The historic buildings lining the Valletta Waterfront define the character of this charming and popular attraction, drawing locals and visitors alike all year round, capturing the imagination with scenes of times gone by.
Two of these buildings, referred to as Forni Stores, have recently been unveiled by Valletta Cruise Port, operators of the Valletta Waterfront, following an elaborate 11-month restoration process that saw each individual stone numbered, repaired or replaced, cleaned manually from accumulated dirt and dust, particularly on the stones constructing the ledges or protruding parts of the building.
“Working on buildings of this age and cultural significance is an honour which however comes with a great responsibility,” says Stephen Xuereb, CEO of Valletta Cruise Port. “Valletta Cruise Port strives to bring the beauty of these buildings into the future, actively preserving our heritage whilst planning for our common future.”
The buildings consist of two separate blocks varying in size and proportion. The block closer to Pinto Stores, known as Forni 1, was built in 1720 with the façade divided into two bays. The other block, built in 1626, is known as Forni 2 and is composed of three bays.
Although the stores are believed to have been constructed to provide storage facilities in the port, in 1810, they were converted by the British Navy into a bakery.
“This was the first naval bakery that furnished the growing navy with ship biscuits. The dramatic increase in the size of the navy during the first half of the 19th century resulted in the need for a larger bakery, specifically built to meet the required efficient rate of biscuit production, thus meaning that Forni Stores were otherwise used during more recent history,” the port notes.
With Valletta Waterfront located in the Grand Harbour and highly susceptible to the natural elements, attention is given to protecting such historical edifices from elemental erosion.
“It is vital to preserve Malta’s unique architectural heritage, especially through the conservation of our traditional landscape and local stone,” says Mr Xuereb.
“As operators of Valletta Cruise Port we constantly receive remarks from ship captains and crew that the sight of our historic port edifices glistening in the light of the Mediterranean sun is one of the most welcoming sights in any port worldwide. It is our prerogative to be curators of this parcel of land within our historic Grand Harbour and to sustain efforts to preserve it.”
Photography: Valletta Cruise Port
