Romeo Romano Gardens

many other major projects that were carried out during his reign as Grand Master of the islands, which also include Fort Manoel in Gżira, Manoel Theatre in Valletta and many other buildings in Floriana. In 1977, the large garden – part of this palazzo – was opened to the public as ‘Romeo Romano Gardens’.

A calm oasis that brings tranquillity

to an otherwise chaotic surrounding being only a few hundred metres away from one of the arterial roads in the country. This garden brings nature right into the place where ones lives and work. Something that has become more It was for this reason that last year, GreenServ took over the restoration of an area of this garden that had been closed off to the public. An area that contained a disused sienja, a water lifting apparatus installed in the 19th century to water the gardens; and an underground bell-shaped water reservoir

that connects to a unique irrigation system covering the whole garden, as well as many mature citrus trees. These historical features were restored as part of this project that also included the restoration of the garden walls, fountains and pathways to make this garden safe and accessible. Indeed, the water reservoir was cleaned and restored so that it could harvest water whilst the sienja and irrigation system were restored.

In its restoration, GreenServ sought to modernise this garden without compromising its baroque design characterised by walkways and stone carved fountains attributed to the French military engineer Francois de Mondion. Benches, lighting, a children’s play area and a raised deck area were also added.

Natural materials were used for these new additions to respect the character of this garden and the surroundings. Wood was chosen as the primary material for the play equipment, with the use of plastic restricted as much as possible. Instead of the commonly used rubber flooring for the play area, natural wood mulch was used. The deck areas will be transformed into a sensory area with carefully chosen elements having different textures and creating sounds in order to stimulate the sense of hearing and touch. Young citrus trees were also planted to add to the existing trees, as well as a number of shrubs.

As the works are now coming to an end, this part of the garden will very soon be inaugurated and officially opened to the public. However, this will not be the end of this project. In the second phase of this project, an old building which originally served as the gardener’s residence, will be transformed into an educational centre with a focus on the environment in collaboration with local NGO Nature Trust. A second deck area will also be added to serve as a community garden to build healthier lifestyles as well as educating kids and adults alike.

Like with all other GreenServ projects, this will be another green space that supports a healthy, active living and is environmentally resilient and sustainable. Attributes that GreenServ has now become synonymous with.

Make sure you visit this enchanting place where you are ensured to receive a warm welcome by the colony of cats that for years have made this garden their permanent home.