In a nostalgic look back, The National Archives of Malta recently shared a photo capturing the construction of the Fleur-de-Lys roundabout in the 1940s - a site steeped in centuries of history.

Originally, this junction was home to a striking ornamental arch built in 1615 as part of the Wignacourt Aqueduct.

Commissioned by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, the aqueduct was a major feat of engineering, designed to transport fresh water from Rabat to the growing capital of Valletta. The Fleur-de-Lys arch, named after the three fleurs-de-lys that adorned its structure, marked the point where the aqueduct branched toward different destinations.

Tragically, the original arch met its fate in April 1943 when it was severely damaged by a Royal Air Force truck during World War II. Due to the extent of the damage, the arch was dismantled soon after, leaving behind only memories of its former grandeur.

For decades, the area evolved with the growing road network, and the roundabout became a busy traffic node.

In a symbolic gesture to honour its historical importance, a faithful replica of the original arch was inaugurated in 2015, restoring not just a monument, but a tangible link to Malta’s architectural and cultural past.

Today, the Fleur-de-Lys roundabout is more than just a traffic solution but a site where history, heritage, and modern life intersect.