Rabat’s St Paul’s Basilica: A New Lease of Life for Its Belfry and Streets

Imagine standing in the heart of Rabat, Malta’s sister city to Mdina, and hearing the resonant toll of St Paul’s Basilica’s bell. For many years, this iconic sound has been muted, its belfry silent and its once-pristine streets worn down by time and traffic. But change is in the air, as the local council and heritage enthusiasts join forces to restore the basilica’s belfry and repave its historic streets.

Reviving the Voice of the Belfry

St Paul’s Basilica, a 17th-century gem, stands tall at the heart of Rabat, its twin towers and dome a familiar sight to locals and tourists alike. But the basilica’s belfry has fallen silent, its bell removed for safety reasons years ago. Now, thanks to a €150,000 restoration project, the belfry is set to ring out once more.

The project, funded by the Malta Tourism Authority and the Ministry for Gozo and the Public Domain, will see the belfry’s structure restored, its bell reinstated, and a new clock installed. “This is more than just a restoration,” says Dr. Anthony Borg, a local historian involved in the project. “It’s a way of bringing Rabat’s history back to life, one bell toll at a time.”

Repaving Rabat’s Historic Streets

While the belfry restoration will bring sound back to Rabat, another project aims to improve the feel of its streets. The local council is set to repave several historic streets, including Triq San Pawl, the basilica’s doorstep. The new paving will match the original design, using traditional Maltese limestone.

“We want to preserve the character of these streets while making them safer and more accessible,” explains Rabat Mayor, Mario Fava. “This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about respecting our heritage and creating a better experience for residents and visitors alike.”

Community Engagement: The Heart of the Projects

Both projects place community engagement at their core. Local volunteers are helping with the restoration work, and the council is involving residents in the street repaving plans. “This is our heritage, our history,” says Maria Azzopardi, a Rabat resident and volunteer. “We’re not just restoring a belfry or repaving streets; we’re preserving our past for future generations.”

Once completed, the restored belfry will toll the hours once more, its sound echoing through Rabat’s repaved streets. It’s a project that’s not just about bricks and mortar, but about community, history, and the heartbeat of a city.