Din l-Art Helwa given deeds of guardianship

After years of lobbying, Din l-Art Helwa has finally been given the deeds of guardianship to nine of the sites it restored and now maintains.

The restoration and maintenance of the properties was paid for from Din l-Art Helwa funds, with considerable input from the organisation's volunteers.

The nine properties are St Agatha's Tower (Red Tower) in Mellieha, Wignacourt Tower, Ghallis Tower, Qalet Marku Tower, Torri Mamo, the Msida Bastion Garden of Rest, Dwejra Tower in Gozo, Sta Marija Tower and Sta Marija Battery in Comino.

"We have waited a long time for this formality to be completed. We welcome the opportunity presented by the Cultural Heritage Act for us to participate actively in preserving Malta's heritage, and in presenting it for the enjoyment of generations to come," Din l-Art Helwa executive president Martin Scicluna said when contacted.

"We shall take great pride in being the guardians of these properties."

The deeds of guardianship will formally permit Din l-Art Helwa to use the properties for conservation and historic purposes and to open them to the public for education and leisure purposes.