DLH appeal for funds for €2m restoration of historic church

Din l-Art Helwa has launched an appeal for funds to assist in the €2m rehabilitation of Our Lady of Victories Church in Valletta.

The Church was the first building erected in Valletta and was also the first resting place of Grand Master De Valette in 1568. 

Over the years, the Knights of St John endowed the church with numerous treasures. The most important are the ceiling paintings by the Maltese Baroque Artist, Alessio Erardi, in the early 18th Century. These depict various scenes from the Life of the Virgin Mary.

The Church suffered from neglect, from the ravages of time, grime, water infiltration and from the bomb blast that destroyed the nearby
Opera House in WWII.

DLH President Simone Mizzi, who launched the appeal, said the NGO was also calling for  volunteers to help keep the church open for longer hours.
Donations to the Church will help finance the conservation of the ceiling paintings, restore the ground floor walls and uncover any existing murals
on the perimeter, treat the infested woodwork and stop decay to monuments
and altars. The project will also involve the restoration of the 18th century organ, endow the crypt with a dignified entrance to mark the first burial place of Grand Master de Valette and create interpretation schemes and a small museum to display its works of art.

Donations may be made on HSBC Account  008-082166-001 or by cheque to Din l-Art Helwa.