Restored to former glory! 19th century Kalkara gardens at Villa Portelli brought back to life
The gardens of Villa Portelli in Kalkara are getting a fresh lease on life thanks to a collaboration between Project Green and Heritage Malta. These gardens date back to the 19th century and were part of a villa built as a summer retreat for Agostino Portelli, a prominent businessman of the time. Later, the villa served as a residence for British admirals, providing it with even richer historical significance.
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The restoration project has rejuvenated the outer gardens, with plans to continue work on the villa itself. Spread over a sprawling 5,000 sqm, the gardens now feature lush greenery and will soon include a vegetable and herb patch linked to Heritage Malta’s food heritage initiative, Taste History. There’s also an interpretation centre in the works to allow visitors to experience the site’s fascinating past and ongoing conservation efforts.
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The vibe here offers a combination of history, relaxation, and a sense of community within the Kalkara area. The gardens are pet-friendly and open every Sunday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, free of charge, making it a great spot for a Sunday stroll.
Have you checked out the restored gardens yet?