Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Maltese islands (69a)

Although the stone balconies in Gozo had already been afforded statutory group protection under Article 6 (2) of the Antiquities (Protection) Act 1925 by their inclusion in the Antiquities (Protection) List of 1932 which was later revised in 1937 and 1939, the generic nature of some of these entries created deficiencies.

Mepa decided to draw up an inventory and carry out in-depth studies before it could schedule 51 traditional stone balconies within the Manderaggio area in Victoria.

The stone balconies which are found within 42 properties have been scheduled for their historical significance through their strong association with a specific period in Malta’s history and with a specific craft and activity.

These balconies carry distinct aesthetic significance since they illustrate a certain degree of creative, technical and technological achievement while they have a strong social meaning and an important element that represents a community’s sense of place.

Mepa has categorised all the identified stone balconies in the area into four divisions based on the main characteristics which relate to the design and decorations of the parapet, the plan of the balcony and design and decorations of the corbels.

Three of the four categories have been scheduled. These being:

Type A: These balconies have a significantly elaborate corbels, parapet and plan;

Type B: These balconies have a mix of both simple and elaborate characteristics;

Type C: These balconies have relatively simple corbels and parapet and also have a rectangular shape and usually have pillars in their corners;

Mepa scheduled properties with their traditional stone balcony (types A, B and C) as a Grade 2 properties as per Government Notice number 36/11 in the Government Gazette dated January 18, 2011.