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

Imagine standing in Rabat’s bustling Republic Street, the scent of freshly baked Maltese pastizzi wafting through the air, and looking up to see St Paul’s Basilica’s belfry not as it is now – weathered and worn – but restored to its former glory. This isn’t a daydream, but a vision set to become reality thanks to a €1.3 million restoration project.

Reviving a Historic Landmark

St Paul’s Basilica, a stone’s throw from Mdina’s ancient walls, is more than just a church. It’s a testament to Malta’s rich history, a place where St Paul is said to have preached during his shipwreck on the island in 60 AD. The basilica’s belfry, however, has seen better days. Cracks, erosion, and the passage of time have taken their toll, but help is on the way.

The restoration project, funded by the Ministry for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government, will see the belfry’s structure strengthened, its facade cleaned, and its bells – silent for years – ringing out once again. “It’s not just about preserving a historic building,” says architect and project manager, Mario Vella. “It’s about bringing life back to a symbol of our faith and heritage.”

Repaving Rabat’s Streets: A Walk Through History

But the project isn’t confined to the basilica alone. The streets surrounding it will also be repaved, providing a smooth, safe surface for the thousands of locals and tourists who walk them each year. The new paving will echo the traditional Maltese pattern, known as ‘tizziji’, adding a touch of local charm to the streetscape.

For local shopkeeper, Joseph Xuereb, who’s seen his fair share of Rabat’s ups and downs, the repaving is more than just an aesthetic improvement. “It’s about respecting our past while looking towards the future,” he says. “These streets have seen so much history. It’s only right we take care of them.”

What’s Next for Rabat?

With work set to begin in the coming months, Rabat’s residents and visitors can look forward to seeing their historic streets and basilica transformed. But the restoration isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about preserving Malta’s past for future generations, about creating a space where history and heritage can continue to thrive.

As Vella puts it, “This project isn’t just about restoring a building. It’s about restoring a sense of pride and place. It’s about making sure that when people look at St Paul’s Basilica, they see not just a historic landmark, but a living, breathing part of our community.”