A Geometric Analysis of Masonry Sail Vaults at the Magistral Palace, Valletta, for the Study of Maltese Stereotomy

Abstract

The research deals with an interesting interdisciplinary case study for the knowledge and dissemination of masonry sail vaults in Malta between the 16th and the 17th centuries. In particular, it focuses on the sail vaults of the Magistral Palace, which have a distinctive structure. Based on a digital survey, the necessary data was extrapolated to critically analyse the geometry, through drawing and three-dimensional modelling. The paper, therefore, presents graphical and geometric investigations, which complement the study of the history of the Magistral Palace. Comparisons with the Maltese architectural context between the 16th and 17th centuries show the use of different solutions for the construction of sail vaults, according to different geometries. This implies knowledge of the international debate on the theory of stonecutting at the time.