A vital part of Valletta’s skyline is now becoming visible again, for the first time in more than four years.
Following extensive restoration made possible through the Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal, this week the scaffolding that has covered the spire of St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral in Valletta for so long is being removed.
Locals and visitors to the capital city – and all those admiring Valletta’s iconic skyline across Marsamxett Harbour – can look forward to the unveiling of more of this historic structure’s spire and tower over the coming months, as the scaffolding continues to come down. Likewise, the Cathedral’s stone urns – once lost to time – have been remade as part of the Appeal’s restoration works and will soon retake their rightful place upon the building.
“The removal of the first scaffolding to reveal the spire this week is a significant moment for the Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal, and an amazing achievement after such a long time,” says Sir Martin Laing, Chairman of the Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal. “St Paul’s has formed part of the Valletta skyline for hundreds of years – and at long last, now we can see the fruits of the Appeal’s conservation efforts that will ensure it will remain so for centuries to come.”
Launched in 2017, the Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal aims to raise the estimated €8 million needed to fund vital restoration works to the belltower, spire and stonework of St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral.
Not only a historic and critical part of the capital’s famous skyline, St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral is also one of few examples in Malta of the work of William Scamp and a unique local architectural wonder, since, unlike domed Catholic churches, Anglican churches have spires. It is one of only three Cathedrals in Europe of the Anglican Diocese of Gibraltar and is listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.
To date, the Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal has raised around €6.8 million, through the generosity of private donors and global fundraising, in addition to an EU grant of €4.2 million and a sum received from the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF).
Today, the Appeal continues to receive support from around the world from those who share its passion to preserve such a central piece of Malta’s heritage, including musical theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh, historian and author Sir Max Hastings and members of the British Royal Family.
More information about the Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal can be found online at www.stpaulspromalta.org and at www.wearenotashop.com.
