Restored Flemish tapestries back in Malta

Two world unique Flemish tapestries were returned to Malta this morning following restoration in Belgium

The two tapestries, form part of a set of 29, all of which are being restored. They had been given to St John's CoCathedral by Grand Master Ramon Perellos in 1701.

The two restored tapestries are The Triumph of Charity and The Institution of Jesus Christ.

Parliamentary Secretary Clyde Puli told a news conference that about one million euro was being dedicated to the restoration of the tapestries. This was apart from the assistance being given by the Belgian Defence Ministry which was financing their transport.

Paul Attard, a member of the St John CoCathedral Foundation said the tapestries were bought for 40,000 skud - the equivalent of 23,000 euros. The restoration process started in 2006 and is expected to take about 10 years.

Four have been restored and another two are to be sent to Belgium tomorrow for them to start undergoing the process.

The tapestries were in the centre of a controversy earlier this year when an underground museum proposed by the St John's CoCathedral Foundation to house them and other artifacts that adorn the cathedral was opposed and the project was eventually withdrawn.

It is not yet known where the restored tapesteries are to be hung.