The two bells of the old clock tower in the Gozo Citadel are back in place. Yesterday week, after undergoing an overdue restoration, the bells were hoisted and fitted together with a new chiming mechanism at 4 p.m. The clock struck again at 5.45 p.m.
The bells were removed for restoration last April.
The restoration work was entrusted to campanologist Kenneth Cauchi, who has specialised in similar restoration work on other prestigious bells such as the one at Mdina Cathedral, the oldest in the Maltese islands.
The work was carried out in Mr Cauchi's laboratory and mainly included the removal of various coats of paint which had been applied during previous renovation interventions.
The bronze exterior has now been protected by various layers of corrosion inhibitor chemicals to stabilise the surface, which was badly deteriorated in particular places.
The hour strike bell, cast in 1819, was the worst for wear - the rust staining of the bronze surface was more extensive than expected and was the main cause for the delay in the restoration.
Ironically, the much older quarter-strike bell, cast at the beginning of the 18th century, was in much better condition, although it had other problems. Being older, the bell has been used much more than its turret partner and as a result, the soundbow of the bell was entirely riddled with indents caused by the clock's wrought iron drop mallets. signifying that the bell was turned several times during its term of service.
During the restoration work the founders' marks were found on the bell's groove indicating the confirmation of the weight of the bell.
The restoration work included the ferrous structures that supported the bells on the turret roof. These structures have been modified to suit the bells' future needs, hence facilitating the modification of their hanging position to minimise the mallets' indents on the soundbows of both bells.
This work has been entirely documented so as to protect the clock's historic authenticity.
The installation work was co-ordinated by the Department of Projects and Development of the Gozo Ministry.