St Julian’s Archaeological Dig Before 40-Storey Tower

Breaking Ground: St Julian’s Green Light for Archaeological Dig

In a quiet corner of St Julian’s, where the hum of construction usually reigns, a different kind of activity is set to begin. The Planning Authority has given the green light for an archaeological excavation at a site earmarked for a 40-storey tower. This week, we look the history hidden beneath the concrete jungle of Malta’s most densely populated town.

Uncovering St Julian’s Past

Tucked away off Triq San Ġorġ, the site in question has long been a blank canvas for developers. But before the cranes move in, archaeologists will have their turn. The excavation, set to begin in the coming months, promises to shed light on St Julian’s history, dating back to the Bronze Age.

“We’ve found evidence of human activity here dating back thousands of years,” says Dr. Anthony Pace, a local archaeologist. “This excavation could help us understand how people lived, worked, and died in this very spot.”

From Fisherfolk to High-Rises

St Julian’s, now a bustling town, was once a small fishing village. Its transformation began in the 1960s, with the construction of the first high-rise hotels. Today, it’s a tale of two towns – the old, with its narrow streets and traditional houses, and the new, with its towering hotels and apartment blocks.

This excavation, however, could bridge that gap. “It’s a unique opportunity to connect the dots between St Julian’s past and present,” says Dr. Pace. “Who knows, we might even find remnants of those early fishing huts.”

Once the excavation is complete, the site will make way for a 40-storey tower, set to be one of Malta’s tallest buildings. But for now, it’s a race against time for archaeologists to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the surface.