Rabat’s St Paul’s Belfry Restoration Begins

Imagine standing in Rabat’s bustling Main Street, the sun casting a warm glow on the honey-coloured limestone buildings. Now, picture the silence that would fall if the bell tower of St Paul’s Basilica suddenly stopped its rhythmic tolling. For the first time in decades, that silence is set to become a reality, as the belfry undergoes a much-needed restoration. But fear not, history buffs and locals alike, for this pause is only to ensure a stronger, more resonant heartbeat for Rabat’s historic core.

Tucked away behind the grandeur of St Paul’s Basilica, the belfry has been quietly ringing in Rabat’s time for centuries. Built in the 17th century, it’s home to five bells, each with its own story. The largest, ‘Santa Maria’, weighs in at a hefty 1,200kg and has been calling the faithful to mass since 1696. But time and weather have taken their toll, and now it’s time for these historic sentinels to receive some TLC.

The restoration project, led by the Victoria International Development Agency (VIDA), aims to preserve this piece of Malta’s heritage while ensuring the bells can continue their vital role in Rabat’s daily life. “We’re not just restoring a belfry,” says VIDA’s project manager, Mario Xuereb. “We’re preserving a piece of Rabat’s identity, a symbol that’s been a part of the town’s heartbeat for generations.”

But the restoration isn’t confined to the belfry alone. In a move that’s sure to please locals and visitors alike, the project also includes repaving the streets around St Paul’s Basilica. The narrow streets, worn smooth by centuries of use, will be given a new lease of life, making them safer and more accessible for all.

For local shopkeeper, Joseph Bajada, the repaving can’t come soon enough. “These streets are a part of Rabat’s charm, but they’re also a challenge,” he says, gesturing to the uneven cobbles outside his shop. “I’m looking forward to seeing them smartened up, and knowing they’ll be easier for everyone to navigate.”

VIDA’s Mario Xuereb agrees, “The repaving is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about making Rabat’s historic heart more accessible, more welcoming. It’s about ensuring that these streets, and the stories they tell, can be enjoyed by everyone, for generations to come.”

With work set to begin in the coming months, Rabat’s historic heartbeat will fall silent for a time. But when the bells ring out again, they’ll do so with renewed strength, echoing through the newly paved streets, and into the hearts of all who call Rabat home.

So, keep an ear out, Rabat. The silence might be temporary, but the new beat of your historic heart is set to be stronger and more resonant than ever.