Workers stumble on 19th century well in Valletta

Workers carrying out embellishment works at Hastings Gardens in Valletta got more than they bargained for when they uncovered a 19th century well embedded in the bastions.

The 120-metre diameter well, probably constructed some time between 1824 and 1826, had been cemented over and forgotten.

A spokesman for the Resources and Infrastructure Ministry said the well was discovered by accident, after a mechanical shovel broke the underlying cement.

The well, in the form of a bell, will be cleaned and made serviceable and the rainwater stored used for irrigation.

Workers from the ministry are cleaning and repaving the 325-metre stretch of Hastings Gardens, located on top of the bastions on the west side of City Gate offering a magnificent view of Marsamxett Harbour, Floriana, Gzira, Sliema and other parts of the island.

"The workers have been instructed to take great care in their job since they are effectively operating on a historical goldmine," the spokesman said.

Hastings Gardens will fall under the responsibility of the Valletta local council once the works are completed.

Valletta mayor Paul Borg Olivier said pieces of history were being constantly unearthed during such works in both public places and private residences.

"Though such discoveries often slow down the works in hand, excavations are enriching the city even further," Dr Borg Olivier said.

It is not uncommon for persons carrying out works in old Valletta residences to uncover blocked wells and tunnels.

The mayor explained that Valletta is full of wells because of the defence system in case of a siege by the enemy - in fact works carried out recently in the aptly named Old Wells Street unearthed several wells.