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Sir Alexander Ball's Garden

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Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)

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Sir Alexander Ball's Garden in Safi is a tranquil public green space dedicated to the first British Civil Commissioner and later Governor of Malta. Sir Alexander Ball (1757-1809) was a key figure in the Maltese uprising against French occupation at the turn of the 19th century and remained highly respected by the local population. The garden is located in the heart of the village of Safi, providing a peaceful retreat with its shaded walkways and Mediterranean flora. Its layout is reminiscent of colonial-style public gardens, featuring neat paths, seating areas, and commemorative markers detailing Ball's historical contributions. As one of the few green areas in the village, the garden serves as an important social hub for residents. It stands as a tribute to the lasting influence of the British period on the Maltese landscape and the diplomatic ties forged during a turbulent era of Mediterranean history.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Sir Alexander Ball's Garden is a small, peaceful garden in the heart of the village of Safi. It is open to the public and has a green oasis for relaxation and lingering.
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Typical hours
The garden is generally open during daytime, typically from sunrise to sunset. Since it is a public park, there are no fixed opening hours.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the garden; the flowers and old trees offer lovely subjects. Please respect the peace of the residents and avoid noise.
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Time needed
A visit to the garden takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Well-suited for a short break on a park bench, enjoying the quiet.
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Combine with
Combine the garden with a visit to the nearby Safi Parish Church. The nearby villages of Kirkop and Ħal Far are also worth a short trip.
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Getting there
The garden is in central Safi and easily reachable on foot from the bus stop. By car, there is limited parking near the church.
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Insider tip
Visit the garden early in the morning when birds sing and the air is still fresh. Bring a book to read in the peaceful surroundings.

Geography

Coordinates
35.83440, 14.48500

Facts

  • Named after Sir Alexander Ball, the first British Civil Commissioner of Malta.
  • The garden is situated in the central part of the village of Safi.
  • Sir Alexander Ball served in Malta between 1799 and 1809.
  • It features a variety of local trees and flowering plants.
  • The site commemorates Ball's role in the Maltese revolt against Napoleon.
  • It is one of the primary public recreational spaces in the small village.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Safi Parish ChurchSafi Parish Church<1 km · SExplore →
MqabbaMqabba2 km · NWExplore →
Bir Miftuħ ChapelBir Miftuħ Chapel2 km · NEExplore →
QrendiQrendi2 km · WExplore →
Playmobil FunParkPlaymobil FunPark2 km · EExplore →
Hal Far Industrial EstateHal Far Industrial Estate3 km · SEExplore →
Malta International AirportMalta International Airport3 km · NExplore →
GħaxaqGħaxaq3 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (10)

Knisja Parrokkjali ta' San Pawl

Parish church in Safi, Malta, dedicated to Saint Paul.

Arch

Stone arch in Safi, likely of historical origin.

Il-Katakombi tax-Xarolla

Early Christian underground burial sites near Żurrieq, Malta.

Il-Mitħna tax-Xarolla

Historic windmill in Żurrieq, Malta, a landmark of the area.

Parish Church of Saint Leonard

Church building in Kirkop, Malta, dedicated to Saint Leonard.

Madonna tal-Karmnu

Monument of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Safi, Malta.

Monument Santa Katarina V.M.

Monument of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Safi, Malta.

Parish Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Parish church in Żurrieq, Malta, dedicated to Saint Catherine.

Knisja ta' Santa Marija ta' Bubaqra

Church building in Żurrieq, Malta, dedicated to Saint Mary.

Airport Runway Viewpoint

Viewpoint next to the runway of Malta International Airport in Safi.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Sir Alexander Ball Garden?
It is a small, quiet public garden in Safi, named after a British commissioner.
Why does the garden have this name?
Sir Alexander Ball was a close friend of the Maltese during the French blockade.
Does the garden offer shade?
Yes, there are benches and trees providing a cool place to rest on hot days.
Is entry to the garden free?
Yes, the garden is a public space and free for everyone to visit.
Where is Safi located?
Safi is a small village in the southeast of Malta, near the airport.
Sir Alexander Ball's Garden: where is it located?
Sir Alexander Ball's Garden is located in Malta.
Sir Alexander Ball's Garden: what is there to see?
Highlights include Knisja Parrokkjali ta' San Pawl, Arch, Il-Katakombi tax-Xarolla.
Sir Alexander Ball's Garden: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Sir Alexander Ball's Garden: why is it worth visiting?
Sir Alexander Ball's Garden in Safi is a tranquil public green space dedicated to the first British Civil Commissioner and later Governor of Malta.
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Nearby cities

Mqabba — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Mqabba
Mqabba is renowned for its stone quarries, which extract the high-quality globigerina limestone, and for its paleo-Christian catacombs.
Qrendi — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Qrendi
Qrendi is a village in the southwest, famous for its proximity to the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, and the Blue Grotto.
Għaxaq — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
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Għaxaq is a small, traditional village in the south of Malta, known for its lively village feast.
Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand) — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
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Siġġiewi is a rural town known for its vast fields, farmhouses, and proximity to Buskett Gardens and Dingli Cliffs.
Pietà — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Pietà
Pietà is a small town on the outskirts of Valletta, known for its former Royal Navy hospital and its marina.
St. Helen&#39;s Basilica — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
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A magnificent baroque basilica.
Attard — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Attard
Attard, part of the 'Three Villages' along with Balzan and Lija, is known for its villas, gardens, and the San Anton Presidential Palace.

History & landmarks

Malta International Airport — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Malta International Airport
The only international airport in the Maltese Islands.
Santa Luċija Parish Church — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Santa Luċija Parish Church
The parish church at the heart of the Santa Luċija residential estate.
Pretty Bay — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Pretty Bay
A large sandy beach in the heart of the town.
Marsa Horse Racing Track — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Marsa Horse Racing Track
The primary venue for horse racing in Malta.
Ghar Lapsi — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Ghar Lapsi
A natural cove and cave system, popular with swimmers and divers.
Żonqor Point — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Żonqor Point
The northern tip of Marsaskala Bay.
Ta&#39; Qali Crafts Village — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Ta' Qali Crafts Village
Crafts village with glass blowing.

Nature

St. Peter&#39;s Pool — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
St. Peter's Pool
A natural rock pool popular with cliff divers.

More places

Safi Parish Church — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Safi Parish Church
A simple and elegant baroque church dedicated to the Conversion of St.
Bir Miftuħ Chapel — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Bir Miftuħ Chapel
A remarkably well-preserved medieval chapel.
Playmobil FunPark — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Playmobil FunPark
An indoor and outdoor play area with Playmobil themed worlds, located near the factory.
Hal Far Industrial Estate — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Hal Far Industrial Estate
Another large industrial estate located near the airport.
Limestone Heritage Park &amp; Gardens — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Limestone Heritage Park & Gardens
An experiential museum about the history of Maltese limestone, with a small animal park.
Tal-Maghluq, Marsaxlokk — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Tal-Maghluq, Marsaxlokk
A saline marshland known for its specialized flora and fauna.
Concrete Batching Plants — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
Concrete Batching Plants
Several plants across the island produce concrete for the construction industry.
St. Catherine&#39;s Parish Church — Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (Malta)
St. Catherine's Parish Church
A masterpiece of baroque architecture in the south of Malta.