Rabat’s St Paul’s Belfry: A Historic Heartbeat Restored

Imagine standing on St Paul’s Square, Rabat’s bustling heart, and hearing the church bell toll. It’s a sound that’s echoed through the centuries, a heartbeat of this ancient town. But the bell has been silent for too long. Today, that’s set to change. The belfry of St Paul’s Basilica, Rabat’s iconic landmark, is finally getting a facelift.

For years, the belfry’s bells have remained silent, their tolling a casualty of time and neglect. But thanks to a €250,000 project, this historic heart of Rabat is about to beat again. The restoration, funded by the Malta Government’s Heritage Malta, will see the belfry’s four bells – including the historic ‘San Pawl’ bell – ring out once more.

“These bells are more than just pieces of metal,” says Dr. Stephen Casha, Heritage Malta’s Director of Museums. “They’re a part of Rabat’s history, its identity. We’re not just restoring a belfry; we’re reviving a symphony that’s been silent for too long.”

The restoration isn’t just about the bells. The project will also see the belfry’s tower and roof restored to their former glory. The streets surrounding the basilica – Triq San Pawl, Triq l-Indipendenza, and Triq il-Kbira – will also be repaved, transforming the area into a space that truly reflects its historic significance.

But the benefits won’t stop at Rabat. “This project will not only restore an important part of our heritage but also boost tourism in the area,” says Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, José Herrera. “It’s a win-win situation.”

The restoration is set to begin later this year, with the bells expected to ring out once more by early 2023. But the project isn’t just about the past. It’s about the future too. It’s about ensuring that Rabat’s historic heartbeat continues to echo through the centuries, a symbol of resilience and renewal.

“We’re not just restoring a belfry,” says Dr. Casha. “We’re ensuring that Rabat’s story continues to be told, one toll of the bell at a time.”