Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, inaugurated the restoration of the facade of Palazzo San Paolo, the seat of the St Paul Society Count Roger Band, in Rabat, on Sunday evening.
The rehabilitation of the facade of this baroque edifice, which dates back circa 300 years, included the restoration of its stonework, which had deteriorated with the elements, as workers removed multiple layers of paint to uncover the stone’s natural surface. At the same time, other restorers worked on the old wooden apertures, some of which had to be replaced.
Around 90 percent of the project was funded by the Government, with contributions from the Social Causes Fund, Residency Malta Agency, and the Planning Authority’s ‘Irrestawra l-Każin’ scheme. The project was also supported by the private sector, with a donation from AX Group.
The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and the Building and Construction Authority also provided technical assistance to ensure quality and safety at every stage of the project.
During the inauguration ceremony, which marked the beginning of Rabat’s Feast of the Martyrdom of Saint Paul, the Deputy Prime Minister praised all individuals who work tirelessly, often on a voluntary basis, on initiatives to safeguard Malta’s cultural heritage. He emphasised that the Government and the private sector must continue supporting this important commitment.
“Locals or tourists who visit the historic centre and the picturesque rural landscapes of Rabat, as well as the nearby city of Mdina, can experience what Malta truly has to offer: a rich variety of religious, cultural, gastronomic, artistic, agricultural, and natural heritage. We all need to contribute to the preservation of this rich heritage – the Local Council, the Government, the private sector, the people, voluntary organisations, and many other stakeholders. We must continue safeguarding this gem so that it continues to shine for future generations,” he said.
Jonathan Cardona, CEO of Residency Malta, stated that the agency works to reinvest the funds generated by its programmes back into the community. “I am pleased that other government and private entities contributed to this project, as it shows the high value we place on Maltese heritage, especially culture and architecture,” Mr Cardona said.
Kenneth Abela, designate CEO of AX Group, said that the company, which is currently investing in the Verdala project, in the limits of Rabat, is committed to making a tangible contribution to the same locality. “Rabat has become synonymous with our company because of what we are doing at Verdala. We’re giving a new lease of life to a site that had been abandoned for over 30 years, in the most sustainable way possible,” he explained.
Rabat Mayor Sandro Craus explained that the Local Council actively supported this restoration project, which forms part of a comprehensive effort to revive the streetscape of the locality’s Main Street, following a similar project to revive the building housing the Local Council offices, a few steps away.
Antoine Borg, President of the San Pawl Band Society Banda Konti Ruġġieru, thanked all those who contributed to this project, which is once again gracing the main street of Rabat with its architectural grandeur. The Archpriest of Rabat, Canon Joseph Mizzi, blessed the restored façade at the end of the ceremony.
Photo: DOI/ODPM-MFT
