Historical Chapel In San Gwann Undergoes Majestic Restoration
The chapel of St Philip and St James in the heart of San Gwann, originates from the early 1730s, standing as a testament to the region’s rich heritage.
A notarized document from 18th October 1732 reveals that the provost of the Birkirkara Chapter, Fr. Gaspare Giuseppe Vassallo, had declared the erection of this chapel on the notable land of Ta’ Wied Ghomor.
Over time, the chapel’s significance evolved. Initially an integral part of Birkirkara, it was later transferred to the San Gwann parish during the latter half of the 20th century, especially with the establishment of the Kuncizzjoni parish in Tal-Ibragg.
Fast forward to the present day, and the San Gwann Local Council took the initiative to bring back its former glory, with the project becoming one of the thirteen distinguished selections from the 2022 Local Councils Scheme.
The restoration venture began in late May 2023 and was concluded by the end of July 2023.
The significance of the chapel is further highlighted by its Grade 1 scheduling, as noted in the Government Gazette 790 of 1994. This denotes the structure’s importance and the high level of protection it enjoys due to its historical and architectural value.
Entrusted to the skilled hands of the Restoration and Preservation Department, every step of the restoration process was carried out meticulously. Their expert interventions ranged from thorough cleaning of the façades to the repair of damaged masonry using specialised techniques. The restoration emphasised preserving the chapel’s authenticity while ensuring its longevity.
With a project cost totaling €16,000, this endeavour wasn’t just about reviving a building; it was about rekindling the spirit of San Gwann’s history and its sense of community.
The renovated chapel now stands not only as a symbol of religious significance but also as a beacon of the town’s dedication to preserving its cultural treasures.
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