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Floriana, the suburb of Valletta, takes its name from Pietro P. Floriani, a military engineer, who, in 1636, was engaged on the extension of the defensive system in this locality. The new bulwarks were intended to provide double security to Valletta and to serve as a safe haven for refugees from the countryside in case of an invasion. This attractive little town lies within the capital city’s fortifications which reach as far as Portes de Bombes
In 1722, Grand Master de Vilhena honoured the suburb with his namesake’s title of Borgo Vilhena. The Grand Master’s statue now adorns a small square near the Catholic Institute.
A palm-lined esplanade, joining the Valletta Bus Terminus to the Mall, is embellished with a bronze statue of Christ the King, by Sciortino, erected in commemoration of the International Eucharistic Congress held in Malta in 1913.
At the back of the Mall, there are the delightful Argotti Gardens, constructed in 1774 to the order of Bailiff Ignatius de Argote. Near the entrance gate there is a curious grotto, decorated with shells and corals which originally formed part of Bailiff’s villa on the site. A superb fountain, which formerly adorned Gnien is-Sultan near the Victoria Gate in Valletta, now stands in the centre of the garden. From the spacious terrace, one can admire a splendid view of Marsamxetto harbour and of distant towns and villages.
With numerous exotic trees and flower-beds, this peaceful escape is popular for many visitors
Other monuments and buildings include the War and RAF Memorials; the Catholic Institute; and the Triton Fountain. Beneath the vast flag-stoned Granaries Square is a number of deep silos built in the late 17th century to ensure food supplies for Valletta in times of war. Also of interest is the Mall, today a garden, but once was an area where the Knights played a kind of tennis. This narrow strip of greenery is dotted with statues and plaques commemorating events and personalities of Maltese 20th century history.
But the glory of Floriana is St. Publius Church – a graceful temple opposite Granaries Square – which is the venue of religious congregations and other gatherings of a social and political nature.
St. Publius was the first citizen or governor of Malta, during the Roman period. He was converted to Christianity in AD 60 by St. Paul, who was in captivity on the island. Tradition has it that Publius was consecrated first Bishop of Malta. The people of Floriana chose him as their patron saint and dedicated their parish church to him. The first stone was laid in 1733 in the presence of Grand Master Vilhena, but owing to lack of funds, work on the structure was delayed. It was only in 1792 that the nave was completed and the building was then consecrated as a vice-parish church. It attained parochial status in 1856. Two new aisles were added, and a classical portico was completed in 1890.
The church suffered heavy damage, as did the whole town, by aerial bombardments during World War II. It was not long before it was fully rebuilt to its original grandeur. The statue of St. Publius, which is carried in procession during the annual feast day, dates from 1815. This very popular feast, which heralds the numerous feasts held right through spring and summer in all towns and villages in Malta and Gozo, is celebrated 2 weeks after Easter Sunday.
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