Concerned about renewed attacks from the Turks, Grand Master de Paule asked Pope Urban VIII for help with strengthening the Valletta fortifications. Grand Master de Paule wanted a military engineer to advice with strengthening the fortifications. The Pope sent Paolo Floriani who was renowned in his field. The knights convinced Floriani that the rest of the peninsula should be fortified in order to protect Valletta from assault from the higher ground beyond its base. Although the plans drawn by Floriani were condemned by other military engineers, the Council of the order accepted Floriani's plans and work on the Floriana fortifications started in 1636.

The plans drawn by Floriani were on a much bigger scale than those used to build the Valletta fortifications. Before Floriani's plans were completed, her returned to Italy in disgust over opposition to the scale of the fortifications. However, a further commission of experts recommended that Floriani's plans should be completed. Eventually, the area within the confines of the new fortifications, were named after Floriani. The fortifications of Floriani were never put to the test.

The actual suburb of Floriana lies a bit south of Valletta. This was part of the design and it allowed a clear area which could expose attackers to fire from the Valletta bastions if an enemy were to penetrate the Floriana fortifications. Floriani is a relatively quite suburb compared to the hustle and bustle of Valletta. There are a number of open spaces, including Independence Square and the Granaries in front of St. Publius Church. The Maglio Gardens is a long and narrow strip where novices of the order were expected to exercise. The are has been turned into a garden with many monuments.

The Argotti Gardens sit on top of the bastions and offer a commanding view of Marsamxett Harbour and Hamrun. There are other small gardens built around the fortifications and some of the offer breathtaking views of the two harbours.

Buildings of Interest

St. Publius Church

St. Publius is the patron saint of Floriana. The church was the last parish church built by the Knights. Construction started in 1733 and the church was inaugurated in 1768. The church was designed by Giuseppe Bonnici. The church's facade was rebuilt twice, once in 1771 and the other in 1882. The church was badly damaged during an air-raid in 1942 and was eventually restored.

Sarria Chapel

The circular chapel was built in 1678 by Lorenzo Gafa.

Seminary

The seminary, although rather plain, has a great doorway and very nicely carved ground-floor windows. It was built in 1751.

Portes des Bombes

This is one of the most striking features of the Floriana fortifications. It was built between 1697 and 1720. It has a double-arched gateway and stands across the entrance to Floriana. It is quite an imposing structure and Maltese drivers drive through the two narrow archways to and from Valletta with the usual zest of Maltese drivers for adventure.

Floriana Local Council Tel: 235523 Fax: 237723

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