As Rabat and the Augustinian parish of St Mark prepare for the feast of Our Lady of the Girdle (Madonna taċ-Ċintura), the Department of Public Works has completed the restoration of the church’s historic bell tower, originally built in 1910. Now, after 115 years, the tower has been given back its beauty and original splendour – luckily, ahead of the feast of Madonna taċ-Ċintura, celebrated at the end of October.

Known among locals as ‘il-Kampnar tas-Sultan’ (The Sultan’s Bell Tower) due to its prominent position overlooking the area, the structure forms part of the Augustinian convent in Rabat and stands as one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks.

As part of the works, a new energy-efficient lighting system has been installed to illuminate the architectural details of the tower, enhancing its nighttime aesthetic too. Additionally, a protective system was set up to safeguard the historic structure against storms and lightning.

So if you’re wandering in the Rabat area, day or night, take a moment to go admire the revamped tower that’s been watching over Rabat for well over a century!

Have you seen it yet?