Heritage Malta wants to transform Fort St Angelo into a cultural experience
Heritage Malta has prepared plans to apply for €10 million from the EU to upgrade Fort St Angelo and its environs, turning it into a tourist attraction, which would give one a cultural experience.
The agency this afternoon took the media on a tour round the fort, on which emergency works should start to be carried out in October.
Exploratory works in preparation for the emergency works are currently being carried out.
These works are to be concentrated around the main entrance, which is also at risk of collapse, the outside ramp and the De Guiral Battery.
The debris that had been thrown after the war has already been cleared and archaeological remains were found.
The emergency works also include the removal of the swimming pool, built in the 1980s, and the water tower.
It is suspected that remains which contain important information dating back to medieval times might be found beneath the pool.
Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario De Marco said that Heritage Malta was in talks with the Order of the Knights of St John and the Cottonera Waterfront Group, both of which occupied parts of the fort, to ensure that there would be one vision for the project and all activities would be complementary.
Heritage Malta architect Rueben Abela said that all pre-1979 structures would be retained as until then the fort had been an active military base.
However, some structures might be removed if this would increase the archaeological value of the fort.
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Paul Richard Chetcuti
Jan 4th, 01:25
there are advertisments shown the fort is for sale, we created a page to support the cause of the fort and its NOT for sale, pls. come and support us....https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Fort-Sant-Angelo-is-NOT-for-sale/139254522855872
Paul Richard Chetcuti
Jan 4th, 01:21
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Fort-Sant-Angelo-is-NOT-for-sale/139254522855872
victor pulis
Sep 5th 2010, 11:35
Join the facebook group St. Angelo and add your views.
victor pulis
Sep 5th 2010, 11:31
This paragraph was taken from an article in the Malta Independent;
'The British used it as a seabase (HMS St Angelo). It suffered the worst damage during World War II, especially in the massive attack by German bombers on the HMS Illustrious which was berthed alongside. One plane is said to have been flown right into the bastions over the quay.'
1.HMS Illustrious was never berthed alongside the fort. It was berthed near where the Red China Dock stands today.
2. I have never heard of any German plane being flown into the fort's bastion although bombs did demolish part of d'Homedes bastion and other parts of the fort.
Christopher Grillo
Sep 5th 2010, 08:53
Well done Heritage Malta...as a son of an ex-British Serviceman, I practically grew up in the fort, and everytime I am in Birgu, i am saddened by the state it has degenerated to.
I can assure you that up to the last day they left in 79, the English left everything in impeccable order, down to the carpeted floors in the main TV rooms. Everywhere was still so clean... as usual it needed us 'barbarians' to abandon everything, and sully up the place...we never ever learn....discos, chinese, and who knows what else.
I would love to see this magnificent fort restored to its' former glory...if not for us, at least for our children!!!
Nicholas Schembri
Sep 4th 2010, 06:55
Good work Heritage Malta.
Has an audit been carried out to identify buildings that need preservation? Followed by short, medium and long term action plan that needs to be carried out?
Once again. Keep up the good work.
Frans Cassar
Sep 5th 2010, 09:07
Thanks to all those who voted yes in the EU entry referendum way back in 2003!!!
gaffarena joseph
Sep 3rd 2010, 23:09
Not only fort st angelo was being kept in shipshape when the British, but all other buildings and hospital that the British had in Malta.
It is a known fact that the than labour govt,under mintoff done nothing to keep them in that way.We cannot forget the mess he made of this fort,by giving licence to a nightclub,and to the chinese.What about Mtarfa hospital, it was vandalized under the nose of the labour govt.
Mintoff done nothing to our heritage, and this is the truth.
Let us hope that in no time this fort will retain its glory, and be cared by all of us.
Sure there are many other historical buildings that are in a bad state, but what if we the people, help financially to see them in their original beauty.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Sep 4th 2010, 09:01
And yet Mintoff hasn't been Prime Minister since 1983... 2010- 1983=27 years...
Conrad V. Busuttil
Sep 4th 2010, 10:15
Mr Gaffarena,
I think that Mr J.J. Camilleri has already part answered your un-measured comment. The other two are:
First of all whilst commending all efforts presently undertaken, we must not forget that these are being carried out in view of the availability of EU grants and funding. One would deeply wonder whether such restoration works would have been otherwise featured on any GM's agenda.
Secondly, and in train to my first point, in the 70's and 80's Mintoff was busy buildings homes for the Maltese. And for those who could not even financially access these, he also converted Merit Quarters and other buildings utilised by the British forces and in some cases as in Verdala Cospicua, bastions.
If you think that St Angelo is in shambles now, may I ask what your opinion is of Malta pre 1971 on the housing front? Do you not remember all the slum areas in the cities around the Grand harbour area? Where are they now? Please measure your comments against the time-frame of occurrences and history.
Meantime I would also join in to laude the authorities for taking up such an mammoth task that will aid our tourism industry and historical values.
dusty williams
Sep 4th 2010, 10:50
Gaffarena habib! mintofff ilu 27 sena mhux prim ministru ta malta u gvern nazzjonalista ilu 25 sena fil gvern. x'ghamel?????? issa ghax iz-zmien tal legislatura dahal sew is soltu se nbiddlu malta f sentejn u nofs. Tghaddi l elezzjoni u kollox jieqaf ghal 5 snin ta wara. Hallina minnek xbin, il gid li ghamel mintoff hadd ma ghamlu u qatt mu se nergaw narawh, ilek ma tithallas tal penzjoni jew hadt xi bonus jew? dawk ghamel mintoff b kuntrarju ghan nazzjonalisti tieghek ghax feel good factor biss u hlief jisolhulna bwietna m humiex qeghdin, tafu tisthu jew lanqas rispett m ghandkom? ovvja li le.
Il mibeghda li ghandkum lejn il laburisti hija tal misthija.
Stephen Borg Cardona
Sep 3rd 2010, 22:20
Please join Facebook group "Save Fort Ricasoli"
Stephen Borg Cardona
Sep 3rd 2010, 21:39
Good news. Next Fort Ricasoli please.
walter camilleri
Sep 3rd 2010, 20:58
@ Mr Tony Abela who very misinformedly said the "Inglizi" left St Angelo in a dilapidated state.
Theyu did not - all properties used by the services were handed over in pristine condition. For example I attended a wedding at Manoel Island shortly before it was handed over, and it was so clean "you could drink soup out of the gutters" (if you wished to!) . There was a functioning kitchen and barrack accomodation that could serve three hundred sailors. The stones of the bombed Chapel were stored and numbered so that they could have been used for restoration.
On a different level, the British Service cold stores at Pinto Marsa were also shining clean. Just imagine the condition that St. Angelo would have been maintained to - It was the Headquarters of the Mediterrranean Fleet (such as remained at the time), and the last site occupied by the admiralty.
It was only after the handing over to the Maltese Government that the deterioration and official vandalism began.
Stephen Koludrovic
Sep 4th 2010, 07:29
Totally agree with you. We were the ones that allowed these buildings to deteriorate so badly,
now its time for us to restore them to former glory.
M. Fenech
Sep 3rd 2010, 19:23
Interesting to note and see that none of Heritage Malta guests/media people attending the visit, incl. the Minister were given any hard hats to wear, considering the disastrous state of the site, with possibility of falling stones from the well-eroded walls! Well done, keep the H&S standards as they are!:(((
carmel lia
Sep 3rd 2010, 19:15
jekk jifdal kazzola siment ftakkru ftit fis-swar tal- gardjola ta l'isla.
grazzi bil - quddiem
P.Cassar
Sep 3rd 2010, 18:39
LARGE PARTS OF ST ANGELO ARE IN A VERY SORRY STATE. WHERE WERE WE IN THE LAST 20 YEARS?????
S.Caruana
Sep 3rd 2010, 18:23
Normalment nibdew nirrestwraw meta kollox ikun sar tabakk u l-veru originalita tkun spiccat.
David Portelli
Sep 3rd 2010, 18:07
About time that these historic areas are restored and available for the public to visit
Charles Micallef
Sep 3rd 2010, 18:05
Positive suggestion, anything that will stop our heritage from disintegrating is welcomed
Tony Abela
Sep 3rd 2010, 17:52
How come it is possible that in 31 years since the British vacated St Angelo, this heritage germ is in such a depleted and shameful state? I believe that it is very evident that the British did not keep this Fort in a well maintained state. Is there a case of compensation in some sort, such as technical or financial assistance?
Leon Zawadzki
Sep 3rd 2010, 19:58
Fort St Angelo was and I repeat was kept in a very good state by the British Navy, you would not have found a cigarette dog end or any litter lying around anywhere. Regular maintainance work was carry out at all times. Unfourtunatly the Maltese Government be it Red or Blue, never took to much notice of the historic site that abound all over Malta. Many have been lost or are in the process of being lost over the past few years. Just look at Australia House, nothing has happend since it was burnt down. Its only with help from th EU that restoration works are now being carried out. It is also only now that people are realising what gem's off historical heritage abound all over Malta. Thank heavens for the youngsters who are bringing this to the attention of the powers to be, who at last are doing something about it.
victor pulis
Sep 3rd 2010, 17:26
Heritage Malta has prepared plans to apply for €10 million from the EU to upgrade Fort St Angelo and its environs,TURNING IT INTO A TOURIST ATTRACTION, WHICH WOULD GIVE ONE A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE. That is the most beautiful statement that I've heard these past years. I have been writing in the newspapers for ages always pleading that the fort be turned into a cultural attraction. Now, it seems that my dream will come true. Sensitivity, vision and common sense must now prevail. let's give the fort its much deserved place in our heritage.
r curmi
Sep 3rd 2010, 17:13
way to go.... great and well done If only Fort Ricasoli is this lucky as well. But as things are going this gigantic gem will be allowed to be swallowed by the sea and a few to no action will be done to save it
J.C. Azzopardi
Sep 3rd 2010, 17:05
ha ha ha G.G.G. since when St Elmo became more important than St. Angelo? both have their own particular importance and episodes, both have changed the distiny of our Island, but when the tip of Valletta was fortified, the Fort at the tip of Birgu has already left its mark on the Island's history. Let's not make jokes with such monuments of historical significance.
Mark Seychell
Sep 3rd 2010, 16:56
Over the moon with this news, this Fort really is a jewel in our history. Would like to see the same treatment to Fort St Elmo, another historical treasure trove, a scene of heroics and a cemetery to heroes in the Great Siege of 1565. If it wasn't for the heroic events at Fort St Elmo delaying the attack on the Cottonera, the Cottonera would never have been strengthened in time, and the Island would surely have fallen. Well done, Heritage Malta
Gian Giorgio Galea
Sep 3rd 2010, 16:47
What about Fort Sant Elmo will it have the same treatment or waiting to see an all Fort stones going down Fort Sant Elmo has more Cultural story then any other Fort around Malta
please do something
M. Fenech
Sep 3rd 2010, 17:29
I agree with you! Alot have been said from the government about Fort St. Elmo, and nothing has been done. Is it because they just wanted to get rid off the carnival enthusiasts? Like you said, Fort St. Elmo has got much more historical value than Fort St. Angelo. Very few people know that Fort St. Elmo was build before Fort St. Angelo. Maybe after it collapses down, many authorities would agree that it had great cultural value. Only in Malta. Lol
A. zahra
Sep 3rd 2010, 19:24
@m fenech
You are factually incorrect about St. Elmo.
M.cachia
Sep 3rd 2010, 22:42
Poppycock. Fort St. Angelo is the oldest fortification of its type on the Island. Originally the castellum Maris, it was the seat of government for sucessive medieval governments of Malta until the fifteenth centuary, when after the famous episode of Gonsalvo Monroi, power shifted to the Hakem and the Universita in the Citta Notabile (Mdina)
victor pulis
Sep 4th 2010, 11:16
M Fenech I beg to differ. fort St. Angelo was already built when the knights arrived in Malta in 1530 albeit not in its present form. So much so that grandmaster L'isle Adam made it his headquarters. fort St. Elmo was built on the site of an extant small fort in 1552 along with fort St. Michael in Senglea after the raid by Dragut and Sinan Pasha the year before. As you say St. Elmo played a vital role in the great siege and one can safely say that its resistance did save the island but why pit one historical site against another? This is our heritage and equal attention must be paid to preserve them.
Douglas Bagnall
Sep 3rd 2010, 16:44
Well done, get on with it, I for one can not wait and would certainly consider it worth another visit your much under valued country
Mr Douglas Bagnall
U/K
Jesmond Micallef
Sep 3rd 2010, 19:00
Thank you Mr. Bagnall.
Victor Buttigieg
Sep 3rd 2010, 16:15
About time!
Emmanuel Ebejer
Sep 3rd 2010, 16:47
You took the words right out of my mouth!!! :)
adrian galea
Sep 3rd 2010, 16:12
Fort St Angelo is as sacred a site you can get in Malta reflecting its long history. Any plans for it would need to respect it.
I was heartened recently that a restaurant planned for the battery in front of Fort St Angelo was turned down by MEPA.
Fr Gordon Refalo
Sep 3rd 2010, 16:00
Great news. Keep up the good work. I wish something would be done with villa G'mangia which is in a terrible state. This is where Queen Elizabeth II spent some Iiving when Prince Philip was stationed in Malta. I think it would be an ideal place to house a Museum on British Royalty in Malta, something that would attract many British tourists.
A. zahra
Sep 3rd 2010, 19:22
Villa Guardamangia is private propety. Government can only buy it. Imagine the outcry - hbieb tal-hbieb. korruzioni - should the government give the owners that amount they would ask for it.
David Schiavone
Sep 3rd 2010, 15:58
Very nice! Keep it up! Wish you great luck and encourage you to keep on restoring what's part of the matlese culture! Thumbs up goes to Heritage Malta & the Goverment :)!
Michael Scicluna
Sep 3rd 2010, 15:55
What a good idea at last. I was in London two weeks ago and visited the Tower of London, and while I was there I was wondering how is it that, that our history dates so back afield and we do not yet have something to show to the visitors that come to enjoy the Maltese History and it's Heritage, when most of it is kept under wraps. Lately in the Times it was reported that a 24 Pound Gun Commissioned by the Knights of Malta is somewhere in Leeds, it is there at the Tower of London and not many of us know that I am sure. While at it may I also suggest that there are some places in Sliema who have some heritage and would be worth looking into to help boost Sliema in the Heritage sphere.
Geoffrey Mifsud Farrugia
Sep 3rd 2010, 15:52
Fittxu nehhu dik is-swimming pool u t-torri ta' maghha - oxxenita' li saret fi zminijiet koroh mill-gvern ta' dak iz-zmien li kien fid-dmir li jipprotegi wirt storiku u mhux bil-maqlub!
Zbalji tal-passat li issa nitghalmu minnhom biex qatt ma jerghu jsiru.
Il-Heritage Malta qed taghmel xoghol siewi hafna. Ninkoraggixxi lil kulhadd imur ghall-attivitajiet li torganizza ghaliex bis-support taghna lkoll jkomplu jaghmlu jiehdu hsieb il-wirt storiku rikk ta' Malta li jgawduh uliedna.
joe gatt
Sep 3rd 2010, 16:06
Zbalji tal-passat li issa nitghalmu minnhom biex qatt ma jerghu jsiru.
Cert min dak li ktibt, bhall per ezempju t teatru Rjal? L appartamenti ma genb St Angelo, Fort Chambray etc, ect, forsi xi darba nitghalmu? Money talks, at times unfotunately
L ebda offiza mhi intenzjonata.
a pace
Sep 3rd 2010, 16:06
... imma kif f'kollox irridu nkunu partiġġjani!?? U alla jbierek insemmu dejjem l-oppost ta' dak il-partit li nkunu nħaddnu! Qed ngħid għat-tnejn li huma! Mela nsejt min sfreġja u se jkompli jisfreġa Bieb il-Belt!? Mela nsejt min irrovina Fort Chambray!? Insemmu kollox ħabib. Il-kumplament tal-jum it-tajjeb!
Geoffrey Mifsud Farrugia
Sep 3rd 2010, 16:48
Il-Belt tfarrak fil-gwerra u had ma jista' jwahhal f'hadd ghal dak li sar u kif gie rapazzat wara l-gwerra. It-teatru ilu mwaqqa' 60 sena.
jien wkoll ma naqbilx mal-bini li ser isir minfloku pero li thaffer swimming pool f'nofs forti mibni mill-kavallieri hadd ma jista' jichad li kienet oxxenita kbira. L-appartamenti magenb Sant'Anglu nbnew u mhux f'nofs sit storiku bit-tfarrik kollu li sar. Qed nitkellmu fuq swimming pool li thaffret gol-forti!
Fort Chambray hija storja ohra - dan huwa sit svinturat li suppost kellu jsir belt, holma tal-kavallieri li qatt ma kellha tkun - sal-pjanti approvati tal-belt fl-1922 hemm! Kien mitluq ghal snin shah sakemm qabel l-elezzjoni tal-1987, il-gvern tal-gurnata ghaddieh lil socjeta bl-isem ta' Fort Holidays halli tizviluppah, socjeta b'kalital ta' Lm5,000! Qatt ma sar xejn pero. Eventwalment Chambray ghadda ghand socjeta ohra li fiha kien hemm taljan (Roberto Memmo) li irrizulta li ghandu dellu tqil. Il-Gvern induna li zbalja u rega' waqqaf kollox u fl-ahhar recentement spicca kollox ghand tal-Billi (Dr Michael Caruana). Certament kulhadd kien jiehu pjacir jara' l-holma tal-Granmastru Pinto 250 sena ilu isehh, pero' ma kellux ikun hekk - hemm ktieb shih fuq l-istorja ta' dan il-post.
a. pace
Sep 3rd 2010, 22:26
U ejja sur Mifsud Farrugia, kif dejjem tridu ddahhlu l`politika fin nofs. Xi trid tghid biha zminijiet koroh? Dejjem issemmu iz-zminijiet koroh ghax bhal dak li qallu mhux ghaddejjien minn zminijiet koroh issa. Bieb il-Belt tnehha fi zminkhom fi zminijiet sbieh u xorta ttajjar minn hemm. u issa se jsir iehor aqwa minnu bit teatru b`kollox u dan fi zminijiet hekk imsejha sbieh li tiftahru bihom.
Charles Busuttil
Sep 4th 2010, 09:25
B'kollox issa ilna nghixu fi zminijiet sbieh ghal kwazi 30 sena. Madankollu xorta dan il-forti u ohrajn bhalu thallew jiddeterjoraw u waslu f'dan l-istat tal-biki, minbarra t-tkissir li qed isir fuq binjiet ohra, i.e. Bieb il-Belt, it-Teatru ecc. ecc. U xi nghidu ghal dak il-blokk ta' appartamenti lussuzi li tela' malajr malajr vicin ta' Sant Anglu?