Located within the historic parvis of St Paul’s Basilica in Rabat, the Sacro Monte (Żurżieqa) is one of Malta’s most significant religious and cultural landmarks. Dominated by the statue of St Paul and a series of monumental terraces connected by a grand central staircase, the site has long been associated with the tradition that St Paul preached from this elevated point following his shipwreck in Malta. The monument, originally commissioned by benefactress Cosmana Navarra in 1678, forms an integral part of the Grade 1 scheduled heritage setting surrounding the Basilica.
AX Construction was entrusted with the restoration of the Sacro Monte and its surrounding architectural elements, with works focused on safeguarding the site’s historical significance while addressing decades of weathering and material deterioration. The intervention encompassed the restoration of the monumental and sculptural features, masonry balustrades and boundary walls, historic flagstone paving, terraced platforms, traditional deffun surfaces, and commemorative marble plaques.
The project required a meticulous conservation-led approach, beginning with detailed documentation, condition assessment and analysis of the site’s historic fabric. Extensive biological growth, surface soiling, vegetation intrusion, deteriorated pointing, localised stone decay and incompatible cement-based repairs were carefully addressed using traditional conservation methodologies. Restoration works included the cleaning and repair of limestone masonry, removal of unsuitable previous interventions, reinstatement of traditional lime-based mortars, consolidation and replacement of deteriorated stone elements where necessary, repair of historic paving and terraced surfaces, and the conservation of marble inscriptions and commemorative features.
Executed in close collaboration with heritage authorities and guided by the principles of minimum intervention, compatibility, reversibility and authenticity, the restoration has ensured the long-term preservation of this nationally important monument. The project reinforces the historical and spiritual significance of the Sacro Monte while enhancing the condition, legibility and resilience of its architectural fabric for future generations.
