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

The 51 traditional stone balconies within the Manderaggio area in Victoria have been scheduled for their historical significance and their strong association with a specific period in Malta’s history. These balconies, which represent a specific craft and activity, 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. The category of balconies identified as Category Type B are those balconies that have relatively simple corbels and parapet.

Moreover, they have a rectangular shape and there is the presence of pillars especially in corners. Apart from defining the corners, these pillars also define the method of construction. In fact, these pillars make it ideal for stone slabs to be inserted between the pillars.

The relatively simple design may also provide an indication to the antiquity of the balcony. In fact, these types of balconies may be the earliest examples. However, further studies should be carried out.

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.