The church of St. Nicholas, Mdina : a study on its urban re-integration and a proposal for its conservation

Abstract

I propose to conduct n historical research on the 5 small churches of Mdina. I will analyse this historical research, and will try to identify any physical or social links which could have existed between the 5 of them. I will see how these churches, once bearing an important role, are now no more than mere buildings in a poor condition, and will, subsequently, propose a way in which these 5 small churches could be revived altogether, and re-integrated within Mdina's urban environment. After proposing how these 5 chapels could be linked in a chain of re-uses, I would concentrate on just one church, that of St. Nicholas in particular. I will look at it in its urban context, as it was in its heyday, and as it is today, and will establish a conservation methodology. This would include a detailed description of its present condition, mapping of any present deterioration, and a proposal of how it could be conserved and maintained. The ultimate aim of any conservation project is to put the building back into good use, and hence in this dissertation I will go into the detail of showing how this church could be re-utilized in the context of linking it with the other churches.