Major Restoration Efforts Underway At The Historic Lunzjata Church In Siġġiewi
Extensive restoration and underground consolidation works are currently being carried out at the historic Lunzjata Church, located in the Salib tal-Għolja area of Siġġiewi. These essential works aim to preserve the site, which has long been at risk due to the unstable nature of the rock on which the church stands. The project is expected to be completed by June 2025.
Minister for National Heritage, Owen Bonnici, accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, visited the restoration project.
“The restoration of Lunzjata Church demonstrates our commitment to preserving Malta’s rich cultural and historical heritage. This project not only restores an important historical monument but also ensures its stability and safety for future generations,” Minister Bonnici stated during his visit.
“I am pleased with the progress made so far and commend the workers and everyone involved in this significant project,” added Minister Bonnici.
The original church is thought to have been built in the second half of the 15th century. Historical records indicate that the church was rebuilt between 1680 and 1681 but suffered significant damage from earthquakes in 1693, 1856, and 1923. Over time, the church fell into disrepair.
The restoration project, which includes continuous documentation of the church’s structure and geological movements, has involved reinforcing the unstable cave structure and strengthening its roof with a concrete layer. Temporary reinforced concrete beams have been installed to support the heavy machinery required for underground piling. Additionally, the church’s roof has been temporarily dismantled, and the floor removed in preparation for upcoming works.
This restoration initiative is being carried out under an agreement between the Department of Restoration and Preservation, within the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, and the Archdiocese of Malta. A total of €1.2 million is being invested to save this important site.
Dr. Adrian Mifsud has been appointed by the Archdiocese as the geotechnical consultant responsible for the design and supervision of the underground consolidation works. The Government, through the Department of Restoration and Preservation, is responsible for the overall project management, supervision of all restoration interventions on the church building, and covering the costs related to both the restoration on-site and the underground consolidation.
Present during the visit were Siġġiewi Mayor, Architect Julian Borg, along with other members of the Local Council and Archpriest Josef Mifsud.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli expressed her satisfaction with the restoration efforts. “The preservation and restoration of our cultural heritage, in this case, religious heritage, is an important part of this government’s work. Our generation and future ones have an obligation to maintain and care for what our forefathers passed down to us,” concluded Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli.