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Undoubtedly, the mere mention of the unification of Italy in the 19th century conjures visions of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the soldier-patriot who selflessly did so much to further the unity of his homeland. Initially, his efforts were unsuccessful – the 1848 RoIt happened this month: Giuseppe Garibaldi in Malta – March 1864
Undoubtedly, the mere mention of the unification of Italy in the 19th century conjures visions of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the soldier-patriot who selflessly did so much to further the unity of his homeland. Initially, his efforts were unsuccessful – the 1848 Roman Republic is an example – but his great success in Sicily and southern Italy with his legendary mille (The Thousand) paved the way for their incorporation in the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Three years later, when he was 57 years old, Garibaldi arrived in Malta for a two-day visit when he was at the peak of his fame. He arrived on March 23, 1864, and his visit is the subject of this month’s anniversary story. In the early hours of Wednesday, March 23, during Holy Week, the paddle-boat Valletta of the P&O Lines steamed into Marsamxett Harbour from Marseilles en route to Alexandria. On board, there were Giuseppe Garibaldi and his two sons, Menotti and Riciotti, who had embarked from their island of Caprera two days previously to go to England. Garibaldi took up lodgings at the Imperial Hotel, Valletta, later known as St James Hotel, situated at 134, St Lucia Street. It was demolished through enemy action in World War II and a... Read more