St Paul’s Shrine @ Żurrieq

 

Restoration of the Street Shrine Dedicated to Saint Paul – Żurrieq (PA/07400/22)

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 is unknown. It is built into a corner façade and comprises eight courses of stonework, housing a statue of Saint Paul inspired by Melchiorre Gafa’s famous depiction of the Apostle’s shipwreck in Valletta.  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.1

 

Street shrine of St. Paul, Żurrieq, before and after restoration.

 

 

The Restoration Process

The restoration focused on both conservation and sensitive renewal. Metal inserts and intrusive cables were removed, and the shrine was gently cleaned using scalpels, poulticing, nylon brushes, and soft water, with approved chemical methods applied only where necessary. Damaged stone was replaced with compatible masonry, smaller losses were treated with plastic repair, and cracks were stabilised using epoxy resin and carbon fibre rods. The missing hand of the statue was carefully reconstructed in new stone, guided by surviving features. Pointing was renewed with lime-rich mortar after removing unsuitable cement joints, while waterproofing was introduced to protect horizontal surfaces. Finally, following paint analysis and consultation with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, part of the niche and pedestal were repainted in line with historical finishes.

Thanks to these interventions, the San Pawl niche has been carefully safeguarded for future generations. The restored shrine not only enhances Żurrieq’s streetscape but also stands as a testament to Malta’s enduring traditions of faith and craftsmanship

  1. National Inventory and Scheduling – SCH Malta. (2023). SCH Malta. Retrieved November 28, 2025, from https://schmalta.mt/national-inventory-and-scheduling-page/