Part of the roof of the historic cloister at the Convent of Our Lady of the Grotto in Rabat collapsed on Saturday morning after heavy overnight rain, prompting renewed concerns over the condition of the centuries-old building.
The Dominican community said the collapse had caused no injuries, but warned that further sections of the roof could give way as several of the old stone slabs have already been damaged.
The incident comes eight months after Storm Harry caused significant damage to the convent's roof. The Dominican community said it had been seeking funding for urgent repairs since January, but that recent rainfall had worsened the situation and created "serious hazards".
The Dominicans estimate that repairing the cloister roof alone will cost around €600,000.
The convent's prior, Fr Alan Joseph Adami, said the consequences could have been far more serious had the collapse occurred during the day, when the cloister is regularly used by groups of people.
"Groups of people, including elderly and people with health problems, regularly gather in that very spot," he said.
Fr Adami expressed concern that the damage could extend beyond the section that has already collapsed, warning that a number of the cloister's old stone slabs remain in a precarious condition.
The Dominican community has appealed for donations to help fund the necessary repairs and ensure that the cloister can remain open as a place of prayer, reflection and community activity.
The cloister is regarded as an important part of Malta's architectural heritage, particularly because of its size and distinctive structure. It provides a quiet space within the convent and is regularly used by young people, adults and voluntary organisations.
The Convent of Our Lady of the Grotto has been part of Rabat's religious life for more than five centuries.
Dominican friars from Sicily arrived in Malta around 1450 and settled beside the grotto from which the convent takes its name, establishing what would become the Dominican Order's first home on the island.
The convent and church were completed in 1505, although the complex underwent substantial alterations during the 17th century.
Over the centuries, the historic complex has become an important landmark in Rabat and has also attracted film and television productions. Its distinctive architecture has provided a backdrop for productions including Game of Thrones and Midnight Express.
For the Dominican community, however, the cloister remains first and foremost a place of spiritual refuge and community life.
The latest collapse has placed greater urgency on the appeal for financial assistance, with the community warning that substantial intervention is now required to safeguard the structure.
Those wishing to contribute to the restoration can contact the convent's prior, Fr Alan Joseph Adami, on [email protected], or donate directly through the Dominican community's appeal.