The quarrying and the concrete block industries in Malta 1962-1972

Abstract

Though Malta does not possess the great scenic delights of other countries, yet it has a beauty of its own. Infact, man's activities throughout the ages have left a rich heritage in the constant changes affected on the islands' environment. In particular, human culture in all its various degrees are stages of evolution and achievement has left its own contribution etched on, carved on, hollowed out of or built from the islands' sole natural building material, stone. In Malta, the rock outcrops nearly everywhere, with a very inadequate soil cover. From this stony landscape emerge towns, villages, streets, palaces, churches, houses and farm-dwellings, all built of the same native stone. In pre-historic times, the inhabitants learnt to build impressive temples using the islands' stone, choosing large stone boulders which occurred naturally or which are easily split off the bedrock by natural cracks and faults. The Romans built their villas of the same material, sometimes using pottery lozenge shaped tiles for paving. Though little has survived from the Middle Ages, there is no doubt that the native building material remained in use- and not only for the walls of. Under the Knights, more stone buildings than ever was carried out, the Grand Harbour itself being gradually surrounded with imposing bastions and buildings [...].