SA MAISON GARDEN

AT A SHARP BEND IN THE ROAD WHICH LEADS FROM FLORIANA TO PIETÀ IS THE ENTRANCE TO SA MAISON GARDEN. THIS HIDDEN PLACE, OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS OF PIETÀ CREEK, WAS YET ANOTHER OF THE NUMEROUS FORTIFIED POSITIONS FROM THE TIME OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN THAT WERE LATER TRANSFORMED INTO GARDENS ONCE THEY HAD LOST THEIR MILITARY SIGNIFICANCE.

The name Sa Maison recalls the surname of an early owner - a French knight of the Order - who had a hunting lodge there, although it has also been claimed to have served as a different type of lodge in the late 18th century, as a meeting place for Freemasons.

Between 1842 and 1856, the site was occupied by a certain Lady Julia Lockwood, about whom very little is known. It is however recorded that during this time, she had taken up residence in a villa that was located in the garden. This is where the Maltese name for the garden comes from: Il-Ġnien tal-Milorda literally translates into 'My Lady’s Garden'.

In 1856, the British Army obtained permission to pull down the house to make way for a gun platform, though not before a hard battle with Lady Lockwood, which led to the British governor, Sir William Reid, threatening to resign from his post unless the garden, located on top of such a commanding part of the fortifications, was returned to the military authorities. Having finally got his way, the villa was torn down to be replaced by the new gun emplacement, which can still be seen today in the westernmost corner of the garden.

Following Lady Lockwood’s forced departure from Sa Maison, the fortifications and garden came under the responsibility of the War Department. Set over five levels, the garden would have offered the soldiers and their families, living in the cramped Floriana Barracks, a place where they could enjoy some fresh air. The garden looks onto Gwardamanġa Hill and beyond, now overcrowded with modern development, but at the time that the British regiments were there, between 1856 and 1903, it would have been possible to see half of the island to the west and north when it was all mainly unbuilt countryside.

Traces of these soldiers, and the units they served in, can still be found today, in the form of several carved graffiti. Probably one of the most unique features of this garden, these graffiti normally take the form of regimental badges. Some of these were carved directly into the rock face, and others out of a block of stone which was then inserted. The identity of the sculptors is not known, but while Maltese artists or stonemasons could have been commissioned to do the work, they were m ore likely done by the soldiers themselves. Unfortunately, most of these badges have suffered from erosion, theft, and vandalism, but it is still possible to identify a few.

Undoubtedly the most fascinating of these military mementoes is the miniature Castle of Gibraltar erected by the 2nd Battalion, The Essex Regiment, known as ‘the Pompadours’, in 1889, whilst they were stationed in Malta. One of its antecedent regiments, the 56th (West Essex) Regiment of Foot, had formed part of the garrison during the Great Siege of Gibraltar, which earned the unit the privilege of adopting the castle-and-key coat of arms of Gibraltar as part of its insignia. This exceptional three-dimensional sculpture still graces the lower part of Sa Maison Garden.

Sa Maison was opened to the general public after being taken over by the civil government in 1903. One its most important architectural features actually dates to the period when the fortifications were being built: At the very end of the lower part of the garden, just beyond the area occupied by the regimental crests, one can notice a large skewed arch, rightly considered by many to be an architectural marvel, that has been attributed to the Maltese architect Giovanni Barbara.

The highest level of the garden, on the other hand, features a restored Gardjola - a Knights’ lookout post - which provides stunning views over Marsamxett Harbour, with its creeks and yacht marinas. From here, it is still possible to close your eyes and picture the garden as it was when the soldiers and their families savoured their free time here.

DESPITE ITS DIMINUTIVE SIZE, THE MALTESE ARCHIPELAGO IS BURSTING WITH HISTORIC SITES, IDYLLIC SPOTS, FOOD, CULTURE AND TRADITION. THE MALTESE ISLANDS ARE LIKE NOWHERE ELSE. HERE YOU’LL FIND FOSSIL-STUDDED GEO FORMATIONS, PREHISTORIC TEMPLES, INTRIGUING DIVING OPPORTUNITIES, AND A RICHLY WOVEN HISTORY OF REMARKABLE INTENSITY. HERE’S A HANDY GUIDE ON WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR DURING YOUR STAY.