Thousands of families visited Villa Francia, in Lija, during an open day yesterday, a day after it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

The villa, which was bequeathed to the state by the Francia family, was restored to a pristine condition by Public Works Department employees and Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology students over the last year.

The public yesterday received booklets on the history of the villa, including Sir Ugo Mifsud's last speech in 1942.

The former Prime Minister suffered a heart attack while delivering an address against the British government's decision to deport several Maltese. He died in the villa two days later. The inauguration was held on the 120th anniversary of his birth.

Villa Francia can be visited virtually on www.opm.gov.mt/villafrancia.

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