St Paul’s catacomb to be restored

The structures to be restored are the pitched roof rooms which serve as entrances into the separate groups of catacombs built in the early 20th century. Several deterioration mechanisms have been observed on these structures, which include rising dampness, rainwater infiltration, salt contamination and biological growth.

Although works relate solely to the restoration of early 20th century structures, these are built directly onto the original catacomb entrances.

The proposed works are considered to be essential to conserve the existing building fabric and to enhance the appearance of the structures.

Works will involve the repair and rebuilding of damaged masonry, the replacement of dangerous roofs; the cleaning of existing graffiti; the removal of metal inserts, wires, signs and lighting and biological growth.

The Catacombs are the largest Early Christian underground burial complex in the Maltese Islands, covering an area of approximately 2000m². These probably started as a small family tomb during the Phoenician period, which was subsequently enlarged to serve as a communal cemetery during the Early Christian period before the  Maltese islands became Muslim after the ninth century,  an event which changed Maltese funerary practices.

Later on, in the late 13th or early 14th century (after the re-Christianisation of the islands), parts of the catacombs seem to have been re-used, and alterations were carried out.

In this process, some burial chambers were destroyed and a large hall at the entrance was converted into a shrine. During World War II, the catacombs were used as a shelter and as storage for the artifacts which were on display at the Museum of Roman Antiquities.