Lower Barrakka Gardens are a short stroll from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and both have superb views over Valletta’s harbour. For us, the lower gardens are the prettier of the two and they’re usually less busy also. Around the edge, the pathways allow sweeping views of Fort Ricasoli, Fort St Angelo, the Magisterial Palace and the docks where you will often find huge cruise liners. There are plenty of benches to sit on and enjoy the view, but the garden is packed with interesting features too. The most striking monument is the one to Sir Alexander Ball (pictured below)
Ball was a British admiral who was the first civil Commissioner of Malta after helping overthrow the French. The monument takes the form of a ancient Greek temple and was constructed in 1810 after his death. Much of what is around the monument is significantly older, dating back to the 17th century.
The garden contains an artificial well, a snack bar and toilets. The flower beds have been arranged around the walkways and the fountain so you can wander around and enjoy the colours as the different plants flower throughout the year. The arched area was built to resemble the arches at the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Lower Barrakka Gardens also have views out to sea past the breakwater at the entrance to the harbour. From this position you can see the huge Siege Bell, which is also known as the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Bell as she unveiled it in 1992. It marks the siege of Malta during WW2 when the island’s inhabitants were close to starvation as supply ships struggled to get through.
We thoroughly enjoyed spending time in the gardens and visited several times during our trip to Valletta. One one occasion, we sat and ate sandwiches looking at the views. There is no better place in the world to eat a BLT than here, but watch out for the pigeons who are ‘over-friendly’ when you have food!
Lower Barrakka Gardens are free to enter. The gardens open at 7am and close at 10pm each day. After dark, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the harbour lights.
LOWER BARRAKKA GARDENS LOCATION & MAP
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Lower Barrakka Gardens are accessed through a gate where St Christopher’s Street meets Lvant. There is a cafe at the entrance.
MORE ON LOWER BARRAKKA GARDENS
Lower Barrakka Gardens – Wikipedia
Hotels in Valletta – Booking.com
More Things To Do In Valletta – GetYourGuide