The Malta Tourism Authority is launching works to restore the Sacro Monte, a historic landmark in the heart of the piazza of the Basilica and Collegiate Proto-Parish Church of Saint Paul, in Rabat.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg, announced these restoration works during a visit to the piazza on Sunday morning. He was accompanied by Rabat Mayor Sandro Craus, the Rev. Joseph Mizzi, Archpriest of St Paul’s Parish, Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) Chief Executive Officer, Carlo Micallef, and the Infrastructure Malta Chief Executive Officer, Steve Ellul.
The Sacro Monte, locally known as ‘iż-Żurżieqa’, comprises a series of terraces and a central monumental staircase, leading to the statue of St Paul, atop a high pedestal. It is a site of profound spiritual and historical significance, which played a key role in several special occasions, including the 1933 Jubilee celebrations and Pope John Paul II’s visit to the Basilica in 1990.
The €220,000 MTA works starting this month include the restoration of the Sacro Monte’s sculptural elements, masonry balustrades and flagstone paving, as well as other structural repairs.
These works will mark the completion of a wider project, to regenerate the piazza next to the Basilica, transforming a formerly neglected area into a pedestrianised space for community events, featuring limestone paving, architectural lighting, improved accessibility, seating areas, olive trees and other greenery. These phases of the project were completed in conjunction with Infrastructure Malta, with the support of the Rabat Local Council and St Paul’s Parish. The project started in 2020.
“This piazza’s regeneration is breathing new life to an area where we can truly appreciate and enjoy Rabat’s rich religious, cultural and architectural heritage. MTA and Infrastructure Malta are creating a vibrant community space, while improving tourist experience. By preserving such unique elements of our Islands, we can attract tourists who value such authentic Maltese locations and experiences, which in turn encourages further investment in our heritage,” Deputy Prime Minister Borg said.
Mayor Sandro Craus welcomed this investment in what was once an abandoned area covered in concrete, and is now a beautiful space for the community. The new trees and plants add beauty and tranquillity to the piazza, he added.
Archpriest Rev. Mizzi explained that the Sacro Monte is an important monument dedicated to St Paul, the parish’s patron saint. It had been commissioned by the benefactress Cosmana Navarro. “Through this project, this space is also serving as a meditation garden, inviting reflection and offering serenity for all who come here.”
MTA CEO Carlo Micallef said that “we are transforming this central square into a more welcoming tourism destination, one that honours our history and culture, as we promote faith and cultural attractions in our towns and villages, while providing more attractive open spaces for locals and visitors.”
Infrastructure Malta CEO Steve Ellul explained that the upcoming works are the final phase of a holistic project which is seeing the revival of this historic piazza. “Infrastructure Malta remains committed to one of its core functions – the transformation of open spaces – to enhance public areas, improve quality of life, strengthen communities, and support quality tourism – confirming that infrastructure isn’t just roads, but the heart of people-first places.”
Photo: DOI-MFT
