The City of remembrance : conservation management challenges in a 19th century extra-mural cemetery, the Santa Maria Addolorata cemetery in Malta

Abstract

During the latter part of the eighteenth century and throughout the nineteenth century, overcrowding in cities and growing concerns about public health and the risk of disease gave rise to a new institution, the modern extra-mural cemetery. Extra-mural cemeteries of this era were considered innovative because of their spatial layout, their park-like qualities, the artistic and architectural features as well as their social function. Nowadays these sites are considered historic sites and open-air museums, even while retaining their original purpose. Extra-mural cemeteries present a range of conservation challenges, many of which are shared by different cemeteries created during this era. This study identified and discussed challenges in the conservation management of such sites, based on models used in European cemeteries, in order to inform and develop a holistic approach towards the future management of the Santa Marija Addolorata Cemetery in Malta. The study examined historical and cultural developments in the management structures of the Addolorata Cemetery, based on archival research, interviews and site observations. The values and vulnerabilities of the cemetery were identified and discussed, taking into account the various perspectives of stakeholders and interest groups. The values presented included: the functional, spiritual/religions, historical, artistic, architectural, symbolical, sentimental and social but also looked into the structural, technical, ecological, educational and political. The vulnerabilities discussed encompass the physical aspects as well as administrative and legislative challenges. The analysis of these values and vulnerabilities formed the basis for recommendations for the sustainable conservation management of the resource.