A secret garden in Santa Venera
Regional Road, St Joseph High Road, Old Railway Road, Fleur-de-lys Road: the heavy traffic thoroughfares form one of the most notoriously chaotic square kilometres in Malta. Yet, hidden within these margins, lies the peaceful 18th century Romeo Romano garden.
Originally a back garden to the majestic Casa Leoni in Santa Venera, Ġnien Romeo Romano is one of the largest gardens founded by the Knights of St John, second only to San Anton Gardens. The entire palazzo was, in fact, built by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena as a summer residence, just outside the walled city of Valletta.
Now open to the public, the Romeo Romano garden is a rare quiet spot away from the humdrum of Malta’s central region, with wide footpaths crisscrossing flowerbeds and mature trees. The ancient walls surrounding the space shield it from the wind, the sun, and the outside noise. The only sound you are likely to hear, are the soothing gush from the stone-carved fountain.
The secret Romeo Romano garden is open during the day, every day.
Getting there
Six routes stop at the aptly named bus stop Romano in Santa Venera. Walk a hundred meters in the direction towards Valletta and turn into the dead-end street Triq it-Turretta. The unassuming entrance is at the end. There is also a back entrance from Triq Braille.
- Route 51 leaves Valletta to Mtarfa every 30 minutes from 05:40 to 22:40.
- Route 52 leaves Valletta to Dingli every 30 minutes 05:30 to 22:30.
- Route 53 leaves Valletta to Rabat every 30 minutes from 05:20 to 22:20.
- Route 182 leaves Valletta to Birkirkara every hour from 05:50 to 21:50
- Route 42 between Valletta and Ċirkewwa makes eight journeys daily with higher frequencies during peak hours.
Check the latest timetable details here: publictransport.com.mt/en/routes-timetables