Lija church restoration enters second phase

The second phase of the restoration project of the Lija parish church, which involves the cleaning and waterproofing of the roof and the cupola, sponsored by Bank of Valletta, is underway.

The work on the cupola lantern has been completed and this phase is expected to be ready in a year's time.

The project has been planned out in three distinct phases. The first phase involved the restoration of the façade and the steeples, which has been completed, while the final phase will involve the restoration of artist Giuseppe Calì's paintings that adorn the church's ceiling.

The waterproofing of the roof in this second phase is necessary in order to prevent seeping rainwater from damaging the paintings, a spokesman for the restorers said.

Sponsorship was presented to parish priest Fr David Gauci by Bank of Valletta.

The first phase cost about Lm25,000 to complete and that of this second stage is expected to be in the region of Lm20,000.