Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, officially inaugurated the restored façade of Palazzo San Paolo, the seat of the St Paul Society Count Roger Band in Rabat, on Sunday evening.
The restoration of the façade of this Baroque building, which dates back approximately 300 years, involved the careful rehabilitation of its stonework, which had deteriorated over time. Workers removed multiple layers of paint to reveal the stone’s original surface. Simultaneously, specialist conservators refurbished the building’s historic wooden apertures, with some requiring replacement.
Around 90 per cent of the project was funded by the Government, with support from the Social Causes Fund, the Residency Malta Agency, and the Planning Authority’s Irrestawra l-Każin scheme. The private sector also contributed, including a donation from AX Group.
Technical assistance to ensure quality and safety throughout the project was provided by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and the Building and Construction Authority.
During the inauguration ceremony, held at the start of Rabat’s Feast of the Martyrdom of Saint Paul, the Deputy Prime Minister commended all those who dedicate their time and effortoften on a voluntary basis—to preserving Malta’s cultural heritage. He stressed the importance of continued support from both the Government and private sector for such endeavours.
Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg said, “Residents and tourists visiting the historic centre and scenic rural surroundings of Rabat, as well as the nearby city of Mdina, can enjoy what Malta has to offer: a wealth of religious, cultural, culinary, artistic, agricultural, and natural heritage. We must all contribute to the safeguarding of this rich heritage—the Local Council, the Government, the private sector, the public, voluntary organisations, and other stakeholders. We have a duty to protect this gem so it may continue to shine for generations to come.”
Jonathan Cardona, CEO of Residency Malta, stated that the agency aims to reinvest the revenue from its programmes back into the community.
“I’m pleased that other government and private entities also contributed to this project, demonstrating the high value we place on Malta’s heritage particularly its culture and architecture.” Mr Cardona said.
Kenneth Abela, CEO-designate of AX Group, noted that the company currently investing in the Verdala project on the outskirts of Rabat is committed to making a meaningful contribution to the local area.
“Rabat has become closely associated with our company because of the Verdala development. We’re breathing new life into a site that had been derelict for over 30 years and doing so as sustainably as possible.” he explained.
Rabat Mayor Sandro Craus said that the Local Council was an active supporter of the restoration initiative, which forms part of a wider effort to rejuvenate the streetscape of the town’s Main Street. This follows a similar restoration of the building housing the Local Council offices, just a short distance away.
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