Six years after Eden Leisure Group, through the Eden Leisure Foundation, pledged €50,000 toward the restoration of the historic Guthrie Bridge, this unique piece of 19th-century engineering has finally been fully rebuilt and inaugurated at Fort Rinella.
Originally designed in 1869 by Charles T. Guthrie and built by the British forces, the Guthrie Bridge is a remarkable feat of military engineering. Its ingenious retractable mechanism allowed the fort to isolate itself from the mainland, providing maximum security during wartime. The bridge remained in use until the 1920s, after which it fell into disrepair and was eventually dismantled.
The restoration, under the stewardship of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, was initially projected to take one year but it evolved into a six-year project of research, craftsmanship, and engineering precision. Every iron, wood, and masonry component was reconstructed using the same techniques and materials as the original 19th-century design, guided by historical research and surviving British military documentation.
Comprising two main sections a rolling platform and a counterweight mechanism, the bridge has now become the only functioning example of its kind in the world. Its revival adds immense value to Malta’s cultural and technical heritage, as well as to the touristic appeal of Fort Rinella, one of the island’s most visited historical sites.
“This restoration is a perfect reflection of our Foundation’s mission. Through the Eden Leisure Foundation, we strive to ensure that the Eden Leisure Group’s success continues to create lasting value for Malta’s cultural and natural heritage. We believe that the past deserves not just to be remembered, but to be restored and experienced just as we can now experience this bridge once again in motion,” said Kate de Cesare, Chairperson of the Eden Leisure Foundation.
Mario Farrugia, Chairman of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, remarked: “For over 30 years, restoring the Guthrie Bridge was a dream. Thanks to the support of the Eden Leisure Foundation, that dream is now a reality. This is more than just a restoration, it’s the rebirth of a world-first piece of engineering.”
The newly restored Guthrie Bridge is now open to the public as part of Fort Rinella’s guided tours, where visitors can witness its remarkable mechanical retraction system in action, a true testament to 19th-century innovation and 21st-century dedication.
