New Additions to the Inventory: Thirteen Żabbar Properties and Ten Scheduled Water Springs

The latest update to the National Inventory brings together two comprehensive efforts undertaken by the Superintendence’s National Inventory, Research, and Archaeology Unit.

The first exercise involved the research and documentation of vernacular buildings in the Żabbar Development Zone, which originally formed part of a rural landscape. Among the notable additions is property numbered 404 – 408, Triq ix-Xgħajra, known locally as It-Torri ta’ Lourdes, an elaborate building of architectural value that is celebrated not only for its architectural merit but also for its role in the social history of Żabbar, reflected in the construction of similar structures by the same family throughout Żabbar. In fact, another such building has been included in the Inventory as part of this update. Additionally, this exercise includes associated buildings of exceptional value in Żabbar.

The second exercise focused on documenting freshwater features across Malta and Gozo, including notable sites such as Għajn Rażul in San Pawl il-Baħar and Dejr il-Bniet Nymphaeum and Freshwater Spring in Dingli. This effort also encompassed associated structures, such as the commemorative Obelisk at the Ċittadella in Gozo.

The National Inventory is a cultural heritage register curated and compiled by the Superintendence as one of its functions established by the Cultural Heritage Act (CAP 445).

The Superintendence reminds readers that the National Inventory is separate from the scheduling process of the Planning Authority, wherein the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is imbued with the authority and duty of curating a National Inventory of cultural heritage property in Malta. The Superintendence may however recommend properties and features of outsanding cultural heritage value for scheduling to the Planning Authority, which would enshrine them in an additional layer of protection.

As outlined in Article 59(1) and Article 70 of the Cultural Heritage Act 2002 (as amended), it is imperative to note that any development or intervention on these properties requires prior approval from the Superintendent. Furthermore, causing damage to any of the properties included in the Inventory, even if privately owned, is strictly prohibited and constitutes an offense punishable by law.

The Superintendence encourages the public to visit the GIS Interface on our website, which not only serves as a portal of information for all sites located in the National Inventory, but can also easily highlight the latest additions when selecting “Latest Entries” on the lefthand navigator.

The full list of properties recently added to the Inventory can be found on Government Gazette No. 21,308, dated 3rd September 2024.