Foundations of knights' bakery believed found in Strait Street
Sections of a wall believed to have been the foundation of the knights' bakery has been discovered in Strait Street, Valletta.
The discovery was made during trenching by Enemalta workers.
The workers uncovered sections of wall, in some cases four courses high.
Denis Darmanin, a student of Baroque architecture and an active volunteer within St. Augustine's Parish Church, said that what was particular about these remains was that they run parallel to the adjacent buildings in Strait Street, leading one to believe that they were very likely to be the foundations of the order's bakery.
The bakery was designed by Gerolamo Cassar in 1584 and had occupied the entire block bordered by Old Bakery Street, Melita Street, St. John Street and Strait Street. It produced most of the bread for Valletta and Floriana, as well as for the garrison and the Order's fleet.
The bakery continued to operate until the 19th century but slowly fell into a state of neglect and closed down.
In the1930s the building was bought by architect Ruggier Vincenti, who demolishing it and replaced it with the office and residential block which was named after him, Vincenti Buildings.
Arch. Vincenti had planned the new building with a slight set-back at Strait Street, giving this part of the road a widened section and better architectural perspective of his new building.
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Mr Mario Borg
Jul 12th 2011, 14:17
The knights' bakery didn't just slowly fall into a state of neglect. After the british built the Birgu bakery in 1845 the Valletta bakery became redundant and was used as a warehouse. This is where it's importance diminished and it slowly became a prime candidate for real estate development. Such a pity.
Joan Nelson
Jul 12th 2011, 16:59
Yes, it's a pity. They could have perhaps kept both bakeries. Now this one will be turned into a museum of sorts. Hope it will be a functional one. I am sure it would serve many popping establishments around Valletta.
Mr Mario Borg
Jul 12th 2011, 13:20
The knights' bakery didn't just slowly fall into a state of neglect. After the british built the Birgu bakery in 1845 the Valletta bakery became redundant and was used as a warehouse. This is where it's importance diminished and it slowly became a prime candidate for real estate development. Such a pity.
g.c.Forte
Mar 18th 2010, 08:18
Very interesting picture. So what we are looking is Old Bakery street, and the man who is walking ( no he is not my grand dad ), is going ,let say out, of Valletta, am I right ? I believe it was a busy street, more than to day, because even a peanut seller there was. @ C.Cappitta...I am sure that mario camilleri is not refering to my cat " FUSS ". he..he..
carmel cauchi
Mar 18th 2010, 01:42
Mario camilleri asked to save the visible steps of st.John's St.Itis better him to pay attention for the dirty water thrown every evening by a shop inSt.John st.angle with Old Bakery for the detriment of the passers-by.
mario camilleri
Mar 17th 2010, 17:53
WHY THE BIG FUSS. WHY NOT TRY TO SAVE WHAT IS STILL VISIBLE,LIKE THE STEPS IN ST.JOHN STREET AS SHOWN IN THE PHOTO.
G. Cappitta
Mar 17th 2010, 18:20
What fuss are you talking about? hehe