Category: Heritage

Early during the 19th century, Sir Agostino Portelli, founder of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, decided to build his villa in Kalkara. His decision stemmed from the insecurity he felt at his home in Valletta after the French blockade of 1798. During the Second World War the villa became the residence of the Malta Flag […]

In 1944 Archbishop Mons. Michael Gonzi bought a plot of land, known as tal-Għeżieli from the Malta Gas Company, to build the new Parish Church dedicated to Saint Joseph. The design, bearing a neo-classical style and in the shape of a Latin cross, was made by Chev. Vincenzo Bonello aided by engineer Ġużè Damato. The […]

Fears of an Ottoman attack in 1669 led the Order of Saint John to initiate the construction of the Cottonera Lines, named in honor of Grand Master Nicolás Cotoner y de Oleza, back in August 1670. Designed by the Italian engineer Antonio Valperga, the fortifications were intended to house 40,000 people including their animals. This […]