Rabat’s St Paul’s Basilica Belfry & Streets Get a New Lease of Life
Rabat’s St Paul’s Basilica: A New Dawn as Belfry Restoration and Street Repaving Begin
Imagine the echo of history resonating through the narrow streets of Rabat. The clapper of St Paul’s Basilica belfry has fallen silent, but not for long. A new dawn is breaking for this ancient town, as a major restoration project and street repaving works commence, promising to breathe fresh life into its cobblestone heart.
Unveiling History: The Belfry Restoration
The belfry of St Paul’s Basilica, a symbol of Rabat’s rich history, is set to regain its voice. The restoration project, funded by the Malta Tourism Authority, aims to restore the belfry to its former glory, preserving a vital piece of Rabat’s heritage. The works, expected to take around six months, will see the belfry’s stonework and wooden structure meticulously restored, ensuring it can ring out once more over the town.
“This is not just about restoring a belfry,” says Dr. Anthony Pace, a local historian. “It’s about preserving a piece of Rabat’s identity. The belfry has been silent for too long. It’s time for its voice to be heard again.”
Repaving the Past: Rabat’s Streets Get a Face-lift
While the belfry is being restored, Rabat’s streets are also getting a makeover. The Malta Road Network Agency is repaving several streets in the town, including Triq San Pawl, Triq il-Kunsill, and Triq il-Kbira. The works, set to be completed by the end of the year, aim to improve the streets’ infrastructure while maintaining their historic charm.
For local shopkeeper, Maria Attard, the repaving works can’t come soon enough. “These streets are the lifeblood of our town,” she says. “They’re where we meet, where we shop, where we live. It’s about time they got some TLC.”
: A Revitalised Rabat
The restoration and repaving works are not just about preserving the past; they’re about revitalising Rabat for the future. The town, with its rich history and vibrant community, is set to become an even more attractive destination for both locals and tourists.
“Rabat is at a crossroads,” says Mayor of Rabat, Paul Rapa. “We’re preserving our past while looking towards the future. These projects are about more than just bricks and mortar. They’re about creating a vibrant, liveable, lovable Rabat.”
