The Department of Conservation & Built Heritage of the University of Malta is undertaking the
conservation of the 18th century Nymphaeum located at the Argotti Botanical Gardens, Floriana. This
exciting project will see this hidden gem fully conserved and once again made accessible to the public.
The Nymphaeum is an integral part of an extensive 18th C garden and villa complex owned by the Bailiff
Argote y Guzmán, a Knight of St John, much of which has survived until today. The small domed
structure is the focal point of one of the main axes of the original garden, and its interior is filled with
decorative mosaics made from red coral, seashells, calcite crystals and pebbles. These colourful materials
are arrayed in geometric and figurative patterns, and include a representation of the Coat of Arms of the
Knight Argote y Guzmán.
The Nymphaeum is presently in a poor state of conservation and its mosaics are actively deteriorating.
Due to the nature of the decoration, with its variety of materials, and to intrinsic problems such as
moisture and salts invading the limestone structure from the surrounding gardens, the conservation of
the Nymphaeum is an extremely complex case, and previous attempts at conservation have been
ineffectual or even harmful. For this reason, since 2014 the Department has carried out detailed and
targeted studies to understand the causes and the mechanisms of deterioration, to determine the best
means of conserving the site. The conservation project will be carried out according to a multiphase
plan, including:
鈻� Design and installation of a support system to protect loose mosaics
鈻� Structural works on unstable sections of the building
鈻� Design and implementation of conservation interventions to stabilize mosaics and stone.
The project will be carried out by a team of professional conservators in association with specialists from
allied professions, under the guidance and support of the Department Conservation & Built Heritage.
The Argotti Gardens have been recently refurbished and reopened to the public. The Botanical Gardens
are also open to visitors, but the Nymphaeum remains a concealed treasure, due to its unstable
condition. The conservation project will help to preserve its cultural and aesthetic value after 250 years
of oblivion, while making it accessible to the public once again.
After the completion of the conservation project, information panels will be placed at the Argotti
Gardens, where the Department, the professional team and the sponsors will be showcased. A
dissemination campaign is planned during and upon completion of the project, including open days,
press releases, public talks and publications.
This project is being made possible by the Malta Tourism Authority who have donated a generous grant
of 300,000 Euros over a 3-year period, through the Research Innovation & Development Trust (RIDT).
Research Support Officers
