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.
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.
This attractive little town was devastated by aerial bombardments
during World War II. It has now been completely reconstructed and today it
has some 3500 inhabitants.
The British High Commission, the American Embassy, and the Italian
Embassy are all to be found in Floriana.
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.
Other monuments and buildings include the War and RAF Memorials,
the Catholic institute and the Triton Fountain but the glory of Floriana is
St. Publius Church, fronting Granaries Square, now completely restored
after the heavy damage suffered during the last World War.
