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

Picture this: the sun dipping below the ancient walls of Mdina, casting a warm glow on the narrow, cobbled streets. Now imagine those walls crumbling, replaced by modern buildings that blend in as well as a penguin at a nudist colony. This isn’t a dystopian fantasy, but a very real threat facing Malta’s historic architecture.

Malta’s architectural heritage: A treasure under threat

Malta, a nation of just over 400,000 people, is home to a staggering 3,500 historic buildings. From the megalithic temples predating Stonehenge to the Baroque masterpieces of Valletta, our islands are a treasure trove of architectural history. Yet, many of these gems are under threat, not from natural decay, but from development and a lack of understanding.

Take the case of the historic building at 117, St. Lucy Street in Valletta. Despite being a protected building, it was demolished in 2019, its unique architecture lost forever. This isn’t an isolated incident. Across Malta, historic buildings are being replaced with modern structures, often with little regard for their historical significance.

History vs. development: The debate rages on

Proponents of development argue that Malta needs to modernize, and that historic buildings often come with hefty maintenance costs. They point to the success of projects like the Valletta Waterfront, which has transformed a once-neglected area into a bustling tourist hub.

However, opponents counter that the focus should be on sustainable development that respects and incorporates Malta’s rich history. They argue that historic buildings are not just about sentimentality, but about preserving the unique character of our islands and understanding our past.

Dr. Anthony Pace, a historian and architect, puts it succinctly: “We’re not just losing buildings, we’re losing part of our collective memory. Each building tells a story, and when we lose that, we’re impoverishing ourselves culturally.”

Fighting for our architectural heritage

Thankfully, there are those fighting to preserve Malta’s architectural heritage. NGOs like Din l-Art Ħelwa and Moviment Graffitti are at the forefront of this battle, lobbying for stricter enforcement of protection laws and more public awareness.

the government has taken steps to address the issue. The Planning Authority has introduced stricter guidelines for development in protected areas, and the Malta Heritage Foundation is working to restore and maintain historic buildings.

But it’s not just up to the authorities. Each one of us has a role to play. We can support NGOs, engage in public consultations, and most importantly, understand the value of our architectural heritage. After all, as the old saying goes, “We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

So, the next time you walk through the streets of Mdina, or Valletta, or any of Malta’s historic towns, look up. See the history that surrounds you. And then, do something to protect it.