Hastings Garden, Valletta

Gardens in Valletta

Monument To Lord Hastings, Hastings Gardens

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Frank Vincentz

Hastings Garden is one of Valletta's hidden gems — a tranquil retreat high above the city's walls, where history, nature, and panoramic beauty come together. Set atop St. Michael's Bastion, this elevated park overlooks Floriana, Sliema, and Marsamxett Harbour, offering some of the finest views in Malta's capital. Named after Francis, Marquis of Hastings, a 19th-century British governor, the garden reflects both Malta's layered history and its ongoing love affair with its grand harbor landscapes.

Despite being just minutes from the city's main streets, Hastings Garden remains calm and relatively uncrowded — a favorite among locals seeking peace and photographers chasing the perfect sunset shot. Its shaded walkways, blooming flowerbeds, and old stone walls create a restful contrast to the urban energy below, making it one of the best places to visit in Valletta for a quiet break between sightseeing stops or as part of a leisurely stroll through the city.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Tips
How to Get There
Is Hastings Garden Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

The origins of Hastings Garden are rooted in Valletta's defensive architecture. The park sits atop St. Michael's Bastion, part of the city's formidable fortifications designed by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. This bastion played a vital role in protecting Valletta's western flank, standing guard over the approaches from Floriana.

In the early 19th century, during British rule, the site was transformed from a military lookout into a public garden. It was named in honor of Francis, Marquis of Hastings, whose obelisk monument still stands prominently within the grounds. The transformation from fortress to green space marked a symbolic shift in Valletta’s history — from defense and warfare to reflection and leisure. Today, the garden’s peaceful atmosphere and historical monuments offer a subtle reminder of the city’s evolution through centuries of change.

Things to See and Do

Visitors to Hastings Garden are treated to one of Valletta's most captivating viewpoints. From the edge of the bastion, the panorama stretches across Marsamxett Harbour, taking in the neighboring towns of Floriana and Sliema, and beyond to the rolling Maltese landscape. It's a great place to visit on a walking tour of Valletta, particularly for those who enjoy scenic photography or simply relaxing in a quiet, sunlit setting.

The garden’s design is simple yet elegant — winding paths lead through patches of greenery, shaded benches invite a moment of rest, and the air carries a gentle sea breeze. The Marquis of Hastings’ monument, a tall obelisk rising above the garden, adds a touch of stateliness to the space. In spring, the flowerbeds burst with color, and the park becomes a tranquil sanctuary filled with birdsong.

Hastings Garden is especially magical at sunset when the golden light washes over Valletta's limestone bastions and the harbor glows in the distance. It's a favorite spot for locals, artists, and couples alike — a quiet place to sit and watch the city fade into twilight.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: Late afternoon for sunset views over the harbor
Entrance fee in Euros: Free
Opening hours: Open daily, 24 hours
Official website: N/A
How long to spend: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Accessibility: Mostly accessible, with paved walkways and some steps near viewing points
Facilities: Benches and shaded areas
Photography tip: Arrive just before sunset for the best golden-hour shots across Marsamxett Harbour
Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants along South Street and near City Gate

How to Get There

Hastings Garden is located near the main entrance to Valletta, just beyond the City Gate and beside the Parliament Building. It's easy to reach on foot from most parts of the city. For visitors arriving by bus, the Valletta Bus Terminal is only a few minutes' walk away. If you're arriving from Sliema or the Three Cities, the Barrakka Lift from the Grand Harbour brings you close to the area, from where the gardens are an easy stroll along the city's edge.

Is Hastings Garden Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Hastings Garden is one of the must-see places in Valletta if you're looking for a peaceful escape with spectacular views. Its blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty offers a different perspective of the city — one that feels both intimate and expansive. Whether you come for a quiet walk, a romantic sunset, or a chance to unwind after exploring the busy streets of Valletta, Hastings Garden delivers a perfect moment of calm high above the harbor.

Nearby Attractions

Upper Barrakka Gardens – Just a short walk away, offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the Saluting Battery.
The Parliament Building – A striking modern architectural landmark by Renzo Piano, located near the City Gate.
The National Museum of Archaeology – Showcasing Malta's prehistoric treasures in an elegant 16th-century auberge.
St. John's Co-Cathedral – A dazzling masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture at the heart of Valletta.
The Grand Master's Palace – One of Valletta's most important historic buildings, now home to the Office of the President.

The Hastings Garden appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!

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