The Floriana Lines are a line of fortifications in Floriana, Malta, which surround the fortifications of Valletta and form the capital city's outer defences. Construction of the lines began in 1636 and they were named after the military engineer who designed them, Pietro Paolo Floriani. The Floriana Lines were modified throughout the course of the 17th and 18th centuries, and they saw use during the French blockade of 1798–1800. Today, the fortifications are still largely intact but rather dilapidated and in need of restoration.
San Salvatore Bastion and Counterguard
View of the Grand Harbour in c. 1725, with the Floriana Lines visible to the left
Floriana Lines as seen from Sa Maison Gardens
Section of the fortifications which was demolished and is now occupied by the Grand Hotel Excelsior
Floriana, also known by its title Borgo Vilhena, is a fortified town in the Port Region area of Malta, just outside the capital city Valletta. It has a population of 2,205 as of March 2014. Floriana is the birthplace of many famous Maltese, amongst which the composer of the national anthem, 'L-Innu Malti', Robert Samut; former Bishop of Malta Dun Mauro Caruana, the poets Oliver Friggieri and Maria Grech Ganado, the writer and politician Herbert Ganado and Swedish Idol winner Kevin Borg.
From top: Malta Memorial, St. Publius Parish Church, Porte des Bombes, Christ the King Monument, Valletta Waterfront
St.Anne Square in Floriana, ca. 1870
Floriana parade ground, June 1878
Panorama of Floriana by Richard Ellis, ca. 1900