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Sir Alexander Ball's Garden

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Sir Alexander Ball's Garden in Safi is a tranquil public green space dedicated to the first British Civil Commissioner and later Governor of Malta. Sir Alexander Ball (1757-1809) was a key figure in the Maltese uprising against French occupation at the turn of the 19th century and remained highly respected by the local population. The garden is located in the heart of the village of Safi, providing a peaceful retreat with its shaded walkways and Mediterranean flora. Its layout is reminiscent of colonial-style public gardens, featuring neat paths, seating areas, and commemorative markers detailing Ball's historical contributions. As one of the few green areas in the village, the garden serves as an important social hub for residents. It stands as a tribute to the lasting influence of the British period on the Maltese landscape and the diplomatic ties forged during a turbulent era of Mediterranean history.

Location: Malta
Top sights: Knisja Parrokkjali ta' San Pawl · Arch · Il-Katakombi tax-Xarolla
Nearby: Tarxien (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	14	15	16	19	23	26	27	25	23	20	16
Rain mm	74	65	51	33	17	11	4	10	63	82	95	82

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Sir Alexander Ball's Garden is a small, peaceful garden in the heart of the village of Safi. It is open to the public and has a green oasis for relaxation and lingering.

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Typical hours

The garden is generally open during daytime, typically from sunrise to sunset. Since it is a public park, there are no fixed opening hours.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the garden; the flowers and old trees offer lovely subjects. Please respect the peace of the residents and avoid noise.

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Time needed

A visit to the garden takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Well-suited for a short break on a park bench, enjoying the quiet.

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Combine with

Combine the garden with a visit to the nearby Safi Parish Church. The nearby villages of Kirkop and Ħal Far are also worth a short trip.

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Getting there

The garden is in central Safi and easily reachable on foot from the bus stop. By car, there is limited parking near the church.

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Insider tip

Visit the garden early in the morning when birds sing and the air is still fresh. Bring a book to read in the peaceful surroundings.

Geography

Coordinates

35.83440, 14.48500

Facts

Named after Sir Alexander Ball, the first British Civil Commissioner of Malta.
The garden is situated in the central part of the village of Safi.
Sir Alexander Ball served in Malta between 1799 and 1809.
It features a variety of local trees and flowering plants.
The site commemorates Ball's role in the Maltese revolt against Napoleon.
It is one of the primary public recreational spaces in the small village.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Safi Parish Church<1 km · SExplore →

Mqabba2 km · NWExplore →

Bir Miftuħ Chapel2 km · NEExplore →

Qrendi2 km · WExplore →

Playmobil FunPark2 km · EExplore →

Hal Far Industrial Estate3 km · SEExplore →

Malta International Airport3 km · NExplore →

Għaxaq3 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Sir Alexander Ball's Garden (10)

Knisja Parrokkjali ta' San Pawl

Parish church in Safi, Malta, dedicated to Saint Paul.

Arch

Stone arch in Safi, likely of historical origin.

Il-Katakombi tax-Xarolla

Early Christian underground burial sites near Żurrieq, Malta.

Il-Mitħna tax-Xarolla

Historic windmill in Żurrieq, Malta, a landmark of the area.

Parish Church of Saint Leonard

Church building in Kirkop, Malta, dedicated to Saint Leonard.

Madonna tal-Karmnu

Monument of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Safi, Malta.

Monument Santa Katarina V.M.

Monument of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Safi, Malta.

Parish Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Parish church in Żurrieq, Malta, dedicated to Saint Catherine.

Knisja ta' Santa Marija ta' Bubaqra

Church building in Żurrieq, Malta, dedicated to Saint Mary.

Airport Runway Viewpoint

Viewpoint next to the runway of Malta International Airport in Safi.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Sir Alexander Ball Garden?

It is a small, quiet public garden in Safi, named after a British commissioner.

Why does the garden have this name?

Sir Alexander Ball was a close friend of the Maltese during the French blockade.

Does the garden offer shade?

Yes, there are benches and trees providing a cool place to rest on hot days.

Is entry to the garden free?

Yes, the garden is a public space and free for everyone to visit.

Where is Safi located?

Safi is a small village in the southeast of Malta, near the airport.

Sir Alexander Ball's Garden: where is it located?

Sir Alexander Ball's Garden is located in Malta.

Sir Alexander Ball's Garden: what is there to see?

Highlights include Knisja Parrokkjali ta' San Pawl, Arch, Il-Katakombi tax-Xarolla.

Sir Alexander Ball's Garden: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

Sir Alexander Ball's Garden: why is it worth visiting?

Sir Alexander Ball's Garden in Safi is a tranquil public green space dedicated to the first British Civil Commissioner and later Governor of Malta.

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