Restoration works start at Fort St Angelo
Restoration works at Fort St Angelo have been embarked upon by Heritage Malta, in collaboration with the Restoration Unit within the Resources Ministry.
The first task is the restoration of the bell-cot, its bell and the surrounding area of the cavalier.
Although a period piece, the bell hanging on the bastions of Fort St Angelo is not the one that might have been in place during the Great Siege of 1565.
This is because it carries an engraved inscription on its top which states “Anno Dni 1716 …” This is also supported by stylistic considerations, which point to an 18th century manufacturing date.
The bell will be examined by Heritage Malta conservators, before being put back in place, following the restoration of the badly damaged bell-cot. The structure supporting the bell seems to have been erected around the mid-20th century and replaced a loftier bell-cot that surmounted the former towering guardroom on the same cavalier.
In September, Heritage Malta, the agency managing parts of the Fort, filed a full development application with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority for emergency works in various parts of the Fort.
The Culture Ministry, which is responsible for Heritage Malta, was allocated 1.5 million euros in the last budget for emergency works at Fort St Angelo.
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Stephen Borg Cardona
Jan 8th 2010, 21:37
One hopes that the Order Of St John feels morally obliged to contribute towards the restoration of the Fort. I am sure that it would be very easy for the Order to raise the necessary funds.
tony abela
Jan 8th 2010, 19:37
Our mind should be at rest that this jewel of heritage is at long last being taken care of, even if the present task is just a very small percentage of the attention necessary. But most of all we should be glad that this work is entrusted in the expertise hands of Heritage Malta and the Restoration Unit within the Resources Ministry. As these are not only the professionals in Conservation and Restoration, but they do it from the bottom of their heart.
I invite the Maltese public to visit the Blessed Sacrament Oratory at Zejtun which has just been Conserved and Restored by the same group of specialists of Heritage Malta and the Old Parish of Zejtun, known as St Gregory's Church, which was Conserved and Restored by the Restoration Unit.
It is disgraceful that both these Units are understaffed and under budget.
Please, Dear Government, put the beef where it is mostly needed.
Jesmond Micallef
Jan 8th 2010, 17:51
Well done. The Maltese people should look at their heritage with pride and joy. Moreover if one plays an important part in its restoration. Its a rediscovery of our own ancestors, our own roots. It is also a sign of Love and Respect to ones native homeland. With my best wishes.
victor pulis
Jan 8th 2010, 17:13
The work being carried out on the bell cot is like treating a man dying of cancer by cutting his fingernails. We want to see real restoration work.I am talking with passion here. This is just cosmetic surgery . The real problems are not on the cavalier but in the inner structure.
Trevor Mizzi
Jan 8th 2010, 16:48
Finally!!! It's ABOUT time!!!! The Govt should be ashamed letting such a jewel in that state for this many years.
victor pulis
Jan 8th 2010, 16:01
I once read that Tthe bell used during the siege is in St. Julian's old parish church.
Andrew Messina
Jan 8th 2010, 15:53
About time.
maquilina
Jan 8th 2010, 15:46
This is a step forward but no significant step. The fort is in an absolute real mess and this is saying it politely. The item about this bell really is a red herring political move to avert attention that something is really being done in the fort. Indeed there were much more priorities to start from ..........however it is still a step forward in the right direction.....
Martina Chircop
Jan 8th 2010, 15:27
Well Done! Fort St Angelo is a gem which should be cherished.