Important Cottoner monument restored

A bust of Grand Master Nicolas Cottoner, one of the finest bronze works in Malta, was being hoisted back to the top of Notre Dame Gate in Vittoriosa this morning in a delicate operation which followed much needed restoration.

The bust was taken down four years ago for a project which also involved restoration of the gate, since the pedestal could no longer support the weight of the monument.

The gate, also known as Bieb is-Sultan, was built in 1675 and now serves as the headquarters of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, which carried out the restoration works. Grand Master Nicolas Cottoner, after whom Cottonera is called, had built a line of fortifications spanning Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea.

The French in their two-year occupation of Malta has tried to take the bust to France but their vessel was intercepted off Malta by the Royal Navy and the work was returned to Malta.

Picture: Darrin Zammit Lupi