Verdala Palace frescos to be restored

Heritage Malta will be restoring the 16th century frescos on the vaults of the main hall of the Verdala Palace in Buskett. The palace is the President's summer residence.

It is believed that these mural paintings, which were whitewashed over during the early 20th century, are the work of Filippo Paladini, who also painted the lunette scenes from the life of Grand Master Verdala (1582 - 1595), who built the palace.

Several attempts have been made to remove the covering layer in the past years, by the Malta Centre for Restoration among others, but never has a full-blown restoration project been launched to bring the frescos back to their original splendour. The parts that have been uncovered show characters from Greek mythology like Hercules, Neptune, Bacchus and Mars.

Besides uncovering the paintings, Heritage Malta will document the different layers which are believed to make up the frescos.

"The restoration is expected to shed light on the history of the palace providing fresh information on the main hall and on the artist who painted them," Kenneth Gambin, from Heritage Malta, said.

Mr Gambin said a multidisciplinary team would be responsible for the restoration. The team will include foreign experts.

The restoration, estimated to cost around Lm40,000, will be financed by the Malta Financial Services Authority, George Fenech of Tumas Group, entrepreneur Joe Gasan and building contractor Charles Polidano.

President Eddie Fenech Adami, who launched the restoration project yesterday, said the funds will go into a bank account managed by the President's Office.

Dr Fenech Adami laid an emphasis on the need to look after Malta's heritage which "deepens our knowledge and national identity".

Designed by Maltese engineer Glormu Cassar in 1586, the Verdala Palace was used as a hunting base for the grand masters. It was temporarily turned into a prison in 1800 when the French surrendered to the British.

It fell into disrepair for several years until it was given a facelift by British governor William Reid in 1855.

In 1982, it was turned into official government guest house hosting visiting heads of state.