The Msida Bastion Historic Garden
The Historic Garden was formerly known as the Msida Bastion Cemetery, part of the St Philip's Bastion. It has a fine view of the Marsamxett harbour and is near the Excelsior Hotel.
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It used to be a Protestant cemetery in the first half of the nineteenth century, and about 530 people were buried there, mostly British soldiers.
Earlier in history, the Order of St John operated its gallows here. The cemetery was heavily damaged by enemy bombs in the WWII and many of the graves were shattered. A large restoration project was initiated and a small museum was constructed, the Museum of Maltese Burial Practices.
Opening hours | Mondays to Saturday and the first Sunday of the month 9:30 - 12:00 |
Last admission | Advice 45 minutes before closing |
Closed | |
Ticket / admission fee | |
Everyone | € 2.00 |
The first Sunday of the month | Free |
Latest news and original website of the attraction / spot / advent |
Additional information
The great view from the park over Ta' Xbiex, Manoel Island and Sliema.
During WWII the Cemetery was hit by bombs and part of the bastion wall at the far end and some graves were damaged. Also a lot of damage was done by vandalists and the weather. Photo with the damage. Volunteers are enthusiastic to tell you how the restoration took place and what they still have to figure out.
Drawing of the cemetery for the damage. The park has been restored as much as possible with the help of volunteers. The restoration was awarded the Silver Medal by Europa Nostra in 2002.
The park seen from the Marsamxett Harbour. The cemetery lies in the bastion formerly known as St Philip’s Bastion (Now in restoration) , part of Floriani’s outer defence works commissioned by Grand Master Antoine de Paule in 1635. On the higher ground above the bastion stood the gallows used by the Order.
