Floriana gets its name from Pietro Paolo Floriani (1585–1638) an Italian military engineer who designed the Floriana Lines, the line of fortifications surrounding the town. However, it is popularly known as Il-Furjana.

The town’s origins go back to 1636, when construction of its fortifications began. The Floriana lines served as an outer defensive line for the capital city. The area in between the two sets of bastions, however, started to be built in 1724.

Some of its main sights include the St Publius Church, which overlooks the granaries, today used mainly as a venue for concerts and other public events. The Granaries are underground pits that were mainly used for the storage of grain.

Other notable sites include the Robert Samut Hall, a late 19th century defunct Methodist church that was formerly known as the Wesleyan Church.

Floriana hosts several gardens, the most notable being the Argoti Botanical Gardens, overlooking Marsamxett Harbour. Its iconic fountain is still intact.

Also seen in the photographs is Crucifix Hill, which leads from the War Memorial site down to the Cruise Liner Terminal below. The old photo, taken circa 1910, predates the construction of Boffa Hospital.

Floriana’s population has been in decline for several decades. According to the latest statistics, Floriana’s current population stands at 2,032.

Modern photos: Alenka Falzon/Old photos: The Malta Independent Nostalgia series

Sarria Street

Vilhena Square

St Anne Street

 Crucifix Hill

 Argotti Gardens