain the historic and architectural value of the building, which is steeped in history.

In the first decades of the 19th century, Balluta Bay was a remote, idyllic cove. Fields and quiet country lanes met the coastline then fortified by an entrenchment built during the reign of Grand Master Pinto.

Dominating this landscape was a fine country villa called Bel-Vedere. Besides its architectural attributes, this building would, over the following century, accommodate various uses now regarded of great historic interest, most notably as a Jesuit College.

Along the way, most of the once-enchanting gardens that complimented this estate were lost to development, yet the mansion known today as St Ignatius Villa still stands, although somewhat obscured from sight.

In light of recent threats to its preservation, a study was commissioned by Din l-Art Ħelwa appraising its heritage value in an urgent bid to encourage authorities to have it listed as a scheduled property.

The presentation will take place tomorrow at 6.30pm at the Judge Caruana Curran Hall at 133, Melita Street, Valletta. Admission is free but a donation towards Din l-Art Ħelwa’s restoration programmes would be appreciated.