A historic water system and an old watermill represent two different points of interest in Santa Venera: the Wignacourt Aqueduct runs through the town, while a well-preserved watermill stands in the public Romeo Romano Garden. There is also Ir-Razzett tat-Tfal, an education centre for the environment and sustainable development.

Wignacourt Aqueduct: Construction Period and Function

The Wignacourt Aqueduct Tower, also known as Turretta ta’ San Ġużepp, was built in the early 17th century as part of the aqueduct project commissioned by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt; the project is dated from 1610 to 1614. The tower served as a control point for the aqueduct system that supplied fresh water to Valletta. The dates distinguish between the tower’s construction period and the duration of the project. This places its history in the context of both the construction project and the function of the system as a whole.

The tower also marks the transition where the visible stone arches give way to underground channels leading towards Valletta. This means the aqueduct cannot be understood simply as a series of arches: it is a supply system with both visible and underground sections. The tower’s control function adds its historical role in the system to this architectural feature. For those interested in architectural history, the significance lies in considering its construction and purpose together: the arches are part of a conduit that continues underground.

Romeo Romano Garden: Mill and Agricultural Tools

Alongside the well-preserved old watermill, the public Romeo Romano Garden contains a small exhibition of antique agricultural tools. The mill is a technical artefact, while the exhibition draws attention to agricultural implements. The garden thus brings together two different aspects: a structure associated with water and a collection about agricultural work. This distinguishes the garden from the aqueduct, whose focus is supplying water to Valletta. By considering both elements, you can distinguish the mill building from the tools as separate themes within the garden. Check whether the small exhibition is open before your visit.

Ir-Razzett tat-Tfal: Environment and Sustainable Development

Ir-Razzett tat-Tfal has a different focus: this education centre, run by Nature Trust Malta, is dedicated to the environment and sustainable development. It was inaugurated on 10 December 2025 and is open to EkoSkola students as well as others. Before visiting, check what participation options are available to you. This sets the centre apart from the historical themes of the aqueduct and the garden: its focus is education about the environment and sustainability.

The three sites differ in what they focus on: the aqueduct tells the story of a system whose function and design are closely linked. The garden brings together a watermill and agricultural tools, while the centre is specifically dedicated to the environment and sustainability. This gives you the option to choose between technical history, agricultural artefacts and environmental education for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bugibba, Luqa, Mosta, Birżebbuġa, Paola, Ghammar, Xlendi, Xewkija

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