Building upon its ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing Malta’s cultural and architectural heritage, the Malta Tourism Authority is supporting the restoration and conservation of Palazzo Xara – Ghaqda Mużikali L’Isle Adam, a historic building located in the heart of Rabat, on the corner of St. Paul’s Street and St. Joseph Street.
The project will primarily focus on the restoration and conservation of the façade overlooking the palazzo’s spacious terrace, together with the restoration of the building’s decorative turret. These architectural elements, constructed from traditional Maltese limestone, represent important features of the palazzo’s historic character. The restoration works will include the removal of obsolete ducts, water pipes, metal nails, and other unused metal fixtures attached to the facade and turret, the cleaning and conservation of the Maltese limestone façade and turret, the restoration and repair of damaged stonework, as well as the replacement of stone elements where necessary and in line with established conservation standards.
The terrace is intended to host a variety of social and cultural activities throughout the year, including music concerts, community events, and public cultural initiatives open for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Palazzo Xara occupies a prominent location along one of Rabat’s principal historic routes, situated between the Domus Romana and several other important heritage attractions. Due to its strategic location and historical value, the project is expected to further enrich the cultural experience of both residents and visitors exploring Rabat’s historic core. The restoration initiative also complements the locality’s vibrant cultural calendar, particularly traditional Maltese festas which continue to attract both local and international visitors.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Ian Borg stated:
“Malta’s unique identity is deeply rooted in its cultural heritage, traditions, and community life. Visitors increasingly seek authentic experiences that allow them to connect with our local culture, and traditional village festas remain among the most memorable experiences for tourists visiting our islands. Initiatives such as the restoration of Palazzo Xara not only preserve our architectural heritage but also contribute to creating vibrant community spaces where cultural events, can continue to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Tourism Authority Carlo Micallef added:
“The Malta Tourism Authority remains committed to investing in projects that preserve and enhance Malta’s rich cultural and historical assets. Palazzo Xara is an important landmark within Rabat’s historic centre, and through this restoration project we are ensuring that future generations, as well as visitors to Malta, continue to appreciate the locality’s unique architectural and cultural heritage. Such initiatives strengthen the quality of the visitor experience while supporting sustainable cultural tourism.”
Constructed over 250 years ago, Palazzo Xara forms an integral part of Rabat’s historic urban fabric and cultural identity. Acquired in 1951 by the Ghaqda Mużikali L’Isle Adam, the palazzo continues to hold strong cultural and community significance within the locality. Through these restoration works, Palazzo Xara is expected to continue being appreciated and enjoyed both externally and internally, while further strengthening its role as a cultural and architectural attraction within Rabat. The Malta Tourism Authority is contributing towards the implementation of these restoration and conservation works as part of its continued efforts to safeguard and strengthen heritage sites that contribute to Malta’s tourism product and cultural identity.
