Rabat’s St Paul’s Basilica: A New Lease of Life for Its Belfry and Streets

Picture this: the sun dipping low over the ancient city of Rabat, casting a golden glow on the weathered stones of St Paul’s Basilica. The church, a silent sentinel of Maltese history, has stood tall for centuries, but its belfry has been falling silent. Not for much longer, though. The historic landmark is set to ring out once more, as a major restoration project gets underway.

Reviving the Belfry’s Melodious Call

St Paul’s Basilica, nestled in the heart of Rabat, is more than just a place of worship. It’s a symbol of the city’s rich history, a testament to its resilience. The belfry, however, has been largely silent in recent years, its bells falling silent due to safety concerns. But that’s all about to change.

The restoration project, led by the Restoration Division of the Ministry for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government, will see the belfry’s five bells restored to their former glory. The project, set to cost around €200,000, will also include the restoration of the belfry’s wooden structure and the installation of a new bell ringing mechanism.

“We’re not just restoring a belfry,” says Dr. Noel Zammit, the project’s lead restorer. “We’re reviving a tradition, a sound that’s been missing from Rabat’s streets for too long.”

Beyond the Belfry: Repaving Rabat’s Streets

But the restoration doesn’t stop at the belfry. The project also includes the repaving of the streets surrounding the basilica, a move that’s set to transform the area’s aesthetics and accessibility.

Triq San Pawl, the bustling street that leads to the basilica, will be given a new lease of life, with its worn-out paving stones replaced with a more durable, eco-friendly alternative. The project will also include the installation of new street lighting, enhancing the area’s safety and appeal.

For local shop owners like Mario Portelli, who’s run his family’s bakery on Triq San Pawl for decades, the changes can’t come soon enough. “These streets have seen better days,” he says, wiping his hands on his apron. “A bit of TLC will do them – and us – a world of good.”

: A Revitalized Rabat

The restoration project is set to begin later this year and is expected to take around 18 months to complete. But the impact, both on the basilica and the surrounding area, is set to be profound.

“This is about more than just restoring a historic landmark,” says Dr. Zammit. “It’s about revitalizing a community, about giving Rabat’s streets back to its people.”

And when the belfry finally rings out once more, it won’t just be a sound of restoration. It’ll be a sound of celebration, a sound of Rabat’s future ringing loud and clear.