A conservation plan for the medieval chapel of San Mikiel is-Sanċir, Rabat

Abstract

The medieval chapel of San Mikiel is-Sanċir forms part of the country’s own identity and enriches the historical narrative of Rabat, Malta. This important heritage is unfortunately on the verge of being completely lost due to its abandonment by the same society which is supposed to take pride in the survival of a 15th century monument. The chapel is one of the oldest surviving chapels in the Maltese islands and it is the Maltese society’s duty to ensure its conservation and reuse. This small stone structure was found to hold different types of significance which reveal the site’s high potential for the promotion of the country’s cultural heritage, improvement of the environment and ultimately, the economic benefit from historical touristic attractions. Its physical conditions are analysed and compared to the structure’s history in order to arrive at appropriate conclusions for what is causing the vast and rapid deterioration undergone by the structure. The main factor possibly affecting the structure’s instability appears to be the ingress of water displacing the infill between the double walls. Another factor may be the settling of foundations resting on compacted clay. Possible interventions are proposed to counteract and the structure’s probably imminent collapse suggested by the relatively rapid displacement of walls revealed by monitoring conducted by the present author. Possible management strategies are also suggested in order to render this unique monument located in relatively pristine land intact for the enjoyment of present and future generations.