:Wignacourt Aqueduct

{{Infobox aqueduct

| name = Wignacourt Aqueduct

| image = Aquaduct_Mriehel.jpeg

| caption = Part of the aqueduct at Birkirkara

| length = {{circa}} {{convert|26.5|km|yards|abbr=on}}{{efn|7478 canne from Djar Ħandul to the Grandmaster's Palace.{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OLANAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA64|title=The historical guide to the island of Malta and its dependencies|first=Giuseppe Pericciuoli|last=Borzesi|date=26 June 2018|publisher=Government Press|via=Google Books}}}}

| capacity = {{convert|1400|m3|abbr=on}} daily

| begin = 19 October 1596 (first attempt)
9 January 1610 (second attempt)

| open = 21 April 1615

| closed = 20th century

| map_image =

| map_width =

| coordinates = {{coord|35|53|35|N|14|27|39|E|display=inline,title}}

}}

The Wignacourt Aqueduct ({{langx|mt|L-Akwedott ta' Wignacourt}}) is a 17th-century aqueduct in Malta, which was built by the Order of Saint John to carry water from springs in Dingli and Rabat to the newly built capital city Valletta. The aqueduct carried water through underground pipes and over arched viaducts across depressions in the ground.

The first attempts to build the aqueduct were made by Grand Master Martin Garzez in 1596, but construction was suspended before being continued in 1610. The watercourse was inaugurated five years later on 21 April 1615. Several engineers took part in the project, including Bontadino de Bontadini, Giovanni Attard and Natale Tomasucci. The aqueduct was named after Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, who partially financed its construction.

The aqueduct remained in use until the 20th century. Most of its arches still survive today, and can still be seen in the localities of Attard, Balzan, Birkirkara, Fleur-de-Lys and Santa Venera. Other remains of the aqueduct include water towers at Santa Venera, Hamrun and Floriana, and several fountains in Floriana and Valletta.

History

File:Lonely aqueduct arch.jpeg]]

In 1566, the capital city of Valletta was founded on the Sciberras Peninsula, which did not have a good water supply. Rainwater collected within the city was not enough to meet the needs of its population. Water had to be carted from springs to the city, but this became difficult by the end of the 16th century, when the city had become the largest settlement in Malta.{{cite web|title=Valletta – 1566|url=http://www.militaryarchitecture.com/index.php/Fortifications/valletta-1566.html|website=MilitaryArchitecture.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025041111/http://www.militaryarchitecture.com/index.php/Fortifications/valletta-1566.html|archive-date=25 October 2010}} At the time, there were also fears of an Ottoman attack on Malta,{{cite journal|last1=Spiteri|first1=Stephen C.|title=In Defence of the Coast (I) – The Bastioned Towers|journal=Arx – International Journal of Military Architecture and Fortification|date=2013|issue=3|pages=42, 79|url=http://www.militaryarchitecture.com/index.php/Journals/arx-occasional-papers-in-defence-of-the-coast-i.html|access-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915201626/http://www.militaryarchitecture.com/index.php/Journals/arx-occasional-papers-in-defence-of-the-coast-i.html |archive-date=15 September 2017}} so a steady water supply to the capital was a priority for the military authorities in case of a siege.{{cite web|last1=Spiteri|first1=Stephen C.|title=Water and Hospitaller Fortifications|url=http://www.militaryarchitecture.com/index.php/Building-Methods/water-and-hospitaller-fortifications.html|website=MilitaryArchitecture.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108114125/http://www.militaryarchitecture.com/index.php/Building-Methods/water-and-hospitaller-fortifications.html|archive-date=8 January 2016}}

File:Acquedotto di Wignacourt.jpg and Birkirkara]]

The order to build an aqueduct to carry water from springs in Dingli and Rabat to the capital was issued on 19 October 1596. That year, Grand Master Martin Garzez brought in the Jesuit Padre Giacomo to design the watercourse. His design was accepted and work was begun, but construction was suspended soon afterwards due to financial reasons.{{cite journal|last1=Zammit|first1=Vincent|title=Wignacourt's Aqueduct|journal=Heritage: An Encyclopedia of Maltese Culture and Civilization|date=1979|volume=2|pages=501–505|publisher=Midsea Books Ltd}}{{cite web |url=https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/bitstream/123456789/53314/1/Twassil%20ta%27%20l-ilma%20ghall-Belt%20Valletta.pdf |title=Info |website=www.um.edu.mt |access-date=2020-07-31}}

On 9 January 1610, work on the aqueduct began again under the direction of another Jesuit called Padre Natale Tomasucci.{{cite book|last=Frendo|first=Henry|date=1997|title=Attard - The Life of a Maltese Casale|url=https://localgovernment.gov.mt/en/lc/Attard/Documents/ATTARD%20-%20The%20Life%20of%20a%20Maltese%20Casale.PDF|publisher=Attard Local Council|pages=35–38|access-date=8 January 2020|archive-date=20 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320013143/https://localgovernment.gov.mt/en/lc/Attard/Documents/ATTARD%20-%20The%20Life%20of%20a%20Maltese%20Casale.PDF|url-status=dead}} By this time, Garzez had died and was succeeded as Grand Master by Alof de Wignacourt. In July 1612, the Bolognese hydraulic expert Bontadino de Bontadini took over the project,{{cite news|title=A Tour of the aqueduct|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2006-04-09/news/a-tour-of-the-aqueduct-89789/|work=The Malta Independent|date=9 April 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625151221/http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2006-04-09/news/a-tour-of-the-aqueduct-89789/|archive-date=25 June 2016}} probably on the recommendation of Inquisitor Evangelista Carbonesi.{{cite web|title=Floriana|url=http://romeartlover.tripod.com/Malta8.html|website=romeartlover.tripod.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401101056/http://romeartlover.tripod.com/Malta8.html|archive-date=1 April 2016}}{{better source needed|reason=In other cases the website was not correct several times|date=January 2020}} Bontadini designed{{clarify|reason=Henry Frendo says that the project was continued by Giovanni Attard and other Sicilians, and Bontadini was only called later for approval and revision as an engineer|date=January 2020}} a new watercourse with water being carried through underground pipes and over stone arches when there were depressions in the ground.{{cite news|last1=Ellul|first1=Michael|title=Wignacourt aqueduct|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20070203/local/wignacourt-aqueduct.27666|work=Times of Malta|date=3 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304024149/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20070203/local/wignacourt-aqueduct.27666|archive-date=4 March 2016}} Bontadini was assisted by a Maltese capomastro Giovanni Attard and two other Sicilian engineers. 600 local workers were employed in the construction of the aqueduct, which was completed in 1614 and inaugurated on 21 April 1615. The aqueduct cost a total of 434,605 scudi, most of which was paid by Grandmaster Wignacourt. The aqueduct was therefore named in his honour.{{cite web|url=http://fleurdelys.org.mt/?page_id=851|title=Fleur-de-Lys|publisher=Fleur-de-Lys Administrative Committee|date=18 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006075504/http://fleurdelys.org.mt/?page_id=851|archive-date=6 October 2014}}

File:Aquaduct government school.jpeg, now on the grounds of a government school]]

Upon its completion, the aqueduct supplied {{convert|1400|m3|abbr=on}} of water every day to around 30,000 people. The constant supply of water brought about a rise in the populations of Valletta, Floriana and other towns and villages along the route of the aqueduct.

The aqueduct was improved by Grand Master Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc in 1781.{{cite book|last=Castagna|first=P. P.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oCdhDp3oDUoC&pg=PA334|title=Malta bil chzejer tehne u li ghadda min ghaliha|volume=2|date=1865|language=mt|page=334}} On 4 September 1798, in the early stages of the Maltese uprising against the French, insurgents ambushed French soldiers near the aqueduct at Mrieħel, in the limits of Birkirkara.{{cite journal|last1=Spiteri|first1=Stephen C.|title=Maltese 'siege' batteries of the blockade 1798–1800|journal=Arx – Online Journal of Military Architecture and Fortification|date=May 2008|issue=6|pages=46–47|url=http://www.militaryarchitecture.com/images/stories/Arx/arx6-2008.pdf|access-date=11 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126232114/http://www.militaryarchitecture.com/images/stories/Arx/arx6-2008.pdf |archive-date=26 November 2016}}

File:Aqueduct near Farsons.jpeg in the background. The stones with circular holes were originally part of Tomasucci's pipes from the first attempt to build the aqueduct.]]

In 1907, there was a proposal to construct buildings on top of the aqueduct, with its arches effectively serving as an arcade. The Office of the Public Works drew up plans for these buildings, but eventually nothing materialized.{{cite web|title=Perspective View of the Wignacourt Aqueduct showing the proposed buildings|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/national_archives_malta/16611796643|website=Office of Public Works|publisher=National Archives of Malta|date=4 April 1907}} The aqueduct remained in use until the early 20th century.{{cite news|title=HSBC celebrates the significance of Wignacourt Aqueduct in 400th anniversary|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2015-05-06/company-news/HSBC-celebrates-the-significance-of-Wignacourt-Aqueduct-in-400th-anniversary-6736135084|work=The Malta Independent|date=6 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808044418/http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2015-05-06/company-news/HSBC-celebrates-the-significance-of-Wignacourt-Aqueduct-in-400th-anniversary-6736135084|archive-date=8 August 2015}} Parts of the aqueduct, such as in Mosta Road, Attard, were demolished after WWII due to the development of housing estates and roadbuilding in the area.

From 2004 to 2005, the aqueduct's surviving arches were restored and a lighting system was installed at a total cost of Lm 140,000.{{cite news|title=Aqueduct getting much needed restoration|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20040629/local/aqueduct-getting-much-needed-restoration.118999|work=Times of Malta|date=29 June 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082202/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20040629/local/aqueduct-getting-much-needed-restoration.118999|archive-date=4 March 2016}}{{cite news|title=Aqueduct restoration ahead of schedule|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20050209/local/aqueduct-restoration-ahead-of-schedule.99658|work=Times of Malta|date=9 February 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081019/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20050209/local/aqueduct-restoration-ahead-of-schedule.99658|archive-date=4 March 2016}} Some of the arches are in need of restoration once again, mainly because of pollution since a major road now runs alongside the aqueduct.{{cite web|title=Other monuments in the minor towns|url=http://romeartlover.tripod.com/Malta13.html|website=romeartlover.tripod.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305102702/http://romeartlover.tripod.com/Malta13.html|archive-date=5 March 2016}} A section of the aqueduct was extensively damaged in December 2013 due to a car crash, but the damage has since been repaired.{{cite news|title=Lokali|url=https://issuu.com/maltarightnow/docs/2013_12_27/32|work=In-Nazzjon|publisher=Media.link Communications|date=27 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625134517/https://issuu.com/maltarightnow/docs/2013_12_27/32|archive-date=25 June 2016|page=32|language=mt}}

Various sections of the aqueduct are scheduled by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) as grade 1 national monuments and are listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.{{cite web|title=Wignacourt Aqueduct – Attard|url=http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/01153.pdf|website=National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands|date=28 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307125103/http://culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/01153.pdf|archive-date=7 March 2016}}{{cite web|title=Wignacourt Aqueduct – Balzan|url=http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/01155.pdf|website=National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands|date=28 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307041341/http://culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/01155.pdf|archive-date=7 March 2016}}{{cite web|title=Wignacourt Aqueduct – Birkirkara|url=http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/01165.pdf|website=National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands|date=28 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305223431/http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/01165.pdf|archive-date=5 March 2016}}{{cite web|title=Wignacourt Aqueduct – Santa Venera|url=http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/01229.pdf|website=National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands|date=28 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310215336/http://culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/01229.pdf|archive-date=10 March 2016}}

Architecture

File:End of the Aquaduct.jpeg]]

The aqueduct ran from the springs in Rabat and Dingli to the countryside near Attard through underground pipes. From Attard onwards, the ground level was irregular so stone arches were constructed where there were depressions. The arches begin at present-day Peter Paul Rubens Street ({{langx|mt|Triq Peter Paul Rubens}}) in Attard, and are initially quite small. They continue through Mdina Road ({{langx|mt|Triq l-Imdina}}) in Balzan and Birkirkara, and the height of the arches gradually increases as the ground level drops.

At Fleur-de-Lys, the aqueduct crossed the road, and the Wignacourt Arch was built to commemorate the project. The arches then continue through St. Joseph High Road ({{langx|mt|Triq il-Kbira San Ġużepp}}) in Santa Venera, until they stop at a small tower known as the Tower of St. Joseph. From this tower, water continued its journey to Hamrun, Blata l-Bajda, Floriana and Valletta through underground pipes once again. Water inspection towers were also built at Hamrun and Floriana.

The aqueduct was built of local limestone. Stones were attached with the use of pozzolana. It was this successful feature that gave most praise to Bontadini.{{cite news|last1=Muscat|first1=Charles|last2=Attard|first2=Antoine|title=Feautre: 400 sena mill-inawgurazzjoni tal-akkwadott ta' Wignacourt|url=http://netnews.com.mt/news/feautre-400-sena-mill-inawgurazzjoni-tal-akkwadott-ta-wignacourt/|work=NETnews|date=7 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151216200135/http://netnews.com.mt/news/feautre-400-sena-mill-inawgurazzjoni-tal-akkwadott-ta-wignacourt/|archive-date=16 December 2015|language=mt}} The aqueduct supplied water to cisterns in private and public buildings, to ships in Marsamxett Harbour and Grand Harbour, and to fountains which generally included a water trough.{{cite book|last=McGill|first=Thomas|date=1839|title=A hand book, or guide, for strangers visiting Malta|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bJ8NAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA76|publisher=L. Tonna|pages=76–77}}

=Wignacourt Arch/Fleur-de-Lys Gate=

File:Wignacourt Arch 2016-04-27.jpg (or Fleur-de-Lys Gate)]]

The triumphal archway at the boundary between Fleur-de-Lys and Santa Venera is known as the Wignacourt Arch or the Fleur-de-Lys Gate. It has three doorways, and it is adorned with the Wignacourt coat of arms and three sculpted fleurs-de-lis, the heraldic symbols of Wignacourt. The suburb of Fleur-de-Lys got its name from this arch, and fleurs-de-lis are featured on the flags and coat of arms of both Fleur-de-Lys and Santa Venera. One of the original plaques on the arch gave due respect to the engineer Bontadino de Bontadini. The arch, together with the aqueduct's water towers and fountains, were the first expression of baroque architecture in Malta.

File:Coat of arms on the outdoors of police station next to St Joseph Tower.png

The original arch was demolished in 1944, and a roundabout was later built on its site. The construction of a replica of the arch was approved in 2012.{{cite news|title=Green light for Fleur-de-Lys arch rebuilding|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121023/local/green-light-for-fleur-de-lys-gate-rebuilding.442316|work=Times of Malta|date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042306/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121023/local/green-light-for-fleur-de-lys-gate-rebuilding.442316|archive-date=4 March 2016}} The local councils of Santa Venera and Birkirkara, as well as the Fleur-de-Lys Administrative Committee disagreed on what the arch's name should be, and eventually agreed in 2014 that it should be called "The Wignacourt Arch Known As The Fleur-de-Lys Gate".{{cite news|title=Councils agree name for rebuilt arch|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20140819/local/councils-agree-name-for-rebuilt-arch.532441|work=Times of Malta|date=19 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208171532/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20140819/local/councils-agree-name-for-rebuilt-arch.532441|archive-date=8 December 2015}} The arch was reconstructed in 2015,{{cite news|title=Wignacourt Arch, known as Fleur-de-Lys Gate, rebuilt|url=http://www.tvm.com.mt/en/news/video-wignacourt-arch-known-as-fleur-de-lys-gate-rebuilt/|work=TVM|date=25 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201184946/http://www.tvm.com.mt/en/news/video-wignacourt-arch-known-as-fleur-de-lys-gate-rebuilt/|archive-date=1 December 2015}} and inaugurated on 28 April 2016.{{cite news|title=Celebrating the reconstruction of Wignacourt's Fleur-de-Lys Arch|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20160427/social/Celebrating-the-reconstruction-of-Wignacourt-s-Fleur-de-Lys-Arch.610180|work=Times of Malta|date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428105850/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20160427/social/Celebrating-the-reconstruction-of-Wignacourt-s-Fleur-de-Lys-Arch.610180|archive-date=28 April 2016}}

A late eighteenth-century coat of arms belonging to Grand Master Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc was probably attached to the arch looking towards Mdina after the restoration of the aqueduct by de Rohan, but no certainty can be established; this coat of arms still exists and is located a few metres away, close to St Joseph Tower (see below), attached to a wall outside the entrance of a police station.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20140831/life-features/Heraldic-coats-of-arms-in-Birgu-and-Santa-Venera.533886|title=Heraldic coats-of-arms in Birgu and Santa Venera|first=Allied Newspapers|last=Ltd|date=31 August 2014 }}

=Water inspection towers=

==Santa Venera==

File:Guard Tower St Venera.jpeg

File:Tower_of_St._Joseph.jpeg

The first inspection tower of the Wignacourt Aqueduct is located in present-day Santa Venera. It is called the Tower of St. Joseph ({{langx|it|Torre di San Giuseppe}}), but is commonly known as it-Turretta in Maltese or the Torretta in Italian. The turret is linked to the aqueduct's arches, and it has two floors with a buttressed lower level, giving it the resemblance of a coastal watchtower such as the De Redin towers. It is not clear if the present structure is the original one, since the original designs of the aqueduct show a slightly different tower. The tower had the following inscription (no longer visible):{{cite journal|title=The Water Supply of the Maltese Islands|journal=Archivum Melitense|date=1922|volume=VII|issue=1|pages=6–7|url=http://www.melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Archivum%20Melitense/AM.07(1922-1928)/AM.7(1922)1/01.pdf|publisher=Malta Historical and Scientific Society|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304110006/http://www.melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Archivum%20Melitense/AM.07(1922-1928)/AM.7(1922)1/01.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2016}}

{{Blockquote|

QUAM SUBTERRANEIS SESE DUCTIBUS

INFERENTEM HOC LOCO AMITTIS AQUAM

EADEM URBE MEDIA PULCHERRIMO

SESE FONTE COMPERIES EFFERENTEM.

INGENIO MIRO BONTADINI DE BONTADINIS BONON.

}}

==Hamrun==

File:Hamrun Water Tower, Wigncourt.jpeg

The second water inspection tower was built on the hill of St. Nicholas in Hamrun, and it is known as il-Monument tat-Tromba{{cite web|title=Monumenti|url=http://il-hamrun.com/monumenti_fil_hamrun.html|website=Ħamrun Local Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141117050739/http://il-hamrun.com/monumenti_fil_hamrun.html|archive-date=17 November 2014|language=mt}} or it-Turretta ta' Atoċja.{{cite book|last1=Zammit|first1=Vincent|title=Il-Gran Mastri – Ġabra ta' Tagħrif dwar l-Istorja ta' Malta fi Żmienhom – L-Ewwel Volum 1530–1680|date=1992|publisher=Valletta Publishing & Promotion Co. Ltd|location=Valletta|pages=172–176|language=mt}} It has a round shape, and water originally flowed through an open tank in the tower. The tower contains the Wignacourt coat of arms and a commemorative inscription which reads:

{{Blockquote|

VT SPIRITVS IN AQVIS

SIC SPIRITVS AB AQVIS.

(meaning As there is life in water, life started from water){{Cite web|url=https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/these-ten-monuments-and-buildings-across-malta-are-to-be-restored.899242|title=These ten monuments and buildings across Malta are to be restored|date=9 September 2021 }}

}}

The tower still exists, but it is in a dilapidated state and surrounded by modern houses.{{cite web|title=Round Tower (Water Tower)|url=http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/00008.pdf|website=National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands|date=16 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307172138/http://culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/00008.pdf|archive-date=7 March 2016}}

In 1780, when the aqueduct was improved by De Rohan, a commemorative obelisk was erected some distance away from the tower. It is now found in a private backyard. It has a coat of arms which was damaged in World War II,{{cite web|last1=Guillaumier|first1=Alfie|title=Obelisk fil-Ħamrun|url=http://il-hamrun.com/obelisk.html|website=Ħamrun Local Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080522061913/http://il-hamrun.com/obelisk.html|archive-date=22 May 2008|language=mt}} and an inscription which means:{{cite web|last1=Scerri|first1=John|title=History|url=http://www.malta-canada.com/Hamrun/History.htm|website=malta-canada.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223090423/http://www.malta-canada.com/Hamrun/History.htm|archive-date=23 December 2015}}

{{Blockquote|

Emmanuel De Rohan made this aqueduct stronger for the collection of water, with a newer one better built by the kind hearted Prince for the health of his people in the year 1780.

}}

==Floriana==

File:Wignacourt Water Tower inscription and coat-of-arms.jpeg

File:Wignacourt Water Tower restored with new rebuilt lion.jpeg

The third and final water inspection tower was built in Floriana, and it became known as the Wignacourt Water Tower. It is located close to Argotti Botanical Gardens and the Sarria Church. It is a round structure supported by pilasters, and it also contains a fountain and a horse trough. The top of the tower contains a sculpted fleur-de-lis, and it is also decorated with the coat of arms of the Order of St. John and the personal arms of Wignacourt.{{cite web|title=Wignacourt Water Tower|url=http://www.florianalocalcouncil.com/index.php/mnmap/2012-09-28-07-46-49/wignacourt-water-tower|website=Floriana Local Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064221/http://www.florianalocalcouncil.com/index.php/mnmap/2012-09-28-07-46-49/wignacourt-water-tower|archive-date=4 March 2016}} Below the coats of arms is the following inscription:{{cite web|url=https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/bitstream/123456789/48117/1/Lehen%20is-Sewwa_1974_04_06_Bonnici_Arturo_L-akkwedott%20ta%27%20Wignacourt.pdf |access-date=2023-10-16|title=L-AKKWEDOTT TA' WIGNACOURT|language=mt}}

{{Blockquote|

TURRICULA ORNATUM LILIIS CAPUT EFFERO VT VRBE

INSPICIAM FONTEM VIVIFICANTIS AQUÆ.

BONTADINO DE BONTADINIS, BONOM. AQUÆ DUCTORE MDCXV.

}}

The tower was included on the Antiquities List of 1925.{{cite web|title=Protection of Antiquities Regulations 21st November, 1932 Government Notice 402 of 1932, as Amended by Government Notices 127 of 1935 and 338 of 1939.|url=https://www.mepa.org.mt/file.aspx?f=2627|website=Malta Environment and Planning Authority|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419101304/https://www.mepa.org.mt/file.aspx?f=2627|archive-date=19 April 2016|url-status=dead}} The tower has been a grade 1 scheduled property since 1994.{{cite news|first=Brandon|last=Pisani|date=9 May 2017|url=http://www.tvm.com.mt/en/news/xoghol-ta-restawr-fuq-it-torri-ta-wignacourt-fil-furjana/|title=Restoration work on Floriana's Wignacourt Tower|publisher=Television Malta}}

The tower was restored between June 2015 and June 2016 by the Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure.{{cite news|title=Restoration work on Floriana's Wignacourt Tower|url=http://www.tvm.com.mt/en/news/xoghol-ta-restawr-fuq-it-torri-ta-wignacourt-fil-furjana/|work=TVM|date=14 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150815233032/http://www.tvm.com.mt/en/news/xoghol-ta-restawr-fuq-it-torri-ta-wignacourt-fil-furjana/|archive-date=15 August 2015}}{{cite news|title=Historic water tower restored|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20160613/local/historic-water-tower-restored.615290|work=Times of Malta|date=13 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614120006/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20160613/local/historic-water-tower-restored.615290|archive-date=14 June 2016}} The lion relief, pouring water, that is part of the water trough (which is attached to the fountain) has eroded over the years and was replaced with a replica in 2016. The interior consists of a spiral staircase which was also restored in 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20160613/local/historic-water-tower-restored.615290|title=Historic water tower restored|first=Allied Newspapers|last=Ltd|date=13 June 2016 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.tvm.com.mt/mt/news/torri-tal-ilma-fil-floriana-se-jinfetah-ghall-pubbliku-wara-restawr-ta-e20000/|title=Torri tal-ilma fil-Floriana se jinfetaħ għall-pubbliku wara restawr ta' €20,000 – TVM|access-date=30 November 2016|archive-date=1 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201014814/http://www.tvm.com.mt/mt/news/torri-tal-ilma-fil-floriana-se-jinfetah-ghall-pubbliku-wara-restawr-ta-e20000/|url-status=dead}}

=Fountains=

With the completion of the Wignacourt Aqueduct, many fountains supplied by water from the aqueduct were built in Valletta.

==Wignacourt fountain and Pinto renovation==

File:Floriana_aquaduct_fountain.jpeg

===First interpretation===

The "first" fountain which was connected to the aqueduct is the Wignacourt Fountain, then located in St. George's Square in Valletta, facing the Grandmaster's Palace. It was officially inaugurated on 21 April 1625, marking the arrival of water in Valletta.{{cite book|last=Rizzo|first=Victor J.|title=Discover Floriana: Historic Walks in a Green City|url=https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/bitstream/handle/123456789/30896/floriana-walks-final.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|page=16|access-date=7 June 2019|archive-date=7 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607144809/https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/bitstream/handle/123456789/30896/floriana-walks-final.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|url-status=dead}} This fountain was symbolic of Wignacourt as, similar to the other monuments of the aqueduct, it had a Fleur-des-Lis on top. There is an early 18th century painting of the square with this fountain included.{{cite web|first=Christine|last=Tanti|url=http://maltain360.com/page.aspx?ref=110009154|title=St. George's Square|website=maltain360.com}} The inauguration ceremony of the aqueduct on 21 April 1615 was held at this fountain. The original fountain was Baroque but less decorated and was ordered to be demolished on 2 January 1745.{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fgvvWYSi7_8C&q=perit+Castellania+Valletta|title=Malta letteraria: rassegna mensile di lettere, scienze ed arti|date=1935|publisher=La Valletta|page=306|language=it|oclc=956075294}}

The "Pinto fountain" was inaugurated on 18 January 1746 by Grand Master Pinto.{{cite web |url=http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Archivum%20Melitense/AM.10(1936-1949)/AM.10(1936)1/03.pdf |title=Photostat book page |website=melitensiawth.com |access-date=3 July 2018 |archive-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416030427/http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Archivum%20Melitense/AM.10(1936-1949)/AM.10(1936)1/03.pdf |url-status=dead }} When the square became a parade ground for the British military,{{cite news|last1=Ameen|first1=Juan|title=Valletta was built on agricultural land, archaeological evidence shows|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100104/local/valletta-was-built-on-agricultural-land-archaeological-evidence-shows.288384|work=Times of Malta|date=4 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115055954/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100104/local/valletta-was-built-on-agricultural-land-archaeological-evidence-shows.288384|archive-date=15 January 2016}} the fountain was first relocated close by to the Palace of Justice (later destroyed and replaced) and then to St. Philip's Gardens in Floriana, where it remains today.{{cite news|title=Wignacourt fountain 'going to ruin'|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111206/local/Wignacourt-fountain-going-to-ruin.397080|work=Times of Malta|date=6 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205234050/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111206/local/Wignacourt-fountain-going-to-ruin.397080|archive-date=5 February 2012}} Architect Said says that the fountain was moved away by the knights, prior to British rule, as evidenced in some paintings.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2013-12-02/news/the-mysteries-underneath-the-palace-3345252353/|title=The mysteries underneath the Palace - The Malta Independent|website=www.independent.com.mt}}

===Second interpretation===

Other views say that the fountain was only renovated by Pinto and not destroyed. The missing Fleur-de-lis was removed at some point, and was replaced by an alternative. Originally the fountain had two basins while, with the addition, it now has three. The third basin was added much before deciding to relocate the Baroque fountain from the square.{{cite book|last=Bonello|first=Giovanni|date=2003|title=Histories of Malta|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SB4jAQAAIAAJ&q=Fleur+|publisher=Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti|isbn=9789993210276|pages=54–56}}

The fountain consists of a large circular basin with three smaller seashell-like basins above it, supported on a pedestal containing sculpted dolphins.Bugeja, Joe (1 March 2015). [http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150301/life-features/Origins-and-history-of-Argotti-Gardens.558361 Origins and history of Argotti Gardens]. Times of Malta. Retrieved 29 June 2016.Tanti, Christine. [http://maltain360.com/page.aspx?ref=110009154 St. George's Square]. maltain360.com. Retrieved 19 July 2016. It is scheduled as a Grade 1 monument.{{cite news|title=One World – Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (34)|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080807/opinion/one-world-protecting-the-most-significant-buildings-monuments-and-features-of-valletta-34.219763|work=Times of Malta|date=7 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114040358/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080807/opinion/one-world-protecting-the-most-significant-buildings-monuments-and-features-of-valletta-34.219763|archive-date=14 January 2012}} The fountain has been restored after years of neglect.{{cite web|url=http://www.tvm.com.mt/mt/news/se-jibda-x-xoghol-fuq-ir-restawr-tal-funtana-ta-tritoni-u-pjazza-kastilja/|title=Se jibda x-xogħol fuq ir-restawr tal-funtana ta' Tritoni u Pjazza Kastilja – TVM|date=December 2014 }}

==Fountain at the Valletta Marina==

File:La Fontana Nuova, Valletta, Grand Harbour, 1664.jpg

Another fountain was located at Valletta's marina, just outside Del Monte Gate and near the fish market.{{cite book|last1=Morana|first1=Martin|title=Bejn Kliem u Storja|date=2011|publisher=Books Distributors Limited|location=Malta|isbn=978-99957-0137-6|url=http://www.bdlbooks.com/history/3677-bejn-kliem-u-storja.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020070442/http://www.bdlbooks.com/history/3677-bejn-kliem-u-storja.html|archive-date=20 October 2016|page=75}}{{cite book|last1=MacGill|first1=Thomas|title=A hand book, or guide, for strangers visiting Malta|date=1839|publisher=Luigi Tonna|location=Malta|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fm4DAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA68|page=68}} It was depicted in a landmark view of Valletta in 1664.

File:Malta - Valletta - Triq ir-Repubblika - Misrah San Gorg - Grandmaster's Palace courtyards 12 ies.jpg at the Grandmaster's Palace. It is a late 16th-century statue, given to the Grand Master in 1584. The Wignacourt's coat-of-arms is a later addition on orders of the Grand Master.{{cite news | url=https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/restoring-neptune.782126 | title=Restoring Neptune | newspaper=Times of Malta | date=3 April 2020 | access-date=14 June 2020 }}]]

It had an ornate basin, a marble cannon barrel-shaped spout, topped by a bronze statue of Neptune holding a trident in one hand, with the other hand resting on an escutcheon containing the Wignacourt coat of arms.{{cite book|last=Badger|first=George Percy|date=1869|title=Historical Guide to Malta and Gozo|url=https://archive.org/details/historicalguide00badggoog|quote=Castellania building.|publisher=Calleja|pages=[https://archive.org/details/historicalguide00badggoog/page/n171 154]–155}} The statue is based on the Portrait of Andrea Doria as Neptune.{{cite web|title=The sovereign palaces of Malta|url=http://www.azure.com.mt/words-from-henri/introduction-of-beautiful-maltese-palaces.html|website=Azure Services Ltd|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625144057/http://www.azure.com.mt/words-from-henri/introduction-of-beautiful-maltese-palaces.html|archive-date=25 June 2016}} Doria was an Italian Admiral of the Order of St John, praised for his role during sea battles against the Ottomans.{{cite book|title=Art in Malta – Discoveries & Recoveries|publisher=Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti|last=Bonello|first=Giovanni|date=2000|chapter=The Palace ‘Neptune – A Portrait of Andrea Doria by Leone Leoni|url=http://www.patrimonju.org/content.aspx?id=119835&subId=114434|pages=17–25|isbn=99909-959-7-4|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724062910/http://www.patrimonju.org/content.aspx?id=119835&subId=114434|archive-date=24 July 2018}} The marble of the spout has a Latin inscription which says:{{citation|date=1936|title=Malta letteraria rassegna mensile di lettere, scienze ed arti|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fwp2lZGi3RMC&q=Cannone|publisher=From the National Library of Rome|language=it|page=58}}{{cite journal|journal=Il-Malti|last=Zammit|first=Themistocles|author-link=Themistocles Zammit|date=1928|title=Ġnien is-Sultan|url=http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Il-Malti/Il-Malti.%20004(1928)3/02.pdf|volume=4|issue=3|page=72|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417211756/http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Il-Malti/Il-Malti.%20004(1928)3/02.pdf|archive-date=17 April 2016}}{{cite book|last=Rix|first=Juliet|date=2015|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WmKKCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA158|title=Malta and Gozo|publisher=Bradt Travel Guides|page=158|isbn=9781784770259}}

{{Blockquote|

QUID PROPIUS PARVA DUBITAS ACCEDERE CYMBA?

NON VULCANUS INEST HEIC GLOBUS UNA THETIS.

(Why are you afraid little boat?

There is no fire here, but water instead of shot)

}}

The statue was most likely sculpted by Leone Leoni{{cite book|last1=Bonello|first1=Giovanni|title=Art in Malta – Discoveries and Recoveries|date=2000|publisher=Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti|location=Malta|page=17|url=http://www.patrimonju.org/content.aspx?id=119835&subId=114434|isbn=99909-959-7-4|access-date=5 July 2016|archive-date=28 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828150940/http://www.patrimonju.org/content.aspx?id=119835&subId=114434|url-status=dead}}Bonello, Giovanni (1992). [http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Melita%20Historica/MH.11(1992-95)/MH.11(1992)1/10.pdf Select Melitensia – Periodical and newspapers articles 1987–1992] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416150330/http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Melita%20Historica/MH.11%281992-95%29/MH.11%281992%291/10.pdf |date=16 April 2016 }}. Melita Historica. pp. 104–105. in 1584.{{cite news|last1=Spiteri Staines|first1=Joanna|title=From Blood Rock to Barriera Wharf|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110220/life-features/from-blood-rock-to-barriera-wharf.351202|work=Times of Malta|date=20 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703201427/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110220/life-features/from-blood-rock-to-barriera-wharf.351202|archive-date=3 July 2016}} Other sources attribute it to Giovanni Bologna, a student of Michelangelo. The fountain supplied excess water from the Wignacourt Fountain to ships anchored at the Grand Harbour.{{cite book|last1=Rix|first1=Juliet|title=Malta and Gozo|date=2015|publisher=Bradt Travel Guides|isbn=9781784770259|page=228|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WmKKCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA228}}

During the rule of the Order of St. John, the Grand Harbour was not equipped with a main breakwater, and this allowed the creation of strong sea waves in the harbour. A small breakwater was built next to the fountain to safeguard the boats loading water aboard in the 17th century. In 1686 strong waves destroyed the breakwater and caused extensive damage to the fountain. The damage prevented ships from using the water of the fountain, and consequently Grand Master Gregorio Carafa had to pay for renovation works. A commemorative inscription reads:

{{Blockquote|

DOMINANTE EM. Fr. D. GREGORIO CARAFFA M.M.

TUTUM HOC CYMBARUM REFUGIUM

PROCELLIS RADICUTUS EVULSUM

SACRA REL. HIER. ERIGENDUM CURAVIT

ANNO SALUTIS MDCLXXXVI.

}}

The place remained a strategic location for harbouring fishing vessels and selling fish. The fountain remained intact after the departure of the knights in 1798. The fountain is featured in an 1840 watercolour painting by Jean Nicholas Henry de Chacaton.{{cite journal|journal=Bulletin of the Museum|last=Bonello|first=Vincenzo|date=1931|title=Maltese Water Colours by Edward Lear and H. de Chacaton|url=http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Bulletin%20of%20the%20Museum/Bulletin%20of%20the%20Museum.%201(1931)3/10.pdf|volume=1|issue=3|pages=139–144}} By the 19th century it was dismantled and replaced by a closed fishing market. This also became defunct by 1937 marking the end of use of site but moved few metres away.{{cite book|last=Mercieca|first=Simon|date=2007|editor=Maurizio Gangemi|title=Pesca e Patrimonio Industriale: Tecniche, strutture e organizzazione (Sicilia, Puglia, Malta e Dalmazia tra XIX e XX secolo)|chapter=La Pesca a Malta: usi, tecniche e mercati tra eta moderna e contemporanea|url=https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/bitstream/handle/123456789/29070/La_pesca_a_malta_2007.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|publisher=Cacuzzi Editore|location=Bari|language=it|pages=419–446|isbn=9788884226815|oclc=868524977}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In 1858, the statue of Neptune was relocated by Governor Le Gaspard to the Grandmaster's Palace lower courtyard,{{cite news|title=Protecting Neptune|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20060926/local/protecting-neptune.40323|work=Times of Malta|date=26 September 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625143801/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20060926/local/protecting-neptune.40323|archive-date=25 June 2016}}{{cite web|title=Malta, 1664, Valletta Harbour, Fontana Nuova, Schellinks, Drawing, Fine Art Print|url=https://www.battlemaps.us/malta-1664-valletta-harbour-fontana-nuova-schellinks-drawing-fine-art-print/|website=Battlemaps.us|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703184322/https://www.battlemaps.us/malta-1664-valletta-harbour-fontana-nuova-schellinks-drawing-fine-art-print/|archive-date=3 July 2016}} which is now also known as Neptune's Courtyard.{{cite journal|journal=Il-Malti|last=Zammit|first=Themistocles|author-link=Themistocles Zammit|date=1928|volume=2|issue=1|language=mt|publisher=Il-Ghaqda tal-Kittieba tal-Malti|title=Il-Belt (Valletta)|edition=2|url=http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Il-Malti/Il-Malti.%20004(1928)2/01.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417234107/http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Il-Malti/Il-Malti.%20004(1928)2/01.pdf|archive-date=17 April 2016|pages=33–34}} The fountain spout is now located at the Malta Maritime Museum in Birgu.

The statue of Neptune is often described as a giant. The area around the original location of the fountain remained known as fuq l–iġgant (on the giant) until well into the 20th century.{{cite journal|last1=Cassar Pullicino|first1=Joseph|title=The Order of St. John in Maltese folk-memory|journal=Scientia|date=October–December 1949|volume=15|issue=4|page=161|url=http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Scientia%20(Malta)/Scientia.%2015(1949)4(Oct.-Dec.)/01.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417173522/http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Scientia%20(Malta)/Scientia.%2015(1949)4(Oct.-Dec.)/01.pdf|archive-date=17 April 2016}}{{cite journal|last1=Zahra|first1=Lorenzo|title=Laqmijiet ta' Postijiet fil-Belt Valletta|journal=Melita Historica|date=1999|volume=2|issue=23|page=55|url=http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/L-Imnara/L-Imnara.%2006(1999)2=23/09s.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417215246/http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/L-Imnara/L-Imnara.%2006(1999)2=23/09s.pdf|archive-date=17 April 2016}}

The Perellos Fountain was once also at the Valletta Marina and is now found under the loggia of the Palace of the Grand Master.{{Cite web|url=https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/bitstream/123456789/52538/1/A_new_fountain_for_the_Marina_Waterfront.PDF|title=Vella, T. (16 June 2019). A 'new' fountain for the Marina waterfront. The Sunday Times of Malta, pp. 58–59.}}

==''Omnibus Idem'' fountain==

File:Wignacourt Fountain (Valletta).jpg

Another fountain, sometimes also known as the Wignacourt Fountain, was built close to Porta Reale in Valletta attached to the Ferreria building (demolished).{{cite book|title=Collezione di bandi, prammatiche ed altri avvisi ufficiali dal 17 luglio 1784 al 4 ottobre 1813|publisher=Stamperia del Governo|location=Malta|date=1840|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sgUsdz_Bor4C&pg=PA33|page=33}} It consists of a lion's head pouring out water into a stone basin, topped by the coat of arms of Wignacourt and the Order and surrounded by a garland of flowers and interlocking seashells. Below the coats of arms is a radiating sun with the inscription Omnibus Idem (meaning the same to all), indicating that the water was freely available to everyone.{{cite news|last1=Calleja|first1=Claudia|title=Wignacourt fountain to be moved... again|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110409/local/wignacourt-fountain-to-be-moved-again.358956|work=Times of Malta|date=9 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114025342/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110409/local/wignacourt-fountain-to-be-moved-again.358956|archive-date=14 January 2012}}

This fountain was relocated a number of times throughout its history: first in 1874 when the building near which it was built was demolished to build Palazzo Ferreria, in the 1960s when the City Gate was rebuilt, in 2000 when Saint James Cavalier was renovated and converted into a cultural centre, and again in the early 2010s during the City Gate Project. Due to these relocations and renovations, nothing remains of the original fountain.{{cite news|title='Wandering' Fountain pits 'restorers' vs 'relocators'|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2011-04-09/news/wandering-fountain-pits-restorers-vs-relocators-290496/|work=The Malta Independent|date=9 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160226190105/http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2011-04-09/news/wandering-fountain-pits-restorers-vs-relocators-290496/|archive-date=26 February 2016}}Guillaumier, Alfie (2005). Bliet u Rħula Maltin. Volume 2. Klabb Kotba Maltin. p. 948. {{ISBN|99932-39-40-2|99932-39-41-0}}.

=Other fountains=

Other fountains built in subsequent centuries, such as the Lion Fountain in Floriana, which was built in 1728 during the magistracy of António Manoel de Vilhena, were also supplied by water from the aqueduct.{{cite news|title=Vilhena Fountain in Floriana|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121025/environment/Vilhena-Fountain-in-Floriana.442507|work=Times of Malta|date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107045914/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121025/environment/Vilhena-Fountain-in-Floriana.442507|archive-date=7 November 2012}}

Commemorations

File:Start of aqueduct above ground.jpeg]]

The aqueduct is featured on a ceiling at the Archbishop's Palace in Valletta.[https://www.mepa.org.mt/file.aspx?f=2531 One World – The Archbishop's Palace]. 7 March 2009. MEPA in Times of Malta. Retrieved 3 July 2016. At the National Library of Malta is a painting, next to Vilhena's Cabreo, which portrays some of Valletta's engineering water storage technique.Grima, Noel. [http://www.schoolnet.gov.mt/history/wirt/Kavallieri/bini-belt/UnderneathVal.htm Underneath Valletta] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106075905/http://www.schoolnet.gov.mt/history/wirt/Kavallieri/bini-belt/UnderneathVal.htm |date=6 January 2018 }}.

The 400th anniversary of the aqueduct was commemorated on 21 April 2015. A ceremony was held in Valletta, with school children carrying water from City Gate to St. George's Square, where a reenactment of the inauguration of the aqueduct was held.{{cite news|title=Ceremony to mark aquaduct's [sic] 400th anniversary|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150420/local/ceremony-to-mark-aquaducts-400th-anniversary.564749|work=Times of Malta|date=20 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304072109/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150420/local/ceremony-to-mark-aquaducts-400th-anniversary.564749|archive-date=4 March 2016}}

The anniversary was also commemorated by a silver coin minted by the Central Bank of Malta. The coin shows the aqueduct on the reverse and Grandmaster Wignacourt on the obverse.{{cite web|title=400th Anniversary of the Wignacourt Aqueduct|url=http://www.centralbankmalta.org/2015-wignacourt|publisher=Central Bank of Malta|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502025947/http://www.centralbankmalta.org/2015-wignacourt|archive-date=2 May 2015}}

MaltaPost also issued a set of two stamps on 21 April 2015. The stamps show Wignacourt Arch and the Wignacourt Water Tower in Fleur-de-Lys and Floriana respectively.{{cite web|title=Philatelic Postage Stamp issue – Aqueducts|url=https://www.maltaphilately.com/Content/Images/PDFs/Philatelic%20Postage%20Stamp%20issue%20-%20Aqueducts.pdf|website=MaltaPost|date=14 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108134912/https://www.maltaphilately.com/Content/Images/PDFs/Philatelic%20Postage%20Stamp%20issue%20-%20Aqueducts.pdf|archive-date=8 November 2015}}