Floriana’s attractions were open to visitors yesterday as part of an event organised by the local council in a bid to demonstrate that the locality offers more than meets the eye in terms of historical wealth.

The programme allowed visitors to satisfy their curiosity and discover what normally lies behind closed doors and is usually off limits to the public.

It was the first time the local council organised Ġenna ta’ Ġonna... u ħafna aktar (heavenly gardens... and much more), opening up gardens, churches, museums and other historical buildings to the public.

The sites included the Capuchin church and friary, with the crypt and cemetery that were hewn from the rock between 1725 and 1730 and contain mummified corpses of Capuchin friars in niches along the walls.

Visitors could also tour the wartime shelters beneath the police headquarters, where emergency operating theatres were housed, the building having served as Malta’s general hospital at the time.

The Criminology Museum within the police headquarters was also on the agenda and each site had a guide to explain its historical value.

Guided tours along the Floriana heritage trail were also offered to the public.

Other areas not normally accessible to the public included the bell towers of the parish church and parts of gardens that are usually closed off. Visitors could also try their hand at more sporty activities like abseiling on the Granaries.