THE NATIONAL LIBRARY, VALLETTA

The current building of the National Library - which overlooks the lovely piazza, Republic Square, but more popular known as Piazza Regina because of a marble sculpture of Queen Victoria in the centre - was designed by Stefano Ittar a Polish-born architect residing in Italy, and completed in 1796. This new premises were officially inaugurated in 1812 by the British Civil Commissioner, Sir Hildebrand Oakes.
The National Library of Malta (also, Bibliotheca) was formed in 1555 under Grand Master, Fra' Claude de la Sengle. However it was in 1776, that the Bibliotheca Publica was founded under Grand Master de Rohan. Interesting is the fact that King Louis XIV of France ordered that a copy of each book that was selected to enter the Royal library in Versailles should be sent to Malta to enrich the collection of the library.
Thank you very much for looking and for your lovely comments on yesterday’s picture.

[Simon]

Beautiful building Dione, lovely capture

[Sharon Lee]

Beautifully done, gorgeous light.

[Rick Schies]

A beautiful building, and such nice lighting

[👑 AnaZad]

Oh I was there!!! And we sat to have a drink under one of those umbrellas. Such a beautiful building!

[Anatoly]

Nice place and wonderful architecture! It is an interesting story about the National Library. When I was a kid I read about Valletta in some historical books. I know that Russian sailing fleet had a base there in the 18th century. May be some papers about this event are in this library...

[Michael Elliott]

Wonderful looking building,

[joey d.Muli]

Fascinating view and history!!:)

[richard saffold]

very impressive, libraries are some of my favorite places.

[Kerri]

Great view

[Maria Masotto]

che bel palazzo ... a me piace molto leggere, probabilmente qui ci passerei tanto tempo

[John]

Wonderful building

[Pyrrhula]

Great night shot and a wonderful sight on this beautiful building

[Robin]

Magnificent building; lovely nighttime shot.

[Genny]

Looks like a beautiful buidling. I really like the lighting.

[Ruth Moucharafieh]

Impressive building...and beautifully shot!

[Shirley Chetwynd]

Wonderfully captured Dionne.

[Sue Wilde]

Gorgeous building. I love the way you've set this up to be so square on.

[Mrs. Smith]

Beautiful lighting!

[Tony]

An impressive building, beautifully captured.

[Janet]

An interesting history, Dionne. I like the composition here, with all the restaurant tables outside - it all looks very inviting.

[Vicki Dixon]

beautifully shot...love the lighting and the umbrella tables lining the walk

[Colleen]

Such tremendous history, great shot and angle!

[Lisa]

love the night shot with the lighting!

[Dione Giorgio]

@simon0128 @sugarmuser @digitalrn @anazad511 @anden @michaelelliott @jodimuli @chard @kerristephens @mpoppins @johnnyfrs @pyrrhula @girlie @gennywren @ruthmouch @http365proj @swilde @mrssmith @tonydebont @janturnbull @vickisfotos @httpgeffed @nanalisarocks Thank you so very much for your wonderful comments.

[Denise]

Quite a grand building. You captured the evening lights perfectly. Thanks for the interesting history too.

[Dione Giorgio]

@denisedaly Thank you for your lovely comments.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

Interesting- of course 1776 is a landmark year for the US as well! Beautiful shot!

[Dione Giorgio]

@olivetreeann Thanks

[Claire]

Beautiful night shot

[Dione Giorgio]

@claireuk Thank you very much.