Sunday, September 19, 2010

A Palatial Garden in Malta

I didn't have the chance to stay in a palace on my recent trip to Malta. But I had the next best thing: an afternoon in the expansive Baroque gardens of Palazzo Parisio. In the town of Naxxar with its atmospheric narrow lanes, many decorated with potted plants and flowers, the palace dates from the time of the Knights of Malta. In fact, it was their holiday house. (So much for the vows of poverty that they were required to take.) And, though the ultra-ornate rooms lined with Carrera marble and hung with Caravaggio paintings are plenty striking, I was most struck by the serenity and natural beauty of the well-tended gardens. (I am a huge park and garden buff, as you all know.) And, though checking out gardens in the heat of August hardly sounds delightful, it is in Malta and especially in the gardens of the palace where I relished in the sight of colorful oleander, bougainvillea and hibiscus blooms as well as roses and the numerous species of palms -- a couple are said to be some 200 years old -- as well as citrus trees and many others. (There are also some private side gardens where the restaurant grows herbs and vegetables for items on the menu.)

But even if you're hardly the garden lover, you'll enjoy just hanging out pre- or post-lunch on one of the many lounge chairs set on the grassy lawn or in a comfy sofa with a drink in hand in the canopied gazebo. I spent hours just doing this.

My video shows some of the tempting garden lounge possibilities.



Anyone who's planning a wedding should take note. This is a most romantic venue for the ceremony.

And, because I couldn't tear myself away from this verdancy, I lunched outdoors under a canopy at the palace's restaurant, Caffe Luna. The mostly Mediterranean menu includes local ingredients, especially at the lunch hour. I found the best choice was the assorted tea sandwiches that included chicken with chutney, and cream cheese with arugula and chives. And though these were most flavorful and filling, the desserts were a high point. I chose the signature cake: a slice of carrot with pineaplle and walnuts plus a dish of lemon granita. What could be more refreshing?

The only thing I missed was High Tea in the garden -- it's considered too hot in August for this service . Ah, another reason to return.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am currently organizing a list of the top 150 travel blogs for students and your site was recommended by another blogger. I was wondering if you could e-mail me (alexisbrett@gmail.com) so I could ask you a few questions about you and your blog. Please include the title of your blog in the e-mail thanks!

Susan Johnston Taylor said...

Ooo, this does sound romantic! Thanks for sharing.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Susan, So glad you love the place. Wish I had some friends that were getting married. It'd be so fun to have a wedding here.

Jane Boursaw said...

Just gorgeous. I love reading about your travels, Jeanine.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Jane, I'm so glad you enjoy my posts. Yes, the Palazzo Parisio is a very special place.

Jesaka Long said...

Absolutely stunning! Though I'm not sure what I enjoyed reading about more: the setting or the food. You did inspire me to learn more. Thanks.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Jesaka, thanks a lot. It´s great that the property provides so many opportunities to enjoy the garden.

Stephanie Stiavetti said...

I just forwarded this to a friend who's half Maltese. It makes me want to visit NOW!

Melanie Haiken said...

Gorgeous photos; so green and lush! Thanks for alerting me to a destination I hadn't thought about!

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Stephanie, thanks, melanie. Hope your friend enjoys my post. And hope you get to visit sometime.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Melanie, Yes, a lot of people I know didn´t have Malta on their radar either.

large canvas said...

Awesome post, thanks a lot for sharing this with us!