Historic Dar Saura open to the public this weekend for the first time

The 17th-century Dar Saura in Rabat will open its doors to the public this weekend. 

The grade 1 listed building, which until recently served as a home for the elderly, will be open on Saturday evening between 7.30pm and 11pm and Sunday between 9.30am and 1pm. 

The opening of the historic building is part of Rabat Sacrum, two days in which many of Rabat’s historic buildings that are usually closed to the public will be open.  

There will also be various re-enactments, including of the wartime victory kitchen, displays of wartime weapons and kit, as well as an artisan market.  

Dar Saura will be open to the public for the first time ever, giving a preview of the Malta Trust Foundation’s plans to transform the site into a National Empowerment Hub for children and youngsters with disabilities.

The opening marks a year since Malta Trust Foundation’s chair and former president of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, was symbolically handed the keys by Archbishop Charles Scicluna to the historic home for the elderly, which is now undergoing extensive restoration.  

“The Ta’ Saura National Empowerment Hub is a beacon of hope for our children and young people with disabilities. This project will not only restore a heritage site to its former beauty, but transform it into a living space where every young person can flourish,” Coleiro Preca said. 

Over the past 12 months, workers have cleared more than 100 skips of debris, removed outdated alterations, and carried out structural testing, 3D surveys and energy studies. 

The clean-up also led to the discovery of a large internal hall and other rooms that had been blocked with rubble for decades. 

The space will now be converted into a youth social club and gymnasium as part of the wider project, the foundation said.  

The foundation plans to submit planning applications for the next phase of the project soon.  

“Once approved, full modification works are expected to begin by later this year, with development continuing in phases throughout next year,” the Malta Trust Foundation said . 

The foundation is currently fundraising to cover the costs of converting the building which will rise to about €25 million.  

The foundation is also seeking to strike partnerships with national and international partners, businesses, philanthropic organisations, and the wider community to ensure the place is truly transformed into a national project. 

Coleiro Preca said the Rabat event offered the foundation the chance to give the public a unique preview of the potential of the Dar Saura’s sprawling grounds. 

This historical building, valued at €25 million was handed to the Foundation by the Archdiocese of Malta to serve as a “one-stop-shop" for families to see their children with disabilities develop their full potential and thrive. 

Between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, visitors will be able to explore Dar Saura’s historic chapels dedicated to St Nicholas and St Paul; view exhibitions by ArtBeat participants and interfaith schoolchildren; as well as enjoy concerts by young musicians from Villabianca, the foundation’s Centre for Music and the Arts.