The Gardens of Villa Frere in Pietà have captivated visitors for centuries, including former Queen Elizabeth II herself, and have now received their second feature in the distinguished British magazine 'Country Life' - a weekly publication that has been in circulation since 1897 and first featured the local gardens way back in 1930, almost a century ago!

In an article titled ‘The centuries-old garden created by an English diplomat, reclaimed by Nature, and now once again restored by Man’, Country Life describes the painstaking efforts of the English diplomat John Hookham Frere in curating the gardens. His work was part of his emotional healing after the loss of his wife soon after they relocated to Malta in the early 1800s.

The article also reflects on the more recent history of the garden. After being abandoned for decades following the Second World War, the garden fell into disrepair. However, in recent years, the establishment of the Friends of Villa Frere has brought a renewed sense of purpose to this place of local heritage. Country Life commends the efforts of the committee and volunteers who have worked tirelessly on the garden's restoration, a task that ‘was once thought impossible'.

With hopes for further funding and sponsorship, the ongoing structural renovation of the surrounding buildings could help restore the former grandeur of the gardens, bringing back the once magnificent ‘sight to behold, full of flowering terraces, follies, ponds and fountains, and an orange grove'. 

Villa Frere is open every first Sunday of the month - go experience the historic splendour for yourself!

Have you ever visited the gardens of Villa Frere?