Lower Barrakka Gardens, Valletta

Gardens in Valletta

The Lower Barrakka Gardens are one of Valletta's most enchanting hidden gems — a peaceful refuge where nature, architecture, and history blend seamlessly above the blue expanse of the Grand Harbour. Perched on the city's southeastern bastions, the gardens offer stunning views of Fort Ricasoli, the Three Cities, and the harbor that has shaped Malta's destiny for centuries. Shaded paths, colorful flowerbeds, and stone arches make this green haven the perfect escape from the city's lively streets. Though smaller and quieter than the Upper Barrakka Gardens, this serene terrace rewards visitors with equally impressive panoramas and a calm, reflective atmosphere.

The gardens' combination of classical design and maritime vistas gives them a timeless appeal. Locals often visit for an afternoon stroll or a quiet coffee at the kiosk café, while travelers come to admire the scenery and the elegant monument to Sir Alexander Ball — one of the city's most photogenic landmarks. It's one of the best places to visit in Valletta for those who want to enjoy the city's beauty from a slower, more contemplative perspective.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Tips
How to Get There
Is the Lower Barrakka Gardens Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

The Lower Barrakka Gardens were established in the early 19th century on the St. Christopher Bastion, part of Valletta's impressive line of fortifications built by the Knights of St. John. The site originally served a military purpose before being transformed into a landscaped garden during the British period. Its most distinctive feature, the Neoclassical monument to Sir Alexander Ball, was designed in 1810 by Giorgio Pullicino. Modeled after the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, this elegant structure honors Ball's legacy as a British admiral and Malta's first Civil Commissioner — a figure remembered for his diplomatic leadership and close relationship with the Maltese people.

Beyond its architectural highlights, the garden has long been a space of reflection and remembrance. Scattered among its pathways are monuments and plaques dedicated to key moments in European history, including tributes to the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, the Prague Spring, and Malta's role within the European Union. Together, they create a sense of continuity — a reminder that Valletta has always stood at the crossroads of Mediterranean and European culture.

Things to See and Do

Visitors will find plenty to admire at the Lower Barrakka Gardens. The centerpiece is, of course, the Sir Alexander Ball Monument — its grand colonnade framed perfectly by the azure harbor behind it. It's a favorite spot for photographers, especially in the golden light of late afternoon. The surrounding garden is lush yet understated, with benches positioned along the bastion walls for uninterrupted harbor views. The calm here feels worlds away from the busier streets above, making it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Valletta for those seeking a moment of rest and reflection.

Just below the gardens lies another moving landmark — the Siege Bell War Memorial. Erected in 1992 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Siege of Malta during World War II, the monument features a massive bronze bell that rings daily at noon. Its deep, resonant tone carries across the Grand Harbour, echoing Malta's resilience and sacrifice. The combination of the bell's solemn call and the sweeping view of the harbor makes this area one of the top sights in Valletta for those interested in both beauty and meaning.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: Early morning or sunset for the best light and peaceful atmosphere
Entrance fee in Euros: Free
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
Official website: N/A
How long to spend: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Accessibility: Accessible paths with some gentle slopes
Facilities: Benches, shaded areas, and a small café kiosk
Photography tip: Capture the monument framed by the arches with the harbor in the background for a postcard-perfect shot
Guided tours: Included in many Valletta city walking tours
Nearby food options: Small cafés nearby or restaurants along Triq il-Lvant (East Street)

How to Get There

The Lower Barrakka Gardens are located on Valletta's southern bastions, just a 10-minute walk from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and Republic Street. For visitors arriving via the Barrakka Lift from the Grand Harbour or the ferry from the Three Cities, the gardens are easily reached by a short uphill walk through Valletta's narrow streets. Signposts throughout the city make them easy to find, and the route itself offers wonderful glimpses of the city's Baroque architecture.

Is the Lower Barrakka Gardens Worth Visiting?

Yes — the Lower Barrakka Gardens are one of the must-see places in Valletta for their peaceful charm, rich history, and spectacular views. They offer a quieter, more intimate experience than the Upper Barrakka Gardens, making them perfect for travelers who want to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Valletta at their own pace. Whether you come for the view, the architecture, or the tranquility, the gardens provide a moment of calm reflection high above Malta's storied harbor.

Nearby Attractions

Siege Bell War Memorial – A powerful tribute to Malta's WWII heroes, just below the gardens.
Upper Barrakka Gardens – Offering panoramic views and the daily Saluting Battery ceremony.
Fort St. Elmo – Home to the National War Museum, detailing Malta's military history.
MUŻA – Malta's National Community Art Museum, located in the historic Auberge D'Italie.
Grand Master's Palace – A grand Baroque landmark and the former seat of the Knights of St. John.

The Lower Barrakka Gardens appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!