The majestic Gran Salon hall, easily one of the most impressive features of the Auberge de Provence, has kept a little secret for hundreds of years... 

As Heritage Malta undertook a restoration project at this very same hall, researchers discovered evidence of an arch that had previously been blocked off. This discovery gave way to the uncovering of a wall painting dating back to the period of the Knights of St John. 

Crazy, right? 

“A small part of the arch was opened to assess further and we will now be undertaking an interdisciplinary investigation to better assess and research the discovery of this early decorative scheme,” Heritage Malta CEO Noel Zammit said. 

“The restoration project started four years ago through the BOV-Heritage Malta Partnership and our dedicated conservators have practically restored and conserved half of the Gran Salon walls following scientific analysis and continuous data extraction he continued.” 

As restorers uncovered more and more of the artwork, they found out that it shows an image often associated with Greek mythology – a hand holding a trident, typically sumbolic of Poseidon. 

The mural could give us a better idea of how the Gran Salon was decorated in the 19th century. 

“We look forward to opening up this magnificent space to the public once restoration is complete, hopefully with other discoveries and surprises that we will encounter along this journey,” the Heritage Malta CEO concluded. 

Are you excited to see this beauty?