It’s history, not sentiment: The fight to save Malta’s architectural gems

Imagine walking down Republic Street, the heart of Valletta, and instead of the grand Baroque buildings, you see towering glass structures. This isn’t a dystopian dream, but a very real threat facing our historic cities. The battle to preserve Malta’s architectural heritage is far from over, and it’s not just about sentiment, it’s about history.

Understanding our architectural identity

Malta’s architectural scene is a testament to its rich history. From the grandeur of the Grandmaster’s Palace to the humble simplicity of the traditional Maltese farmhouse, each structure tells a story. Yet, many of these tales are being lost as buildings are demolished or altered beyond recognition. It’s not just about losing a few old buildings, it’s about erasing chunks of our collective memory.

Dr. Anthony Pace, a historian and architect, puts it bluntly, “We’re not just losing buildings, we’re losing our identity. Each structure is a piece of our cultural puzzle, and when we lose one, we lose a part of who we are.”

Fighting for preservation

The battle for preservation is being fought on many fronts. Organizations like Din l-Art Ħelwa and Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna are at the forefront, campaigning to save historic buildings and promote sustainable development. They’ve had some victories, like saving the historic buildings in the Three Cities from demolition, but the war is far from won.

One of the biggest challenges is the lack of understanding and appreciation for our architectural heritage. Many see old buildings as obstacles to progress, hindering development and modernization. But as Dr. Pace argues, “Preservation isn’t about stopping progress, it’s about guiding it. We can modernize without losing our past.”

Reimagining development

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. There are beacons of hope, like the restoration of the Old University Building in Valletta. The project, led by architect Richard England, transformed the dilapidated building into a vibrant cultural hub, proving that preservation and progress can coexist.

the government’s recent announcement of a €10 million fund for the restoration of historic buildings is a step in the right direction. But it’s not just about money. It’s about changing mindsets, about making people understand that history isn’t just something we learn in school, it’s something we live with every day.

As Dr. Pace puts it, “We need to stop seeing old buildings as obstacles and start seeing them as opportunities. Opportunities to learn, to grow, to connect with our past. Because it’s not just about saving buildings, it’s about saving ourselves.”