Stroll through a magical part of Maltese history when you visit Gnien l-iStazzjon, a small playpark on the site of an old Victorian railway station.
I’d imagine that with a flashy neighbour like The President’s Kitchen Garden eco-park, Gnien l-iStazzjon often gets overlooked, but I’m so glad I stumbled upon this beautiful, quiet corner.
Yes it’s small, but it’s also perfectly formed, and the intriguing history behind it makes it well worth a visit. The park sits on the former site of an old train station which served the single track that ran between Valetta and Mdina between 1883 and 1931.
There are old photos of the station posted on the info boards at the entrance to the park, and if you stand in just the right place, you can match up the surrounding old buildings with those in the photos. It all feels a bit magical!
The playpark section of the garden has a train theme, with a few sets of equipment for your little ones to play on. The play area is super clean and laid to asphalt, so it’s a bit softer on the knees.
For us parents looking for a few moments of rest there are a multitude of colourfully painted benches throughout the gardens, and there a plenty of trees providing shade for those hotter days.
The greenery in the park is beautiful and calming, and there’s even a bit of history behind the carob trees, the seeds of which were sown in 1893 before being transplanted from Ta’ Xbiex village nursery in 1897.
This park is great for kids and adults alike, with nature, history, and fun tied up in one pretty package. Next time you’re in the area, don’t forget to pay it a visit!
