FWA expresses concern for historic chapel

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna has expressed concern about the lack of security at the ancient chapel dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin within the walls of Fort St Angelo in Vittoriosa.

For some weeks, the doors of the unattended chapel have been left broken.

Given the present state at Fort St Angelo, where public access is no longer controlled, vandals and like-minded individuals can cause serious damage to this chapel, FWA said.

FWA executive director Mario Farrugia said the chapel is one of the oldest known in Malta, being first mentioned in a document dated 1217.

It stands along the ramp leading into the inner castrum. Its present configuration is a combination of rock cut features dating from the late middle ages and a modern reconstructed front possibly replicating the original.

The overall size of the chapel is rather small, however, its historic importance is rather great, being one of the oldest recorded.

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna appealed for urgent preventive action to be taken to secure this ancient chapel against further abuse.