We continue our 'Treasures of Malta' series with the issue of three stamps illustrating fountains located in Attard, Floriana and Gozo.
Fountain at San Anton Gardens, Attard
This fountain was completed in 1623. It used to spurt water upwards until the French occupation when the system was dismantled to provide raw material for lead shot.
The fountain has two cherub-like figures standing on a discus-shaped base restraining an eagle and stands against a rock covered wall background.
The garden, which has been open to the public since 1882, was built by Grand Master Antoine de Paule to complement his summer residence, San Anton Palace.
Fountain at Floriana
This fountain is found in The Mall in Floriana. It stands under a free-standing arch and consists of a semicircular basin. In the basin one finds a pedestal which is heavily sculpted in acanthus leaves and three bear heads which spout water at the base. The use of bears' head in fountains is uncommon.
The pedestal supports a large scallop-shaped basin supporting three intertwined dolphins which originally served as water spouts.
The fountain was initially located in the former Treasury Square, Valletta. It was moved to its present location in 1887 when Treasury Square was re-laid to accommodate the statue of Queen Victoria.
Fountain at Ker
This fountain, found in the Lunzjata Valley in Kercem Gozo, was built by Hercole Martino Testaferrata in 1698 who had been appointed by Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful, to create a niche.
The Lunzjata Valley takes its name from the nearby medieval chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Annunciation.
