St. Paul’s niche in Żurrieq

 

Restoration of the Street Shrine dedicated to Saint Paul, in Żurrieq

At the heart of Żurrieq’s historic core, where Triq San Pawl meets Triq San Bartilimew, stands a modest yet significant street shrine dedicated to Saint Paul. Recently restored, this niche forms part of Malta’s rich tradition of religious landmarks which are woven into the streetscapes of towns and villages across the islands.

The exact date of construction of the shrine is unknown. It is built into a corner façade and comprises of eight courses of stonework, housing a statue of Saint Paul inspired by Melchiorre Gafa’s famous depiction of the apostle for the collegiate church of St Paul’s Shipwreck in Valletta.1 In the past, this shrine used to be illuminated on the saint’s feast day.2  Street shrines such as this one were often commissioned as acts of devotion by private individuals, later becoming cherished elements of Malta’s cultural and religious identity. Due to its heritage value, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage listed the niche of St. Paul as a property of “high social, artistic and architectural value” in Malta’s National Inventory of Cultural Property.3

St. Paul's street shrine in Żurrieq, before (left) and after (right) restoration

 

 

The Restoration Process

The restoration focused on both the conservation of the shrine  and its sensitive renewal. The niche and statue were stripped of paint, some of which was flaking.  Damaged stone was replaced with compatible masonry, whilst smaller losses were treated with a lime-based mortar. Deteriorated pointing was removed and replaced.  The missing hand of the statue was carefully reconstructed in new stone, whilst both the viper. Finally, the statue was  repainted in a neutral stone colour, whilst the niche backdrop was painted light blue.

 

 

References:

 

  1. Calleja C, (2011) The Influence of Melchiorre Cafa’s St. Paul and the Virgin of the Rosary on Maltese Baroque Sculpture. Page 17. [Unpublished Masters Dissertation. University of Malta].
  2. Terribile Tony San Pawl fit-Toroq tal-Maltin Leħen is-Sewwa 1986 03 15
  3. National Inventory and Scheduling – SCH Malta. (2023). SCH Malta. Retrieved November 28, 2025, from https://schmalta.mt/national-inventory-and-scheduling-page/