District 6 profile: A Galdes-shaped void

Standing at the corner of St. John Street and Old Bakery Street in Valletta, you can’t help but notice the gaping hole where once stood a historic building. This is not just any void; it’s a Galdes-shaped void. The building that once occupied this prime spot was the childhood home of Malta’s most celebrated artist, Esprit Galdes. But what happened to this iconic structure, and why is it now a vacant lot?

From Galdes’ Childhood Home to Rubble

The building, known as ‘Il-Balcon’, was a 17th-century townhouse with a distinctive balcony that overlooked the bustling streets below. It was here that Galdes, one of Malta’s most influential painters, spent his formative years. Despite its historical significance, the building was controversially demolished in 2018, leaving behind a stark reminder of Malta’s complex relationship with its past.

According to local architect and heritage advocate, Mario Vella, “The demolition of Il-Balcon was a missed opportunity to preserve a piece of Malta’s cultural heritage. It’s a prime example of how our planning system often prioritizes development over conservation.”

Planning Woes and Public Outcry

The demolition sparked a public outcry, with many Maltese citizens and cultural organizations calling for stricter planning laws to protect historic buildings. The Planning Authority, however, approved the demolition permit, citing the building’s poor condition and the developer’s plans to rebuild a replica.

But critics argue that a replica is not the same as the original. “It’s like saying a photocopy of the Mona Lisa is the same as the real thing,” says Vella. “The patina of age, the wear and tear, the history that seeps from the walls – that’s what makes a historic building truly valuable.”

What Now for District 6?

With the dust settled and the controversy seemingly forgotten, the vacant lot at St. John Street and Old Bakery Street remains. The developer’s plans for the site are still unclear, and the future of this prime location in the heart of Valletta’s District 6 hangs in the balance.

For now, the void stands as a stark reminder of what was lost. But it also serves as a call to action, a rallying cry for those who want to see Malta’s cultural heritage preserved for future generations. As Vella puts it, “We can’t bring back Il-Balcon, but we can learn from its loss and fight to protect the other historic buildings that make Malta unique.”

So, what’s next for District 6? . But one thing is certain: the spirit of Esprit Galdes, and the countless other artists and cultural figures who have called Valletta home, will continue to haunt the streets, reminding us of what was, and what could be.