Extensive Restoration Of Santa Liena Bastion And Gate In Cospicua Completed
The Ministry for National Heritage has successfully completed extensive restoration work on the bastion walls and Santa Liena Gate in Cospicua. The Restoration and Preservation Department within the Ministry carried out the restoration of the fortification walls between St. John’s Bastion and Santa Liena Bastion, part of the Santa Margerita fortifications in Cospicua.
The restoration work, which began in April of last year, covered 320 metres of fortification walls and included the Santa Liena Gate. This project was completed with an investment of €1.2 million.
This was announced by the Minister Owen Bonnici and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli during an onsite visit.
Minister Owen Bonnici highlighted the importance of undertaking such restoration projects to safeguard historic fortifications and preserve the national heritage for future generations. He stated that this project is part of a series of conservation initiatives being implemented by the Government to protect and restore historical buildings in our country.
“The €1.2 million investment in this project not only helps preserve our history and cultural heritage but also enhances the cultural experience for both Maltese people and tourists,” Minister Bonnici concluded.
Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli added, “The restoration and conservation of historic sites continue to add value to Maltese and Gozitan localities. Local councils play an important role in this area as they are well aware of the needs of their communities.”
The fortification walls were built in the 18th century and include the Santa Liena Gate, also known as Porta dei Mortari. This Baroque-style gate was designed by French military engineer Charles François de Mondion, the resident engineer of the Order.
The works included cleaning the stone, preserving the original patina where possible, removing cement-based repairs, consolidating and filling cracks, replacing deteriorated stone and restoring the banquettes and platforms above the gate. Damaged sections of the upper parts of the fortifications, which suffered during World War II, were also rebuilt. A rock-bolting technique was used to stabilise sections of fractured rock along a 100-metre stretch.
The Mayor of Cospicua, Marco Agius, and the Cospicua Local Council were also present during the visit.