Restoration projects are full of surprises, and this was no different. Throughout the years it took to restore the 17th century Auberge d’Italie in Valletta, in preparation for its new role as the home of MUZA, the National Museum of Art, a monumental discovery was made, solving a mystery and recovering a fascinating piece of lost history in the process: La Scala Grande.

The grand staircase, often referred to in old buildings as La Scala Grande, was obliterated as a result of war damage and the extensive modifications to the building over its 500-year old history. But it was a crucial discovery that completed the narrative of this important building, which has had many uses over the years, including housing the Knights of the Order of St John during their occupation of the islands.

But what’s so special about the staircase, you ask? Well, Perit David Zahra, Head of Projects at Heritage Malta, lays it all out. “Since the early stages of the project, one element that eluded everyone was the lack of a grand staircase in such a building. This was very unusual for period buildings. Hence, even though it was understood that such a staircase was demolished, its position was as yet unknown.”

Hints of a grand staircase started to emerge after the more modern one was demolished and the walls cleaned. Within the stone, elements were uncovered that pointed towards an elaborate and elegant configuration of La Scala Grande, in line with what one would expect in such an Auberge.

“Even though no historic drawings were found, after a thorough site analysis and a laser scan survey of the walls, the original configuration of the staircase could be established,” says the architect. “This was complete with cross vaults on each landing, connected with barrel vaulted staircases, over two meters wide, surrounding a largish void (stairwell) and lit by very large arched windows, one on each landing.”

But rather than reconstruct the staircase as it once was, the team of experts – including MUZA’s curator and former Project Lead, Sandro Debono; Project Architect and Head of the Integrated Design Team, Perit Robert Sant; and Perit David Zahra – applied the principle that guided them throughout the whole project: to identify the many layers that make up the building, and preserve them all.

“Reconstructing the staircase would have obliterated subsequent layers of the fabric,” says Perit Zahra. Therefore, the proposed staircase evokes the memory of space and light, while using modern materials to re-create the unique experience of La Scala Grande.”

If you haven’t visited the Auberge yet, we highly suggest that you do. Not only are the pieces of art on display beautiful and breath-taking, but there’s a lot to learn about the building too, with interesting facts and information displayed all along the walls. There’s also a stunning courtyard which makes for a perfect spot for a coffee from the in-house café and a good read.