A historic arch used to celebrate the feast of St Publius was destroyed in a fire early on Saturday morning. The blaze also damaged four cars which were parked in the vicinity.

The wooden arch, which dated back to 1899, was to take a central stage in next week’s celebration of the patron saint of Floriana.  

The fire in Triq San Tumas was reported at 1.30am, with firefighters controlling the blaze by 3am, but not before the arch was destroyed.

A magisterial inquiry led by magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit is under way. There is a possibility that the fire was started intentionally.

In a post on the social media, Archbishop Mgr Charles Scicluna said he asked the Floriana archpriest to plan for the rebuilding of the arch.

He wrote that the Curia has given a financial donation to kick-start the process.

Justice and Local Government Minister Owen Bonnici said that the Arts Council is in contact with the church authorities to see how to be of assistance.