The Malta Historical Society has fully supported the proposal to rebuild the historic clock tower that once graced the main square of the city of Vittoriosa.

Such a project would heal yet another architectural scar resulting from the heavy bombardment endured by many of Malta’s historic towns during the Second World War, the society said in a statement signed by its PRO Simon Mercieca.

Even though such an initiative may now appear belated and perhaps anachronistic – since the restoration of the tower will be taking place after more than 60 years – the Malta Historical Society nevertheless strongly believes it is a valid project.

It is precisely because so many decades have passed that the Malta Historical Society insists the government should not waste any more time but go ahead and give its blessing to such an important initiative that will contribute to regaining a significant landmark that was part of Vittoriosa’s past architectural glory.

Such a project is in line with similar undertakings already implemented in other parts of Europe where restoration of cultural heritage has been systematic and sustained. The harbour city of Saint Maló in France was totally razed to the ground during the Second World War but, thanks to a positive and foresighted cultural policy, it was rebuilt as it was prior to being bombed, thus giving back to the French people a historic city to cherish for posterity. Malta has also undertaken similar projects, albeit on a smaller scale.

Today, no one doubts the historic validity and aesthetic beauty of Senglea Point dominated by its majestic gardjola (watch-tower). However, there are very few individuals who can remember that this gem of architectural heritage was severely damaged during the last war, since its gardjola was completely destroyed and had to be rebuilt when the war was over. The society asked why a similar initiative had not been undertaken in respect of the Vittoriosa clock tower.

The clock tower has its historic significance. Like the harbour city of Pisa, Vittoriosa was a city of towers. It was dominated by a number of tall buildings consisting of church steeples and secular edifices. However, many of these towers have been lost. Two of Vittoriosa’s most important landmarks were the clock tower and the belfry of the church of the Annunciation and reconstructing the clock tower will help the city re-acquire its lost skyline.

Furthermore, for Malta, this tower represented the introduction of modern working precepts that are associated with the emergence of modern cities in Renaissance Italy. Life in this enclosed urban area, as had happened in the emerging towns and cities of 15th century Italy, began to be regulated by the mechanics of a clock placed on a secular edifice, the society said.

The Malta Historical Society urges the Government and all the authorities concerned, as well as all those who have Malta’s historical heritage at heart, to work hand in hand to rebuild this historic tower by also ensuring the re-use of all the surviving artefacts from the old clock tower (wherever possible) and incorporating them in the restored structure.

However, the society wants to stress that the clock tower should be rebuilt in exactly the same place and in the same proportions that it had before the Second World War. Any changes, even the smallest modification, to the original plan will make the rebuilding of this tower a sham.

The society concluded by saying it hoped that Malta would soon witness what is happening in other historic cities such as Valmontone in Lazio, Italy – a demolition day, where structures that were built in great haste after the war are demolished and replaced by replicas of the buildings originally destroyed.