On 21 April 2015, MaltaPost will issue a philatelic set of two stamps to commemorate the 400th anniversary from the construction of the Wignacourt Aqueduct.

The stamps, which are the third issue in the ‘Treasures of Malta Series', illustrate different features of the Wignacourt Aqueduct. The Wignacourt Arch which was located in Fleur-de-Lys features on the €0.42 stamp while the Wignacourt Water Tower located in Floriana is illustrated on the €1.55 stamp.

Aqueducts were constructed in the past to convey water from one location to another. In Malta the stone arches were built to carry water from Rabat through Birkirkara, and the area that later became known as Fleur-de-Lys and Santa Venera. At Santa Venera, the arches ended at a tower from which point water continued its journey through Ħamrun, Blata l-Bajda and Floriana where it reached the Wignacourt water tower. The water then found its way to Valletta through underground pipes.

The stamps were designed by Cedric Galea Pirotta and will be issued in sheets of 10 stamps. Each stamp measures 44mm x 31mm, with a perforation of 13.9 x 14.0 (comb.) bearing the Maltese Crosses watermark. The sheet measures 186mm x 119mm. Printex Limited printed the set in the process and the issue consists of 72,000 of the €0.42 stamp and 32,000 of the €1.55 stamp.

This philatelic issue will be available from all Post Offices in Malta and Gozo as from Tuesday 21 April 2015. Orders may be placed online at www.maltaphilately.com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c. 305, Qormi Road, Marsa, MTP 1001; Telephone:2596 1740, email: info@maltaphilately.com.

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