17th century chapel restored

Important restoration works have been carried out at St Michael's Chapel, a 17th century edifice situated within walking distance of Kennedy Grove in the limits of Naxxar.

The restoration project was financially supported by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa), through the Environment Initiative Partnership Programme (EIPP) fund but would not have been realised without the personal and financial intervention of businessman Mark Vassallo, Mepa said.

The aim of the EIPP is to enhance and protect Malta's natural environment and cultural heritage using funds secured through what is known as "planning gain".

Planning gain is often sought by Mepa as a means of environmental compensation for impacts that may result from development, when these impacts cannot be reasonably mitigated. The planning gain used in this case was a condition imposed on the development application permit granted for the construction of a residence in the vicinity.

The extensive works that were carried out in the chapel included the restoration of the façade in particular the small niche above the doorway, the carved stone terminal spheres, the bell tower and stone cross on the roof top.

Other works included the removal of old cement repairs and other defective renders and the restoration of outer and inner walls, the ceiling and adjacent sacristy. Maintenance works were carried out to the rooftop, stone steps leading up to the doorway, the stone-carved sculptural motif surrounding the titular painting and the polychrome altar. Works still need to be carried out on the landscape around the chapel.

Situated close to the more visible chapel dedicated to the Annunciation in Salina, the Chapel of St Michael's was built in around 1652, possibly with funds from the alms of the people of Naxxar. Records also show that in 1659, a certain Girolama Zammit set up a foundation for a sung mass and a sermon on the feast day of St Michael and for the singing of vespers on the eve.

The chapel was in regular use in the first half of the 20th century, when the rural community residing in the area collected 25 shillings for the offering of Holy Mass every Sunday. After the last war, the MUSEUM society used it to hold meetings.

At present the chapel, which nowadays forms part of the Burmarrad parish church, is used only for Mass on the last Sunday in September, which commemorates the feast of St Michael .

Through the EIPP scheme, Mepa is currently also financing various other projects around the islands. These include the restoration of dilapidated historic buildings and structures, maintenance of derelict archaeological sites, tree planting projects, embellishment works, and projects related to the marine environment.