The gardens are spread over 18 tumoli of land – equivalent to 18,000 square metres and the pathways through the gardens cover some 10,000 square metres – equivalent to the total area taken up by roads and alleys in Mdina itself.

Four kilometres of piping has been laid down underground for services and the walkways have been given an underlay of tarmac and a top coat of synthetic material that blends in with the surroundings, as well as protecting the tarmac.

Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech toured the site yesterday, which is scheduled for completion in two months. He said that the project, of which 75 per cent is financed by the EU, was given the go ahead in order for Malta to upgrade its tourism product.

Dr Zammit Dimech also pointed out that, apart from this project, the first phase of the upgrading of the route from the Cruise Liner Terminal up to Castille had also been completed.

He said that the Howard Gardens project was going to be completed in record time. The work had commenced in December and it is expected that it will be completed by the end of July. Dr Zammit Dimech said that the project also includes irrigation systems, lighting and the installation of street furniture, as well as the landscaping of the whole garden.

The public conveniences in the garden are also being relocated in order to make better use of the promenade that overlooks the bastions of Mdina.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that the opening of the garden will mean that there are three attractions in one concentrated area: the gardens themselves and the Roman Domus, as well as Mdina.

Mdina itself has also received attention, with the restoration of Vilhena Palace, Torre dello Standardo and Greeks’ Gate, as well as the removal of all old wiring around the former capital.

Dr Zammit Dimech pointed out that several areas were being restored and embellished and once completion of these projects begins to overlap, Malta will have the presentation that it finally deserves.