Vandalised ancient farmstead to be restored

The farmstead is believed to date back to medieval times.

A historic farmstead in Manikata is being restored to its former glory after years of neglect and vandalism.

Known as ir-Razzett tal-Qasam, the farmstead, believed to date back to medieval times, is now in ruins.

Restoration work will be carried out by the Koperattiva Rurali Manikata, set up a year ago in a bid to bolster the agriculture sector in this region. The Rural Affairs Ministry recently entered into a management agreement with the co-operative to restore the farmstead.

The co-operative faces a mammoth task. When the area was being cleared up, two stone water spouts were found lying in heaps of debris. All the rest had been stolen. Its coat of arms went missing about 15 years ago.

KRM has called on the public to relay any old photos of the farmstead especially the coat of arms dating back to the Knights. This is very important in order to ensure the farmstead is restored to its original condition. This farmstead has much significance for the local community of Manikata and the co-operative.

The building techniques indicate that it was built over a long span of time, probably centuries, dating from medieval times to modern day.

The buildings and caves of this rural complex were used both as residences for farmers, who probably hailed from Mosta and tilled the land in Għajn Tuffieħa, as well as for the rearing of animals.

In 1920, the government issued the first building plots in modern-day Manikata. Slowly, families started moving out to the new urban centre sprouting around the two Manikata churches.

The last inhabitant left the farmstead in the early 1980s. It has remained abandoned for 25 years.

Comments

mark tanti (on 17/8/08)

Well done to this newly born NGO. This project should be fully supported by the responsible authorities. This is what we expect from our NGO's and not opposeing each and every project wheter being an underground/rising going to the right or to the left.

Mario Cardona (on 17/8/08)

This is a very exciting project for us at the coop at Manikata. Whoever wishes to contact our cooperative might do so on info@manikatafarmers.com. Any information about the farmstead is very welcome. To learn more about the Ir-Razzett tal-Qasam, about Manikata and about the activities of our coop please visit our website: www.manikatafarmers.com

Tanya Briffa (on 17/8/08)

Well Done! This the is one of the happiest bits of news I've read in a long time. I wish you all "buon lavoro" with this project and look forward to when I might visit the restored farmstead with my daughter. I hope this incites further restoration works around the island, which might benefit us locals and tourists alike.