Our islands never cease to amaze us when it comes to hidden historical treasures, and we might have found another to add to the list. Facebook page Malta Underground shared an interesting photo of a cistern in the oddest of places.

“The unusually curved footprint of this historic water cistern is quite rare, and the reason for its bend not immediately evident,” the page says. “Located between the Caraffa Stores (built 1679) and Old Prison Street, this substantial reservoir was cut into the bedrock (likely during the time of the knights), waterproofed, and capped with a ribbed masonry vault.”

“Much later a tunnel was cut through its base, leading to the underground parking level of St Angelo Mansions (built 2002) today.” Locals are guessing that it was probably the work of renowned architect Lorenzo Gafa while others were surprised it even existed. “Lived in Vittoriosa when I was little and never knew this was there,” one Facebook user said. “I’m always amazed by the skill and ingenuity of these architects and builders!” another person said. And so are we!

There are bound to be other undiscovered gems around the island. If we look around us as we explore new places, or even pass through our regular ones, we might notice things we hadn’t before.