In collaboration with over 40 entities, Floriana will tomorrow throw open its gardens, museums, historical sites and buildings.
A good number of these sites and buildings are not usually accessible to the public, while gardens like the Sa Maison Garden and St Philip’s Garden lie hidden and ‘undiscovered’ between the bastion walls.
Among this year’s attractions will be original documents dating back to the Knights’ period, kept at the Capuchin’s Friars library and mummified friars in the same convent; entrance to Malta’s only underground train station; a chance to go up Floriana’s parish church roof and belfry; a police dog show; tightrope walking; archery; Ethiopain coffee ceremonies; entrance to the Msida Bastion Historic Garden; botanic tours by University of Malta and Friends of the Earth; a visit to the newly-restored Wignacourt Tower; entrance to Robert Samut Hall; the chapel and refectory at the Bishop’s Curia; a vintage cars show; historical re-enactments; the Edward Caruana Dingli Collection on display at the revamped Phoenicia Hotel; and entertainment at the Valletta Waterfront.
A vintage bus, led by a tour guide, will take the public around Floriana’s heritage.
Booklets of ‘Floriana Heritage Trail’ will be distributed free to the public.
The seventh edition of Ġenna ta’ Ġonna is being held tomorrow from 9am to 4pm. More information may be obtained from the Floriana local council on 2123 5523, online at www.florianalocalcouncil.com or by sending an e-mail to floriana.lc@gov.mt.
Open day at St Publius church
The church of St Publius is tomorrow holding an open day .
Apart from touring the church, visitors will be able to go up to the north steeple where, from under the largest bell of the set that adorns the two belfries, one can admire the church’s architecture from above and also take in panoramic views.
On the way up, the clock room will be open for those interested to view the mechanism that makes the church clock tick and chime.
A collection of books and other literature, all written and donated by Oliver Friggieri will be on display at St Publius Church Museum in Sarria Street.
At 1pm lunch will be served on the north parvis, commonly known as ‘iz-zuntier ta’ Balzunetta’.
Attendance for lunch is only available on a pre-booking basis. Those wishing to attend can contact either Archpriest Richard Borg on 2124 7106 or Stephen Tonna on 7933 9649. Apart from the lunch, entrance to any part of the church and the museum will be free of charge.