The Jesuits' church and the facade of the old university in Valletta are undergoing much needed restoration after many years of decay.

The church, long known as the university church, was originally built to serve the Jesuit college and has stood in Merchants' Street, Valletta, since 1609.

In 1635, as a result of the explosion of a gun-powder magazine, the church was restored by Tuscan architect Francesco Buonamici, who gave the church its monumental baroque facade and striking dome.

But the weather, the nearby sea and air pollution have since taken their toll on the stonework.

Architect Amanda DeGiovanni said the €4 million project will be handled over four phases starting with the repair of the roof areas, the large dome and the eight small cupolas and proceeding to the facade of the church and the old university. See her explanation by clicking the link above.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici was taken around the project this morning.  

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