The facade of the Old University Building in Valletta is slowly but surely regaining its former glory as a restoration project works its magic.

The €1.5 million project is tackling an area of over 8,000 square metres, while tenders for internal work will be left to the second phase. The first phase should be ready by the end of next year.

The project envisages the restoration of both the Jesuits church and the Old University Building.

The restoration of the outside of the Jesuits church was finalised in 2018.

Works started with the Jesuit Church.

Works are currently undergoing on the outside fabric of the old collegium, with works on the façade of the Old University overlooking St Paul’s street finalised.

Works are currently underway on the façade overlooking Merchant Street, with restoration works on the St Christopher street façade starting in the coming weeks.

The façade facing Merchant Street has large amounts of cement plasters on the lower storey, probably due to large deterioration and these are currently being removed using hand tools to avoid damage. The façade also has large amounts of black crusts, which will be cleaned carefully. It also has considerable areas of highly deteriorated stones especially on lower levels and around window apertures. Works will also include restoration of statues and their pedestal, present on the façade.

The proposed works for the St Christopher street façade are very similar to the works on Merchant street and to St Paul’s too, the latter being the latest phase to be completed.

This portion of the façade is not part of the original structure dating back to the early 1600s but is one of the later reconstructions, which occurred throughout the building’s use.

The current main entrance to the Old University lies along this façade. Its imposing portico was constructed in 1824 and is an example of neoclassical architecture, with the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom.

The corner statue of St Stanislaus Kosta, which was heavily damaged in an impact by a passing vehicle, was painstakingly restored and painted for protection. All the apertures were cleaned, maintained and painted including the two large gates on the ground floor.