Visitors can look at the chapel of Santa Marija ta' Bir Miftuħ in a new light following the installation of an LED system.

The smart lighting, as it is called, reduces carbon emissions, electricity consumption and recurrent expenditure.

A pilot project, the system is expected to be installed in other heritage sites managed by Din l-Art Ħelwa.

The mediaeval church dates back to 1435 and contains unique fresco fragments of the Last Judgement, which demand stable atmospheric conditions.

These lighting systems are totally different from those in use on the market. Each LED gives off the same quality of light as a normal incandescent high-consumption bulb, Jonathan Borg, managing director of Smart Light Systems, said.

From the moment you switch on, the light is immediately at its optimum level of intensity, without any delay.

"The LEDs give off cold light, which is of particular benefit at Bir Miftuħ to maintain stable atmospheric conditions and minimal variations in the chapel's microclimate which is of great importance in the preservation of the historic frescoes found there," he said.