Paving works in Valletta's Melita and Strait streets have been postponed following the discovery of sections of a wall believed to have been part of the foundations of the bakery of the Knights of the Order of St John.

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 foundation was discovered during excavation works being carried out by Enemalta as part of Transport Malta's Valletta Paving Project.

Transport Malta said paving works on both streets will resume once further investigations on these remains are concluded.