Restoration Of Mdina’s Medieval Fortifications And The Greek Gate Commences
The restoration works on the Medieval Fortifications and The Greek Gate in Mdina have been initiated and are expected to be completed by the end of November 2023.
The project aims to restore the visible part of the inner main wall, which formed the land front ramparts of Mdina’s mediaeval fortifications, as well as The Greek Gate.
The Restoration and Preservation Division, responsible for site documentation, permit applications, tender contracts, and the overall execution of the project, has carried out all the necessary steps to initiate the restoration.
Minister for National Heritage, Owen Bonnici expressed the government’s commitment to investing in the preservation of heritage and ensuring its transmission to future generations.
He highlighted that these restoration works not only enhance the country’s tourism offerings but also safeguard important elements that contribute to the beauty of Mdina, the ancient city.
Architect Maria Roberta Mallia, responsible for the restoration work, outlined the tasks involved in the project.
These include cleaning the facades from biological growth and superficial deposits, removing any cementitious renders or pointing, pointing open joints with a lime-based mortar, repairing or replacing deteriorated stones, consolidating delaminated masonry, and restoring the timber apertures.
The architectural style of these fortifications shows influence from Byzantine military architecture. The inner wall is mostly hidden behind the houses along Inguanez Street, with the only visible section being the part overlooking Misrah il-Mina tal-Griegi.
This section consists of large Roman blocks repurposed and topped with smaller mediaeval stones.
The construction style primarily belongs to the late Byzantine and early Muslim period, when the original larger Roman city of Melite was resized, and Mdina, a smaller walled enclosure, was constructed. Some parts of the wall have been rebuilt in more recent times.
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