Passing through St Paul’s Street, in Valletta, on crossing Archbishop Street, very few people would notice that there is an old sundial.

This sundial is situated high up on the back wall of the Jesuit’s church, near the Old University building.

Bearing the motto Tempus Erit Quando Cessabit Tempus Eritque Lux Aeterna Bonis Nox Sine Finis Malis (there will be a time when time will cease and there will be eternal light for the good and endless night for the wicked), this sundial is dated August 13, 1695 and shows hour lines from 5am to 3pm.

Unfortunately, this sundial is in a neglected state.

Some of the stonework is crumbling and there is what seems to be a large water stain on its right. Apart from this, there also seems to be a bust dangling from the tip of the gnomon.

Can the authorities concerned, that is, the government, the Church authorities, the University or the Valletta local council, restore this small part of our heritage to its former glory so that it will be more visible to the people passing through this part of the street?

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