Anton Borg, Valletta
Wonderful restoration at Fort Manoel
The statue of Grand Master de Vilhena where it once stood near St Anthony's Chapel in Fort Manoel.
I would like to congratulate all those involved in the restoration of Fort Manoel.
My family and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in this truly magnificent place during the open weekend. I thought the wonderfully restored church of St Anthony of Padua, with the sublime music playing inside, was simply superb. I hope it will be re-consecrated one day.
A final fitting gesture to this immense restoration project would be to create a replica of the beautiful monument of Grand Master de Vilhena (currently in Floriana), who was the fort's benefactor. This replica can be placed where the original stood at the centre of the square (see picture).
Once again well done Midi and we'll look forward to the next open day!
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Margaret Bozzino
Nov 16th 2009, 21:44
Many thanks to Perit Edward Said. His enthusiasm in showing us around Fort manoel was contagious. His knowledge on the History of the fortifications was amazing.Wonderful to see a once derelict place in the process of restoration.Well done and we look forward to the completion of the restoration .
A.Charles
Nov 16th 2009, 20:40
Perit Edward Said did mention, on the open day, that a replica of GM de Vilena of the statue placed in the piazza of Fort Manoel. I take this opportunity to thank Perit Said for his lucid and learned talk he gave when he took a very attentive crowd around the Fort.
Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi
Nov 16th 2009, 17:01
The photograph in this article was taken before 1860, as the statue of GM de Vilhena was moved from Manoel island during the early part of governor Le Marchand's administration.
Tonio Bone
Nov 16th 2009, 14:45
This is a perfect example of how the private sector can be asked to invest in our heritage. Midi have done an outstanding job at Manoel Island and I do hope this will not be a one off. Capital investment on infrastructure, rehabilitation and restoration should be left to the private sector. The government should incentivate this and only spend when projects are co-financed by the EU. We do NOT have the resources to fund any flamboyant projects. Well done Midi. Others follow the example please.
Paul Borg
Nov 16th 2009, 10:55
That place should be the home of the Parliament of the People of Malta,