The Msida Bastion Cemetery and Historic Garden, a former Protestant burial ground in Floriana, is renowned for its serene atmosphere and sweeping views of Marsamxett Harbour. However, today its historic value comes to the forefront, as the top part of a broken headstone has been discovered, depicting the carvings of two winged cherubs, in almost perfect condition!

This find has stirred enthusiasm among historians and conservationists, as the cherub motif, dating back to the period between 1760 and 1810, suggests that the headstone could be one of the oldest in the cemetery, which was in use between 1806 and 1856.

The cherub iconography, representing the flight of the soul from the body upward to heaven in the hope of resurrection, became very popular symbols on headstones, replacing the more morbid symbols of winged skulls that were used before.  

Although no name or date are shown on the salvaged part of the headstone, this remains an exciting discovery for historians and conservationists, developing further study into the history of the cemetery.

Have you visited the historic gardens recently?