Villa Frere

Villa Frere is the surviving garden of a 19th-century villa built by the British diplomat Sir John Hookham Frere, who settled in Malta in the early 1800s. Frere created an extensive terraced garden on the slopes above Pietà, with rare plants, water features and views across the Grand Harbour. The villa itself was demolished in the 20th century, but the garden survived and is being restored by the heritage organisation Din l-Art Ħelwa.

The garden is a rare surviving example of a 19th-century Maltese landscape garden, with historic planting, stone terracing and harbour views. Restoration is ongoing, and the garden is open to the public on a limited basis — check current arrangements before visiting.

⭐ Highlights

• ✓Surviving garden of a 19th-century British diplomat's villa
• ✓Terraced landscape garden with rare plants and water features
• ✓Grand Harbour views from the terraces
• ✓Being restored by the heritage organisation Din l-Art Ħelwa
• ✓Rare surviving example of a 19th-century Maltese landscape garden

Visitor Tips

• 💡Check opening arrangements with Din l-Art Ħelwa before visiting
• 💡The garden is a restoration project — expect ongoing work
• 💡Wear comfortable shoes for the terraced slopes
• 💡Combine with a walk along the Pietà and Msida harbour front