The enchanting Villa Frere, situated in Pieta, will be opening on Sunday 6th August, from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm, for a special day opening. The serene gardens of Villa Frere, which are currently being restored to their former glory, offer a revitalising escape for locals and tourists alike.

Originally created by John Hookham Frere in 1831 as a sanctuary to heal his sorrow after his wife's passing, Villa Frere once spanned vast views from Mdina to Valletta. Now, maintained by NGO Friends of Villa Frere, a portion of the original garden remains, preserving its mystical allure.

Previously frequented by scholars like Mikiel Anton Vassalli, who advocated for Maltese as a written language, Villa Frere holds a romantic history that captivates visitors.

Villa Frere’s garden faded away with Frere’s death in 1846. The site fell into neglect, but not all was lost as 40 years later the villa became the residence of Captain Edward Price. A notable garden enthusiast, he gave life back to the property, earning it the title of a botanic garden.

Currently, Villa Frere and its surrounding gardens are going through extensive restoration work to transform the site into the beauty that it once was. Restoration works so far have included the Gardeners’ Cottage and Villa Hay, the latter being one of the buildings in the gardens which was used as a retreat for John Hookham Frere’s wife.

This Sunday, with a donation of €5, you can explore the beautiful surroundings, and your contributions will aid the restoration efforts.

To get to Villa Frere, follow the signs from the gates of St. Luke's Hospital to find the entrance at St. Luke's Hospital grounds, behind Karen Grech Hospital.

Get ready to embark on a journey through time and nature at this extraordinary event!

Have you ever visited Villa Frere in Pieta?