St. John’s Co-Cathedral Wind Vane Restored by MCAST
Have you ever walked past St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta and marveled at the intricate wind vane perched atop its grand facade? If you have, you might have noticed it’s been missing in action since Storm Harry swept through Malta last year. But fret not, history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, for the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) has come to the rescue.
Storm Damage and the Call for Restoration
Storm Harry, with its relentless winds and rain, left its mark on many of Malta’s historic buildings in January 2021. Among the casualties was the weather vane atop St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a symbol of the Baroque masterpiece designed by Gerolamo Cassar in the 16th century. The vane, a bronze arrow pointing north, was a casualty of the storm, leaving behind a gaping hole in the cathedral’s otherwise flawless facade.
It wasn’t long before calls for its restoration echoed through the halls of power. The Malta Heritage Trust, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to the preservation of Malta’s cultural heritage, was quick to sound the alarm. “It’s not just a piece of metal,” said the trust’s chairman, “It’s a part of our history, a part of who we are as a nation.”
MCAST Steps In
Enter MCAST, Malta’s leading tertiary education institution in the fields of applied science, technology, and the arts. The college, with its state-of-the-art facilities and skilled students, was the perfect partner for this restoration project. “We’re not just restoring a wind vane,” said Dr. Ing. Joseph Cuschieri, MCAST’s Rector, “We’re restoring a piece of our history, a piece of our identity.”
The project was a labor of love for the students and lecturers involved. Using 3D scanning technology, they were able to recreate the wind vane with precision, ensuring it was an exact replica of the original. The new vane was cast in bronze, just like the original, and underwent a rigorous testing process to ensure it could withstand Malta’s often unpredictable weather.
Reinstallation and
The reinstallation of the wind vane was a moment of pride for all involved. A crowd gathered to watch as the new vane was hoisted back into place, a symbol of Malta’s resilience and commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. “It’s more than just a wind vane,” said Heritage Malta’s CEO, Dr. KC Savona-Ventura, “It’s a testament to our past and a promise to our future.”
As we look ahead, it’s clear that Malta’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage is stronger than ever. With MCAST’s expertise and the support of organisations like Heritage Malta and the Malta Heritage Trust, we can ensure that our history is preserved for future generations. So, the next time you walk past St. John’s Co-Cathedral, take a moment to look up. The wind vane is back, and with it, a piece of our history.
