Anyone who would like to visit the magical Villa Frere Gardens (pictured) has to go through the gates of St Luke’s Hospital and arrive near the helipad and the Pietà primary school, behind Karin Grech Hospital. Here one finds a small path that takes you to the main gardens: a historical and architectural hidden jewel.

One can appreciate the hard work done and the dedication of the NGO Friends of Villa Frere towards the restoration and upkeep of these gardens.

As you walk around, you will notice carpets of green foliage, flowers, stone fountains and benches and, above all, you can enjoy peace and tranquillity! Fernando, a volunteer, gave us a very informative and extremely interesting tour of the gardens.

I would like to thank all the volunteers of Friends of Villa Frere for making my visit unforgettable and I will surely visit again.

Those wishing to visit Villa Frere Garden can go to the Facebook page Friends of Villa Frere for opening hours and updates on the restoration projects.

Donations are always welcome and much appreciated. They will go towards the continuous restoration of this historical gem.

Next door to Villa Frere one finds Giordano Zammitello, a high-baroque-style garden.

If I’m not very much mistaken, it is being proposed to develop this garden into a 10-storey, four-star hotel. Is a hotel more importantthan our oxygen? The proposed project will completely des-troy part of our heritage, to the detriment of Villa Frere and its gardens.

I appeal to whoever is responsible for this destruction to think twice. It has become very easy to make quick money creating concrete boxes.

Am I dreaming? I hope time will prove me wrong.

The Maltese heritage should come first and continue to be respected before it is too late.