Restoration of the Street Shrine Dedicated to Saint Bartholomew – Ħal Għargħur
Street shrines are a familiar sight across Malta, especially within historic town centres. Usually constructed as acts of private devotion and often integrated into dwellings, they have become enduring landmarks of Maltese religious heritage and contribute significantly to the cultural identity of towns and villages.
One such shrine in Ħal Għargħur is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, the parish’s patron saint. It stands within Misraħ il-Knisja, at the end of Triq Mons. Luigi Catania, built into an 18th century private residence in the heart of the town square. The niche, which rises to a height of ten courses, features an inscription above the statue that appears to bear the year 1876, though the exact date of construction and sculptor remain uncertain. In recent years the statue suffered damage to the head, though archival photographs provided valuable record of its original features.1 2
The Restoration Process
Conservation started with testing safe cleaning methods in less prominent areas. Damaging materials, such as cement renders and unsuitable pointing, were removed, while biological growth and soiling were cleaned with nylon brushes and de-ionised water. Repairs included stone replacement, lime-based plastic repairs, epoxy resin for cracks, and carbon fibre rods for stabilisation. Waterproofing was added to horizontal surfaces. Part of the saint’s missing head was found behind the statue, and the missing part was reconstructed with plastic repair, closely matching information from the historic photographs.
References:
- Bezzina, J. (2009). Ħal Għargħur, Ir-Raħal fuq L-Għolja, Erba’ mixjiet f’raħal li Jsaħħrek. Għargħur.
- Terribile, T. (1997). Niċeċ u statwi fit-toroq tal-Għargħur. In San Bartilimew – Għargħur (pp. 17-19). Għargħur.