Villa Portelli
Villa Portelli, taking its namesake from the family headed by Agostino Portelli, was likely constructed as a holiday home, away from the loud and busy streets of the urban harbour areas. Situated on the hill leading to Villa Bighi, overlooking Kalkara Creek, Villa Portelli witnessed the growth of Kalkara from a quiet fishing village to a holiday retreat for the Maltese merchant class, and eventually into a bustling naval community.
The Gardens & Grounds
The gardens of Villa Portelli were constructed following the Italian style of symmetry, being sub-divided into sections by a decorated passageway and planted with hundreds of fruit trees. Part of the rejuvenation of the gardens will be to replant the trees lost along the years so that the gardens and fields may be enjoyed by the public.
The People
Villa Portelli is a historic place with more than just naval and historical significance. Its use up until very recently means that there are people alive who have interacted with the Villa in some way or another.
Listen to their memories here.
The Kalkara Peninsula
Situated in the eastern region of Malta, Kalkara stands as a small fishing village at the mouth of the Grand Harbour and consists of two peninsulas, that of Ricasoli and Bighi. The former took the name of Fort Ricasoli, which was constructed in the 17th century to guard the entrance of the Grand Harbour in line with Fort St. Elmo at the tip of Valletta. Prior to the construction of Fort Ricasoli, the peninsula was referred to as ‘Punta delle Forche’ or ‘Gallow’s Point’ since it was here where pirates, corsairs or rebels against the Order of St. John were executed and displayed as a message of deterrence.
