Things to see and do Floriana

At the end of the esplanade stands the most visible and imposing building in Floriana: the parish church of St. Publius.It was built in honour of Publius, governor of Malta during the Roman period. The latter had been converted to Christianity by St. Paul, then a prisoner, in 60 AD. He later became the first bishop of Malta and died as a martyr in Athens. He was chosen as patron saint by the people of Floriana who decided to build a church. The first stone was laid in 1733 by Grand Master A. de Vilhena. The nave was not completed until 1792. In 1844 Floriana became a parish. Two new wings were added, as well as the columned portico in 1890. The church also has a dome and two bell towers housing six bells, the largest of which was cast in Naples. The building was severely damaged during the Second World War and was quickly restored to its original appearance thanks to an almost immediate reconstruction. Its façade is composed of a neoclassical portico topped by a triangular pediment, and a statue of Christ stands at the top of the façade. Inside there is an altarpiece by Antoine de Favray, completed by his pupil Filippo Vicenzo Pace, which relates the martyrdom of Saint Publius. Other paintings depict the shipwreck of Saint Paul and his stay on the island. You can also admire the statue of Saint Publius, dating from 1811 and work of the sculptor Vincenzo Dimech, which is carried during the annual procession.

Parallel to the Mall, the large rectangular esplanade facing St. Publius Church is known as The Granaries. Indeed, this area is characterized by the presence of 76 underground bell-shaped grain silos, dug out in the ^17th century and used as storage facilities during wars and sieges. Their presence is indicated on the surface by large circular stones, a kind of cut column, which form the upper part of the pillars holding the entire structure together (and which are sometimes used as picnic tables in summer). Still in use during the Second World War, and although still functional, they have been replaced by more modern silos. Today, the esplanade itself is a major venue for religious (Saint Publius Day), political, commemorative and festive events (funfairs). A monument to Grand Master A. de Vilhena lines the esplanade. It is surrounded by the Catholic Institute, and the Middleseahouse, once used as a market (and grain trade). The latter hosted a meeting between Roosevelt and Stalin prior to the Yalta summit.