GARDENS AND PALACE OF SAN ANTON

The gardens of San Anton, open to the public since 1882, surround the official residence of the President of the Republic, a palace built for the great French master Antoine de Paule. Among bougainvilleas, roses, gigantic trees, citrus trees and rare plants, plaques commemorate visits by world leaders. The garden is particularly pleasant in summer, with its paved pathways, colourful cats and gurgling fountains. These include the "Fountain of the Eagle", located near the main entrance to the gardens, which dates back to 1620 and was restored in 2002, and the "Fountain of the Masks". Locals come to enjoy the shade and chat. Parents bring their children to watch the exotic animals, a little lost in their enclosures. In the past, Malta's governors used to hand out oranges from the gardens at Christmas, but today the gardens host numerous cultural events. In July, there are open-air theater, dance and music performances. In winter, you'll have the chance to see the citrus trees covered in fruit: oranges, lemons and grapefruit. But it's in spring that the citrus trees are at their most beautiful, when their multicolored blossoms rival one another in beauty. And every year, they host the annual Malta Horticultural Show. If you're in Malta in April or May, these gardens are a must-see.