Save centuries-old quarantine building before it’s too late, Heritage Malta told

Concern has been raised over the remains of a centuries-old quarantine building in Valletta, with the state’s heritage agency being urged to step in.

Parts of the masonry are collapsing into the sea. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Times of Malta first raised the alarm over the derelict condition of the structure in Barriera Wharf in 2018, a decade after the unique building was listed as a Grade One historic monument.

Since then, the building continued to crumble, with parts of the masonry collapsing into the sea.

The building used to form part of a much larger complex, part of which was demolished 50 years ago to build the ring road. 

Apart from its imposing architectural design by one of Malta’s most influential and prolific architects and engineers, Fra Romano Fortunato Carapecchia, the building also has a socio-economic and historic relevance as it was linked to the establishment of Lazzaretto, on the other side of the Valletta peninsula.

The derelict building as seen from the sea.

The Lazzaretto is a former quarantine facility and hospital on Manoel Island, made up of various buildings, some of which date to the 17th century.

The derelict building overlooks the Grand Harbour, the...