Rabat’s St Paul’s Basilica Belfry Restoration Begins

Imagine standing in the heart of Rabat, the sun casting a warm glow on the honey-coloured stone buildings. You turn towards the town’s most iconic landmark, St Paul’s Basilica, and your gaze is drawn upwards to the grand belfry. But instead of the usual tolling of the bell, you hear the clink of hammers and the whirr of drills. Why? Because Rabat’s beloved bell tower is about to undergo a major facelift.

St Paul’s Basilica, a 17th-century gem, has stood sentinel over Rabat for centuries. But time, and the relentless Mediterranean sun, have taken their toll on the belfry. Cracks have appeared, stonework has crumbled, and the once-resplendent bell tower has lost some of its lustre. That’s why the local council, with the support of heritage enthusiasts and the Maltese government, has embarked on a restoration project that promises to return the belfry to its former glory.

The restoration, set to begin later this year, will involve a thorough cleaning of the stonework, the repair of cracks, and the replacement of any damaged stones. The bell, a symbol of Rabat’s faith and history, will also be serviced to ensure it continues to ring out clearly for generations to come. The project is expected to take around 12 months, with the belfry temporarily silent during the works.

But the restoration of St Paul’s Basilica belfry isn’t the only change afoot in Rabat. The local council has also announced plans to repave several of the town’s streets. The project, set to begin in tandem with the belfry restoration, will see the replacement of worn-out paving stones with new ones, giving Rabat’s streets a fresh, inviting look.

Triq San Pawl, the bustling street that leads up to the basilica, will be one of the first to undergo the transformation. The new paving will not only improve the street’s appearance but also enhance safety, with smoother surfaces and better drainage. The project is expected to take around six months, with minimal disruption to traffic and pedestrians.

For Rabat’s residents and visitors alike, these changes can’t come soon enough. The restoration of the belfry and the repaving of the streets will not only breathe new life into the town but also serve as a testament to its rich history and vibrant present. It’s a reminder that even as Rabat continues to evolve, it remains deeply rooted in its past.

As the scaffolding goes up around the belfry and the first paving stones are laid, we can’t help but look forward to the day when the bell rings out once more, heralding a new chapter in Rabat’s story. Until then, we’ll enjoy the symphony of hammers and drills, knowing that every tap and clink is a step towards Rabat’s brighter future.