Recently Restored Maltese Treasures Waiting To Be Discovered

If you think Malta’s beauty lies only in its sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear waters, think again. Behind every winding alleyway, every sleepy village square, and every quiet corner of the islands lies a piece of living history. There are several hidden and not so hidden Maltese treasures waiting for you to discover them. Now you can admire these treasures in all their glory thanks to a long-running restoration scheme led by Malta’s Restoration and Preservation Department. Now, more of these historical gems are shining brighter than ever before.

Since its launch back in 2015, this scheme has helped breathe new life into 52 incredible landmarks, located in 37 different localities. The landmarks vary starting from statues and chapels to village crosses and historic façades, and even aqueduct towers! The main goal behind this scheme is one: to preserve the artistic and historical heart of Malta, one local treasure at a time.

Through this article we will explore several of the refurbished Maltese treasures in hopes that some of them will inspire you to enrich your next trip to Malta.

2022: A Year of Revivals of Maltese Treasures

In 2022, restoration works targeted a total of 12 locations, each one considered to be a local masterpiece. When you walk through Rabat, you’ll definitely come face to face with the majestic St. Paul’s statue and the glowing façade of St. Magdalene’s Church, both standing tall in the church parvis. Another stunning and historic spot which was restored is in the central village of Santa Venera. Here, the unique aqueduct water tower now proudly showcases its historic charm once again.

Village chapels were also the focus of several restoration efforts including St. Clement’s Chapel in Żejtun and the Tal-Propostu Chapel in San Ġwann. Furthermore, in Ħal Kirkop, the Salib tad-Dejma cross stands newly restored as a symbol of the local community and the Christian faith embraced by the island.

Several other Maltese treasures that are considered to be more on the outskirts of the island have gone through big restoration efforts. Several of these locations are definitely worth a visit. These include the St. Joachim’s statue in Marsaskala located on the side facing the sea of the extraordinary village parish church, two beautifully restored niches dedicated to St. Bartholomew and St. Paul in Għargħur’s main square, and the façade of St. Joseph’s Chapel in Tarxien. Even Xgħajra’s St. James Church was lovingly brought back to its former glory.

What’s the Secret Behind the Scheme?

It is important to keep in mind that when we talk about the kind of restoration work that falls under this scheme, we’re not referring to a quick touch-up operation. It is indeed quite the contrary. Every single project, no matter how big or small, follows a thorough process starting from gathering and preparing the necessary documentation to requesting and organising the necessary permits, which then leads to the start of the meticulous, hands-on work by dedicated restoration professionals. All of this is done under the careful eye of the Restoration and Preservation Department.

This scheme doesn’t just target the most famous sites, it uplifts those landmarks that are many times overlooked, yet so important because they contribute to the historically rich corners of Maltese towns and villages. It’s all about local councils teaming up with the department to preserve the soul of their communities.

So What’s Coming Next?

With almost a decade of work under its wraps, the scheme is still going strong. In fact, the restoration journey isn’t slowing down. Work on another 11 Maltese treasures was kickstarted this year. This followed a thorough selection process that happened between 2023 and 2024. The projects selected include:

1. The bell tower of the Our Lady of Victory Chapel in Birkirkara
2. The Dejma Stone Cross in Ħal Balzan.
3. The sculpture features the Manikata Parish Church.
4. The Military Wall in Madliena.
5. The fresh water spring behind the niche of St. Paul in Rabat.
6. The façade of the Ġnien tal-Kmand in Qrendi.
7. Two niches in Mqabba.
8. The façade of the All Souls Cemetery in Ħal Tarxien.
9. The Parvis wall of St. George’s Parish Church in Ħal Qormi
10. The façade of Balcas Palace in Ħamrun.
11. The Chapel of Santa Marija tal-Ħlas in Żejtun.

These sites are estimated to be fully restored by the end of 2026, and ready to welcome curious explorers like you.

A Living Timeline

Many sites have been restored all over Malta through this exciting scheme over the years. From the Hompesch Gate in Żabbar, to the Christ the Redeemer Niche in Marsaxlokk, to Valletta’s regal Lions Column. They’re not just another relic in Malta’s street. They’re the storytellers of Malta’s rich and layered past.

So next time you’re wandering the streets of Malta, take a closer look at that quiet chapel or age-old statue and allow it to tell you its story.

The landmarks