The historic kitchen garden of San Anton Palace has been opened to the public after extensive rehabilitation in an 18-month project launched by President George Abela.

The garden, spread over nine tomna, has supplied the palace with vegetables since the time of the knights. A large area, however, had been in shambles until the rehabilitation project was launched (see video).

The garden now has modern paving, new garden furniture and modern, artistic lighting for the trees.

It also features a playing area and animal pens for a variety of animals including Shetland ponies, donkeys, ostriches, emu, cranes and goats, which children can enjoy. The pens were built according to EU animal-care standards.

A spokesman for the Place said the playing area and the pens, while open for everyone, were especially earmarked for persons with disability.

Profits from sales from the cafeteria in the gardens will go to the Community Chest Fund.

The gardens, accessible from opposite the rear entrance of San Anton Palace – near Villa Bologna – are open daily between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 5 pm. To 9 p.m. There is no break during the weekends.

The Community Chest Fund this Saturday evening will also hold the annual Ġonna Mdawla event, where the President’s private gardens and the kitchen garden will be open to the public. Tickets are available from the Palace in Valletta and San Anton. Further infromation is available on telephone 21226226.