Sundial on Old University, Valletta, Malta
Posted by: 
arby101ca
N 35° 53.891 E 014° 30.928
33S E 456273 N 3972763
A sundial dated 1695 is on the south east wall of the old Jesuit University in Valletta Malta
Waymark Code: WM8J99
Location: Malta
Date Posted: 04/08/2010
Views: 17
One of the prominent old buildings in Valletta, Malta is the Old University founded by the Jesuits. One of the demonstrations of their scientific knowledge is the sundial facing St Paul Street, high on the south wall declining 30 degrees east. The dial shows hour lines from 5 am to 3 pm. The date indications include the ends of the hour lines indicate the solstice limits and a slanted equatorial line. It is prominently dated, 13 August 1695.
The Latin motto reads "TEMPUS ERIT QUANDO CESSABIT TEMPUS ERITQUE LUX AETERNA BONIS NOX SINE FINE MALIS" or "There will be a time when time will cease and there will be eternal light for the good and endless night for the wicked."
Unfortunately the sundial has been neglected. The university is closed and building has other short term occupants. A dark stain from a rain spout obscures the right side and a brushy weed is growing in a chink between the stones. This dial is in need of some simple maintenance, weeding and cleaning.
Signs of the Jesuit history remain. Directly across St Paul Street from the sundial is Xavier House and a statue of St Francis Xavier, founder of the Jesuit Order still occupies the niche on Merchant Street, the north west corner of the building.
Sundial Type: Vertical - Wall mounted dial plate
Related Web Site: Not listed
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